Tribute To The Late Rock Ferrante, Jr. Among The Greatest Hammond B3 Artist Ever
By Vince Seneri-November 9, 2023: It is with a heavy and sad heart that I am announcing the loss of my best friend, Rocco Ferrante. He was more than just a friend. I called him my brother, as well. He passed through heavens gates on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 9AM at Morristown Hospital after a short and courageous battle with liver cancer. He was a kind and a gentle soul, a wonderful son, father, grandfather, husband and friend. He was an extremely talented musician (piano, organ, keyboards, trumpet, vocals) and truly one of the best Hammond B3 organists ever, especially in the late 1970’s. I thought it would be a great tribute to share his musical background and his genius with the world since he was always so humble about it. So here are some great things below to read about Rocco Ferrante. AKA Rock Ferrante, Jr. Also, below are a few of his recordings.
World-class Hammond B3 organist
Rocco Ferrante AKA Rock Ferrante Jr. (Born May 10,1956-died November 8, 2023)
Rock Ferrante, Jr. 1970's
Hammond Organ Company
Endorsed B3 Organ Artist
He may not be the most well known Hammond B3 player of all time but he was one of the greatest masters of the instrument to ever play it. Rock was a young American musician and child prodigy with amazing virtuosity on keyboards, which included piano, synthesizers and especially the Hammond B3 organ. He was also a magnificent trumpeter.
He began his professional music career with a union card at the age of 12 years old. In the 1970’s, he was building an exceptional international reputation as the best new up and coming young star on the Hammond B3 organ.
In 1972, he was the youngest person to ever win in the Pro-Division of the Yamaha Electone International Grand Prix Concour (Nemo-no-Sato, Japan) international organ competition. He was just 16 years old.
Rock Ferrante was acknowledged as the youngest and best pop-jazz organist on the international music scene at that time and was judged by artists such as the Hammond B3 King himself, Jimmy Smith, as well as Sarah Vaughan, John Green, David Clayton Thomas, and Claire Fisher.