Saturday, June 2nd 2007 - 09:37:59
PM
Stephanie
Hello Vinnie.
What a privilege it is to be aquainted with you. You are one of
the most interesting, genuine,
talented, caring people I know. I am privileged to call you my
friend, and happy to! I read your
sweet wife's Feb.5th entry, what a hoot! I think she and I would
get along just fine. Give her a hug for me!
Please keep in touch.
Steph
Sunday, May 20th 2007 - 08:59:39
PM
RAY NASSR
VINNIE,
I AM VISITOR 10,000 TO YOUR WEBSITE!!!!!
WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST.
RAY
Tuesday, May 1st 2007 - 08:25:52
PM
Howard Daniel
http://www.pen4rent.com
It was wonderful talking to you again this evening, Vinnie.
Sandra and I are delighted to hear about your remarriage. I love
Bonnie already.
Got a huge charge out of her entry of February 5 in this guestbook
-- that says it all!
Saturday, April 28th 2007 - 06:58:20
AM
Niamh byrne
http://niamh.com
NIAMH BYRNE
Wednesday, April 25th 2007 - 08:02:06
AM
David Robinson
I love my Dano bellzouke double pickup 12 string.
I have had it since the 60's and still do. Mine has a little Vinnie
Bell logo plate on it.
I love your work. God bless you.
Saturday, April 14th 2007 - 07:59:28
PM
Frank Miller
Vinnie, I was looking up Dan Electro equip when I linked up with
your website.
I use to work with you and Jimmy Abato in the 80's on alot of
daytime music .
How are you? I spoke to Jimmy in Jan. I keep in touch He is 88
and living in Florida.
Are you still playing alot I always enjoyed working in NYC with
all the greats.
It was some experience for such a young guy.
Best wishes, Frank
Friday, March 30th 2007 - 01:17:33
PM
Pat Washington
Hi Vinnie,
Just a little note for one of the nicest people I know.
I wish you and Bonnie the very best as you begin a new beginning.
Until we meet again. God bless and take care.
Thursday, March 29th 2007 - 12:48:22
PM
Moe Thomas
Vinnie:
The funds are in place and the pics
soon to be ready. Remember the guys get shirts!
Love Ya
Moe
Monday, March 26th 2007 - 11:52:23
AM
Robert Price
Vinnie, I got my first sitar from India in the early 80's and
my first Coral Electric Sitar in the later 80's.
I LOVE that thing!!! My friends encouraged me to make the Coral
my main axe at an open mic
around 2001 and it has been ever since. It gets me all of my gigs!
My friends even nicknamed me Sitarbob, which I perform under regularly.
I am now catching up on some of your records and also beginning
to seriously study the Indian music system.
God Bless You and Thanks for Everything!!! Your Fan and Student,
Sitarbob
Sunday, March 25th 2007 - 07:59:42
AM
Stan Rabin
One of the studio engineers that worked with Vinnie @ Stea Phillips
circa 1960's in New York
- recorded albums for Musicor - would love to hear from you
Tuesday, March 20th 2007 - 02:50:22
PM
vincent siekierski
hey vinnie awesome website and say hi to bonnie for me.
love,
vincent
Thursday, March 15th 2007 - 02:25:30
PM
Jones
http://www.buonasera.fi
Greetins from Finland!
Thursday, March 1st 2007 - 10:11:31
PM
Laura M. Ludwg
Hi, Vinnie, nice to hear from you, know you're busy.
I visit your website every once in awhile, enjoy reading what
others write.
PINK BUTTERFLY
With wings outstretched
Eyes full of fire
I'll wait for you
My one desire.
Life is short
We'll use the time
Remembering
Our life sublime
When life fades out
Time for the sky
I'll be waiting for you
Pink Butterfly
By: ME: (Laura M. Ludwig)
(10-28-03)
Just thought I'd throw in a
Poem and that's the first
one that I came to.
TWO LIPS
If we could live our lives again
Would there be changes if and when
The children born and life does flips
Well, yes, if not for those two lips.
When children grown out on their
own
Relieved, but how we felt alone
We felt as though "we're in the chips"
Think back, if not for those two lips.
Now the elder years are here
Children's children's children near
Screaming through those jolts and dips
T'was all ironed out with those "two lips."
By: Laura M. Ludwig
(10-28-03)
S'all fer now. Laura
Wednesday, February 21st 2007 -
05:31:05 PM
Steve Hopkins
Hello,
And Holy-Cow!! The 'father' of my Electric Sitar (Jerry Jones
circa 1989, serial #526).
A re-issue of your now infamous CORAL SITAR. You're the MAN, and
I am paying tribute right now.
Your list of credits reads like
a historic rock/pop document! What a pedigree!
And most of all, what memorable and interesting things/effects/sounds
you have contributed
to the soundtracks of my entire life! Only today do I realize
the vitality and importance within the cannon of songs that you've
made a difference on.
Even beyond the electric sitar,
I learned that you are the father of that infamous under- water
guitar sound.
Someone years ago mentioned you and said that 'he'll never give
up the secret of that sound...'
He's a well-known session hack who made that effects pedal himself,
and it's not something that's manufactured."
I remember that sound-effect vividly as a child in the mid-60's
and have always wanted to replicate it.
Is there a pedal or effect rack on the market today that will
do this or is your secret still a well guarded secret?
Another question regards the electric
sitar: Besides the standard guitar tuning EADGBE,
I primarily use DGDGAD as my tuning of choice. Did you ever use
this tuning? (I find that GREEN TAMBOURINE is very easy to play
in this tuning.) Open D and open G work OK, too and one tuning
is useful for raga's CGDGGD (capo on fret 5). Is there any special
tuning(s) that I may not know about?
In closing, I would like to say
how wonderful the internet is! You are one of those 'behind-the-scenes'
legends that occasionally gets mentioned but never really receives
the credit you truly deserve. You are profoundly influential going
back to jingles/TV show themes and pop/rock from the earliest
of my memories in the 60's. I did the net-search for the Elect.
Sitar, and look who popped up! It's like going to the Vatican
just to hear mass, but you end up meeting the POPE instead...well
maybe not that dramatic.
But still Vinnie,
YOU'RE THE MAN!!!
With Love and Respect,
Steve Hopkins
Monday, February 19th 2007 - 09:40:58
PM
Bruce J. Patience
Dear Mr Bell,
Pleased to make your acquaintance.
I am a freelance writer based in Melbourne, Australia. I specialize
in 1950s, 60s & 70s social history and entertainment subjects.
I have had a number of feature articles published in various American
magazines such as Old Cars Weekly and The Big Reel.
I am currently working on an article
about "Space Age Pop" (easy listening instrumental music
of the 50s and 60s) for possible inclusion in Goldmine music magazine
- a national publication for record collectors based in Cincinnati
www.goldminemag.com .
Mr Brian Earnest, Editor of the magazine has expressed a definite
interest in considering such a piece. I can supply confirmation
from Brian that I am on assignment for his magazine should you
require it.
The article in question is to be
a general overview of the genre. Mr Brad Bigelow of the Space
Age Pop website has also agreed to do an interview with me. As
your guitar work was so prominent in this area of the music business
I would very much like to relate some of your memories to the
readers of Goldmine.
Should you be agreeable, I would
simply forward a list of question by email or, if you prefer,
I could fax them to you.
Brian is very keen for me to talk
to an artist such as yourself who achieved gold record status
via Top 40 chart success.
As a long time fan of your work
( I used to play "I Didn't Know What Time it Was", "Airport"
and other tracks regularly in late night radio when I was a music
programmer many years ago) I really do hope that you will give
my request favorable consideration.
Thanks for your time.
Bruce J. Patience
Melbourne, Australia
Monday, February 12th 2007 - 07:57:12
PM
JosZ Angelo Amado
Hello Mr. Vincent Bell,
I love a lot your pleasant aquatic music. I record the airport
vinil to cd in order to listen the music on my car. I am electronic
technician and a modest musician too and I will be very glad if
you send to me the schematic of your wha-wha so I can assembly
it.
Thank you and congratulations,
Mr Amado - Brazil
Saturday, February 10th 2007 - 12:55:08
PM
Jeff Day
I'm a drummer and was perusing through my old records and found
an album cover with a guy standing holding a gorgeous teardrop-shaped
electric 12-string. After making out the name on the headstock,
I found your site and a picture of the Coral guitar the guitarist
in my high school power trio band played. Through his Silvertone
amp! I sent him a quick email to share my discovery and recollection.
I don't know much about guitars,
but I just wanted to say thank you for your creativity and influence.
More than 35 years later, I still find great joy in the music
from my youth and the memories of the people I shared music with.
People like you have a profound effect on others in ways you may
not really fathom.
Best wishes,
Jeff
Monday, February 5th 2007 - 05:54:23
PM
Dawn-Marie Cornett
http://healingspiritually.net
Hi Vinnie, I just want you to know how deeply we all love you.
You have been such a beautiful addition to our family. I love
and miss my dad so much, but having you as my step-dad has made
all the difference. Each of the children, Paul, Stephanie, and
Liberty, love you so much and get so excited each time they get
to see you. So, thank you for joining our family, for taking such
good care of my mom, and for treating my brother and me as your
very own. Plus, you gave me the sister I always wanted. I love
Michelle!
Also, I just want you to know that between my mom, my brother,
and me, I'm the good one. :-)
Love you!
Monday, February 5th 2007 - 11:22:31
AM
Bonnie Gambella
Dear Vinnie,
So, this I know you'll read. Please
pick up 2 quarts of milk and four rolls of TP at the Stop and
Shop. What else I should say? You'll hear it from me.
The Wife
Saturday, January 27th 2007 - 10:06:53
PM
Josh Hickman
Dear Vinnie,
I love your work! I just finally
bought an electric sitar which is in the mail as we speak. Any
advice? I have a soul/surf/fuzz/etc. instrumental band here in
Los Angeles (Those Lordsburg Lads). Thanks for all your work and
inspiration!
Best Regards,
Josh Hickman
Those Lordsburg Lads
Saturday, January 27th 2007 - 08:27:38
AM
Emmerson Teixeira
Mr. Vincent Bell, I live in Montreal, Canada and I'm one of many
visiting your website. It gave me more good memories. I'd like
to thank you for sharing with us this great talent of yours. It's
a great honour for me to have and kept as a great treasure, one
of the best records of my collection: Airport Love Theme. I'd
also like to wish you the best. Many thanks again.
Friday, January 26th 2007 - 03:40:37
PM
DENISE GAMBELLA
HI - I DONT KNOW IF YOU WOULD REMEMBER ME, BUT I AM RICHARD &
ELAINE GAMBELLAS OLDEST DAUGHTER - I REMEMBER YOUR MUSIC FROM
WHEN I WAS SMALL!!
Wednesday, January 10th 2007 - 09:41:01
AM
Fábio da Cunha Barros
Hi, Vinnie!
I am a fan from Brazil.
It´s a real pleasure visiting your e-site.
God bless you
Friday, January 5th 2007 - 07:39:32
AM
matthew
i am very much looking forward to speaking to you in the (hopefully)
near future!
Monday, December 11th 2006 - 09:11:33
AM
Mark Spangler
http://Hoffmancorp.com
Mr. Bell -
I was excited to discover your web
site and wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I love
your music. I've been listening to the album (forget the title)
where you are holding the Dano 12-String and the D'AngelicoÉit
is absolutely fantastic on every level - your playing, the arrangements
and the recorded sound.
I am a big fan of instrumental guitar
music and own many many albums by the likes of Tony Mottola, Al
Caiola etc. Yours is one of the very best.
Thanks again for the great music.
All the best,
Mark Spangler
Thursday, November 30th 2006 - 03:53:17
AM
Emilio Pacheco
http://emiliopacheco.blogspot.com
Hi, Vinnie. For decades I've been looking for information about
"Vincent Bell", who apparently had only released the
"Airport Love Theme" album. This incorrect information
is unfortunately confirmed by the All Music site. I didn't know
you were also known as "Vinnie" Bell and I was really
surprised to learn not only about your other albums but also of
your extensive work as a studio musician. I didn't know, for instance,
that you had played on several Roberto Carlos albums. I was informed
that the picture you took with bassist Paulo Cesar Barros was
from one of those sessions.
I understand you must be quite pleased
with your achievements and certainly proud of them, but still
it's a shame you did not release more albums in the same vein
as "Airport Love Theme". Last year I wrote about you
in my blog, taking most of the information from this site (giving
due credit, of course, and including a link), and three people
have already e-mailed me thanking for it. This means you have
lots of fans in Brazil who, like me before them, also want to
know whatever happened to that Vincent Bell who released "Airport
Love Theme" in 1970. I know it is not an easy task, but a
complete discography and session list would be welcome on this
site. And considering the great many people who know you as Vincent
Bell, I think this name should be added to the title as well,
so more fans can find this great site on search engines. Congratulations
on your great body of work! Greetings from Brazil!
Wednesday, November 15th 2006 -
01:24:48 PM
David Bockman
Vinnie,
it was great to meet you last night at the Mexicali Blues jam
session. I hope your ears aren't ringing, and nowe that I've heard
some of your guitar tracks, I understand what you were talking
about. As a trumpet player in a world of over-amplified guitars,
I too wish that we could hear more of the music by hearing less
(in general). I'm sorry I didn't get to play with you in person,
but maybe another time?
David Bockman (Jewish trumpet player from Bergenfield)
Wednesday, October 4th 2006 - 10:38:51
PM
Laura Goens
Dear Vinnie,
I really enjoy your website and I'm so proud to be your God daughter.
I will always cherish the time we spent together going to diner's,
great resturants and church during my visit in April.You're alot
of fun to be with. Congratulation's on your marriage. Wishing
you and Bonnie good health and much happiness.Take care. I love
you !!!!! Laura
Monday, October 2nd 2006 - 12:18:26
PM
Anita Murren
Dear Vinnie,
What a terrific signing by the gentleman
just before me. I'm so happy to be number 8,000 in your guestbook,
dear friend.
We go back a long way and I'm thankful
for our special friendship and all the happiness you and your
fantastic talent have brought to my life. Once I heard you play
back in the late 50's, the guitar and "your sound" brought
a whole new dimension to what talent, magic and your golden fingers
could do with a guitar. Ever since, I have listened to every song
trying to detect whether it was you playing and so many times
it truly was.
Wishing you and your dear Bonnie
every happiness.
Love,
Anita from CA
Friday, September 29th 2006 - 01:15:23
PM
Vinnie Betta
http://www.bettahomesinc.com
To Vinnie Bell
From your friend Vinnie Betta:
I downloaded some of your songs that you recorded after our coversation
on September 24, 2006.
I always enjoy talking to you on
the phone and thank you for taking time to talk to me, because
I know you work seven days a week arranging and composing.
Vinnie once in a while I go back
60 years when we were both playing guitar together, I enjoyed
playing at your house and I still remember playing together at
Lincoln High School in Brooklyn in the swing band.
Vinnie you were always looking for
new things to do with the guitar and after reading of all you
accomplished I am proud to say to people Vinnie Bell, is one of
the top guitarist in the world.
Your friend
Vinnie Betta
p.s. I will see you when I come
to New York, and congratulations on your recent marriage in July
Saturday, September 9th 2006 - 02:27:22
PM
Stephanie from Tennessee
Hello Vinnie! I hope you are doing well. It has been some time
since we spoke...
I hope to be in contact soon.
Best to you!!
Stephanie
Friday, September 8th 2006 - 01:07:01
PM
Robb Everett
Mr. Bell,
I found your web site a few months
ago and was able to download a few of your songs. My late mother
was a huge fan of yours and your Airport Love Theme album. Hearing
that song again made me remember how my mom would play that album
over and over again until my dad and I would just roll our eyes
at her. (smiling)
Music has a way of touching our
hearts, our minds and our souls. Your music brought back fond
memories for me of my lovely mother enjoying your music so much.
Thank you for your wonderful talent.
Robb Everett
Bloomingdale, Illinois
Wednesday, August 30th 2006 - 02:43:54
PM
Robin Sterling
Nice site...have heard tremendous things about you. Tell Bonnie
hello....
Bob and Helen Sterling's daughter.
Karl Sterling's sister.
Tuesday, August 29th 2006 - 01:52:34
AM
Renato Amaral
http://vestibatotal.blogspot.com/
Vinnie, you're a real talent!!! I admire your refined and melodious
songs since my infancy - I was born in 1970. I still love your
nice music and will always do. Hope you're in fine health. I'm
very very very sorry that your dear wife Marilyn passed away in
2005. She's surely with God by now. :) Vinnie, congratulations
on your career; your artistic work is sumply GREAT and out of
this world.
Sincerely yours,
Renato Amaral, your number one fan
in Sao Paulo, Brazil. :)
Sunday, August 20th 2006 - 02:37:54
PM
Adrienne Vazzana
Ha! I was just going over the list of Hits you played on and I
noticed you played on Melanie's 'Brand New Key'!
Vinnie, when I was a kid/at the
time that song came out, my sister and I thought it was THE COOLEST
SONG! (It just had a lasting impact on us for some reason - I'm
guessing because no one else ever sang like that on a tune - the
part that goes "I've got a brand new pair of roller skates,
you've got a brand new key" - the way she kind of slides
down the scale of notes "lazy-like") We actually had
to ask my brother if we could borrow his record so we could play
it (we were too young to buy records then), & because of that,
it always reminded us of my brother. We played that song over
and over again, and I still like it today, but man, I never knew
you played on it!
Geeze, Vinnie, ... what DIDN'T you
play on!?!?! My God!
.. Yer a bona fide POP STAR and I never knew it til now!!! Why
didn't anyone tell me?!!! How in the H-E-double hockey sticks
did you become SO dang successful?! Hit after Hit after Hit after
Hit after Hit after Hit after Hit after Hit after Hit after Hit
after Hit after Hit after Hit after Hit after Hit after Hit after
Hit after Hit after Hit after Hit after Hit....
It's like somebody gave you a magic mallet that gets the marker
all the way to the top hitting the bell EVERY TIME!
But in all seriousness, :) , it
would have driven me up the wall to never get credit for not only
playing on other peoples' songs, but to have made such a distinctive
& memorable mark on the overall AMBIANCE of those songs, which,
because of YOU, BECAME HITS! Your exclusive sounds, guitar riffs,
and styling, in and of themselves, merit recognition, and credit
where credit is DUE! Heck, You could have had your own band and
put everybody else to shame! (AND out of work! - lol) And they
SHOULD be ashamed for not even putting your name on their albums!
I know it was "the way things were done" at that time,
but man,... you deserved better than that!
Well, I'm still stunned at the magnitude
of contributions to SO many artists' songs, and at how no two
of them really sound alike; the opening to Stevie Wonder's "Signed,
Sealed, Delivered", the "chick" sound to Dion Warwick's
"Walk On By", Simon & Garfunkle's "Sounds of
Silence", for example, ... and so so many more.
We have a radio station called K-EARTH
101 here in Southern California, and they "PLAY YOU all day
long"!!! (... and I don't even think THEY'RE aware of it!)
:D
Keep up the good work, Pal!
... and did you ever think about goin' professional?
Ciao, il mio amico buono, Sig. "Bellisimo"
Adrienne :D
Sunday, August 13th 2006 - 08:22:20
AM
Roberto de Oliveira
I´m brazilian, 29. I have discovered Vinny two years ago
and I love you Vinny, your music is very excellent, I love that
sound effect like water of your guitar! God bless you for ever!
Friday, August 4th 2006 - 03:10:51
PM
Ray Nassr
Vinnie,
I found this incredible old newsreel footage of you online. It
is from 1967 and is called "Teen-age Rage: Modern Sitar Rocks
The U.S.. Anyone who reads this should check it out. It is great
to see. Best Regards, Ray Nassr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMTBU2yQMtM
Wednesday, June 28th 2006 - 08:41:24
AM
Dan Reed
http://www.danreedillustration.com
Hey Vinnie,
Wow, I had no idea you had a website.
For the first time in many years I dug out the old turntable to
go through some old albums - yours was the last one I listened
to. I then ran upstairs and did a Google search for your name
to see what I would come up with.
Since I was about 14 years old (I'm
39 now) I've been listening to the album "The Best of Vincent
Bell". It was in my Grandfather's
collection, most of which consisted of Chet Atkins and Les Paul
records. However, there was always something intriguing about
the style and sound of the music on that album!
I just wanted to say hello and let
you know there are some young guitarists like myself who continue
to be inspired by your recordings.
I look forward to exploring your
website.
Take care,
Dan Reed
Berks County, PA
Wednesday, June 21st 2006 - 06:05:43
PM
Jack Curley
Hi Vinnie. My name is Jack and we met about 6 months ago. I was
reading water meters in your neighborhood, and you invited me
to come in out of the cold, even though I was able to read your
meter from outside. I have since moved to Florida (where I don't
have to worry about the cold), but I still remember your kindness.
You even showed me your clock that plays Airport Love Theme! You've
recorded with some of my favorite artists, like Harry Belafonte,
and it was a pleasure to meet you. You're a good man, and you've
made some great music. Thanks again!
-Jack
Monday, June 19th 2006 - 02:43:02
PM
RL
Mr. Bell,
Several years back I went to see
"YES" in concert at the Garden State Arrts Center, in
NJ.
Although my seats were distant they
had a large TV screen of the band. I was thrilled to see Steve
Howe playing one of your guitars.
God Bless you for all that you have
given us.
RL
Monday, June 12th 2006 - 02:27:40
PM
Laura M. Ludwig
http://?
Hi, Vinnie, went to lunch with A------- yesterday, was such a
wonderful visit. We had met before but only for a short time,
then emailed each for quite awhile. We have a lot in common. Maybe??
One of these days, we can all meet together, but don't wait tooooo
long, cause I'm "old."
Love Laura
Tuesday, June 6th 2006 - 07:27:29
AM
Grady H. Thornton
Thank goodness for Luxuriamusic.com. That's where I got interested
in Vinnie Bell. I did not know he was the master behind many of
my favorites. Grady Thornton
Sunday, June 4th 2006 - 01:43:54
PM
Phil Giarratano (Tano)
http://community.webtv.net/philip711/OLDIESROCKANDROLL
Hi Vinnie,
It is an honor to sign your book, growing up with Rod McBrien
you are on many songs we did.
I sang lead for Saltwater Taffy and the Valrays, I remember many
dates we did in the good old days, at At Ultra-Sonic, Century
Sound, allegro and Don Elliot's studio.
It was great talking to you the other day, stay well my friend.
Philly
Thursday, June 1st 2006 - 08:30:03
AM
Skip Henderson
Hi Vinnie,
Just a fast note from a fan. I met you once at a charity guitar
show in New York that I used to produce called "The New York
Guitar Show".
You arrived in a tux from a Broadway gig and signed a few autographs
for fans. In destroyed New Orleans I have been thinking back to
those less troubled days and a friend directed me to this site.
My deepest
condolences on your loss last year. Given your working schedule
your wife must have been a rare woman.
Vinnie, thanks for being a first class guy, and thanks for the
music.
Sincerely,
Skip Henderson
New Orleans, Louisiana
Tuesday, May 30th 2006 - 04:28:57
PM
Colin Coghlan
Hi Vinnie,
Back in 1977, your daughter Michelle got me a job painting your
house. By my math it must be ready for a second coat. I've had
it with real estate and maybe it's time to get back into the paining
business.
I've always fondly remembered you
a gentleman and just a great guy.
Colin Coghlan
P.S. My kids got me a mandolin for
my birthday. I may need to have you beat a few lessons into me
one day.
Wednesday, May 24th 2006 - 02:35:08
PM
Paul Stingo (The Rockinghams!)
Hi Vinnie,
It was a pleasure meeting you the
other night at British Invasion. I had heard so much about you
from Vinny and, of course, have been listening to and enjoying
your playing all these years!
Hopefully you'll be able to see us again soon so we can hear more
of your "war stories" from rock n'roll's golden era.
Stay well,
Paul
Tuesday, May 23rd 2006 - 08:01:43
PM
r. cossin
hi vinnie! you have been on my mind for over 30 years now. i have
finally found you. saw you on mike douglas around 1970 and you
were performing "AIRPORT LOVE THEME". never forgot you
and your guitar. i just couldnt remember your name.sorry! my son
is a self taught guitarist and i was mentioning all the greats
i knew of-i mentioned the song,however, i forgot your name. we
have been searching for quite awhile. i have found you!!! your
work is incredible. my son has heard your work and he has a deep
admiration and respect for your body of work and your versatility.
he has called you "the guitarists',guitarists!"
Saturday, May 20th 2006 - 04:58:21
AM
VINCENT ROSA
HI VINNIE......YOU ARE A LEGEND TO ALL US ROCKINGHAMS! STAY WELL....COME
SEE US AT THE TAJ MAHAL ON JULY 21ST O6.(8:30/10:30
YOU ARE MY INSPIRATION AND A "ROCKIN GUITARIST!!!!TOO!"
LUV AND PEACE
VINNY ROSA.....DRUMMER
WWW.ROCKINGHAMSIXTIES.COM
Friday, May 19th 2006 - 11:58:00
PM
Rick Rider
Mr. Bell,
I found your website while searching for info on the Coral Sitar
which to me is the defining sixties "guitar"
sound. I have recently bought
a Variax digital guitar
which features a model
of your invention. I have been a musician for over 30 years and
after browsing the list of songs you have played on I am that
much more amazed at your contribution to music. Amazing! Being
an oldies fan I will now listen to my favorite oldies with your
accomplishments in mind. Are you truly the inventor of the "fuzz"
guitar sound as well? Here's hoping this finds you well and happy.
P.S. Please write a book! Or at least put more stories on your
great website.
Yours Respectfully
Rick Rider
Monday, May 15th 2006 - 11:40:51
PM
Steven McCoy
Hello Vinnie!
I have been a listener of your 6
string magic for nearly 20 years, would have listened longer but
I'm 40 now and was not "hip" to you till the age of
20.
I was like many other idiots of
the 80's till I found one of your LPs at a garage sale my grandma
held with her neighbor. It was in her friends stuff I got your
LP 'Good Morning Starshine'.
That's where the magic happened.
I love music, have since the age of 3, as long as I had my record
player, stack of 45s and a plug-in... I was good to go for hours.
While I love and respect many players such as Mottola, Buddy Merrill,
Dick Hyman and well, you know all the rest and what I mean, you
are a cut above Vinnie. Nobody else could've played on the Barbarella
soundtrack and created the soundscape you did for Bob Crewe.
I get old LPs on the label Springboard
and hear the songs... there are no credits listed as far as the
players, but the moment I hear the first few notes outta the guitar,
I know the man behind the strings is Vincent Bell. I hear you
everywhere on so many old LPs I own, and I sure hope you get this
so you know how much you mean to the world Mr. Bell.
While it's out of control and has
never been more lost, I am alive and trying to hip young people
out to the wealth of REAL music that exists, not this rap, sap,
or crap that companies try to pass off as music to the masses
nowadays.
I don't wanna wear ya out Vinnie,
but my sincere condolences to you on the passing of Marilyn in
05... I also lost thee love of my life and after nearly 7 years
still miss her as much as ever. I don't even look for anyone to
replace her, why bother with the rest after you had the best huh?
I hope you are healthy and wealthy
Vinnie, and thank you so very much for all the beautiful gifts
of music, from notes to the ways and means of making them, that
you've given the world.
God bless Vincent Bell....
Much respect,
Steven McCoy
Monday, May 15th 2006 - 06:27:02
PM
Tom Petteys
Dear Mr. Bell,
Pardon me for intruding on your time. I would just like to say
how much I
have been enjoying your past records which took me quite some
time to find,
the last being Soundtronic Guitar. I also greatly enjoy the albums
you
did with Tony Mottola on Project 3 and Command. I play these at
my
business frequently as well as in my car. Not so much at home
as the wife
can't stand these cover versions without vocals, but for me nothing
ruins a
perfectly good instrumental more than someone starting to sing
on it.
Anyway, so as not to trespass on your time, I was wondering if
you might
have a vintage b/w photo that you could sign for me. I have a
little
collection of these photos at my business that I display on a
wall, and
would love to add your photo to that collection. Of course I would
pay
whatever your fees might be for this. Thanks again for your time
and
consideration of this request. Also now that I think of it, if
you did other
similar type recordings with other artists along the lines of
those on
Project 3, basically I guess what was called a "now sound"
type of
recording, please let me know so I can look for these as well.
I did
finally get the Dick Hyman record Moon Gas in stereo, which the
seller gives
a lot of credit to this recording to your input. (in this case
there are
vocals but the instrumentals are so good that I can look past
it)
Sincerely,
Tom Petteys
Monday, May 15th 2006 - 10:40:19
AM
Richard Jansen
Vinnie, you are a GIANT among guitarist. You and Tony M., Johnny
S., Chet and Les have paved the way for all young guitarist playing
today. Thank you so much for that crystal clear, clean sound of
perfection. Fret-ternally Yours, Richard Jansen
Monday, May 8th 2006 - 04:46:17
PM
Linda Trefurt
To My wonderful Friend Vinnie,
Your a very caring person, fun to talk with and your very talented.
Your website is great!
Your Angel Vinnie
Love Linda
Sunday, May 7th 2006 - 05:01:23
PM
Dave Preston
Hi Vinnie,
I have loved the music since the
60's.
Where can I get the "Best of" on CD? I believe there
was a Decca "Best of Vinnie Bell", that I had at one
time.
It's about time, that great guitar music gets on CD for us real
people.
Dave Preston
Columbus, OH
Wednesday, April 26th 2006 - 12:27:41
PM
Peter Siekierski
http://www.911carloan.com
Vinnie:
How are you buddy? We must get together soon. Hey if I pay a royality
can I use your music as background on my site.
Best Regards Always Your Friend
Peter Siekierski
WWW.911CARLOAN.COM
Sunday, April 23rd 2006 - 10:33:18
PM
Janne
Hi!
I was searching for information about the musicians and composers
behind the erotic movies "Deep Throat",
"The Devil In Miss Jones", and found your website.
Your discography and guitar innovations
are incredible.
It would be nice to know what part you played on these soundtracks,
and did you do the composing? Most of the information about 'Deep
Throat' soundtrack, states that the musicians are "unknown"
etc. so it was really nice to find some information about the
people behind the classic soundtracks. Thanks!
Regards,
Janne
Sunday, April 23rd 2006 - 08:07:33
PM
Jim Dunn
Hi Vinnie!
I was surfing around and found your
site. Great to see you, as I have followed your career for a lot
of years.
I am/was a guitar player, and my
mentor told me "Learn everything by everyone, especially
Vinnie Bell."
I wonder is it possible to get a
signed picture for my "heroes" wall?
Thanks for all the great music,
Jim Dunn
Sunday, April 16th 2006 - 12:26:39
PM
Laura M. Ludwig
Hi, Vinnie, know you've been busy, hope you're enjoying this Easter
Day. Hope to hear from you soon. Laura M. Ludwig
Saturday, April 15th 2006 - 11:02:50
AM
DAVE PRESTON
VINNIE:
THANKS FOR TALKING TO ME THE OTHER DAY. IT WAS GREAT TALKING A
GREAT ARTIST. IT IS A DAY THAT I WILL NOT FORGET. THE INFO WAS
REALLY KOOL ALSO.
THANK
DAVE
Sunday, April 2nd 2006 - 01:16:40
PM
Karen
Vinnie
Just thought that I would try to
sign your web page guest book. Love that "Airport Love Theme"!
I can always pick up on your music when the radio station plays
it. It makes me take notice every time. Well.....take care!
Friday, March 31st 2006 - 08:44:57
PM
Adrienne Vazzana
Dear Vinnie,
I just wanted to take a moment to
acknowledge (your son/my soulmate) Edward's Birthday today (March
31st) - [he would have been 51]. You could say it was, in part,
because of your musical talent (having played on Beach Boys records)
that he and I met, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Ed had
a profound impact on my life, and every moment with him was a
true gift that I'll always treasure. He had the deepest, and most
loving heart and soul I've ever known anyone to have, and after
having met you, I can see that "the apple didn't fall far
from the tree". You enstilled in him the values and integrity
that made him the fine man that he was, and (aside from your phenomenal
artistic talent) for that alone, you should be proud. Thank you
for bringing him into the world, and for being a Father who cared
enough to raise such a noble, intelligent, and caring human being.
The world's a better place because of him, and because of you.
["Happy Birthday, Eddie!
I Love You and I always Will!"]
Your Friend,
Adrienne Vazzana
Friday, March 31st 2006 - 08:10:17
AM
Laura Goens
Dearest Vinnie,
I feel so blessed to have you as my Godfather and I want to thankyou
for the unconditional love that you've given to my family and
I over the years.
You are an inspiration to me. You have such love for life and
for your fellow human beings.My love to you always.
Your doll, Laura
Tuesday, March 28th 2006 - 10:18:15
AM
Charlie Dzuba
http://www.homestead.com/cdzuba/menu.html
Vinnie;
What's your secret? With all that you have accomplished do you
know how to get more than 24 hours in a day? Wish you the best.
My prayers for Marilyn every day. Thank you for all you have given
us fans.
Sunday, March 26th 2006 - 09:02:43
PM
don
super sounds Vinnie, was listening to you with Ferrante and Teicher
on Midnight Cowboy who else but Vinnie Bell one of the best soundtronic
guitar players cheers Don in Calgary
PAULO CEZAR BARROS
http://www.orkut.com/Profile.aspx?uid=5470404197701232163
Olá Vinnie,
I miss you, my friend. Are you still recording in NYC? Here in
Brazil (Rio De Janeiro), I have been recording many styles, from
Bossa Nova to country music. After all, we are musicians of any
type of music, right?
Vinnie, I am sending you a music file of an instrumental I'm working
on with my fretless bass. This title " MADAME SATÃ,"
is a homage to the Brazilian vagabond who lived between 1920 and
1950 in Rio De Janeiro. Let me know if you like it, okay?
I had forgotten that you have put my photo on your web page. Are
you still smoking the cigars of "Don Corleone"? If you're
able to, please visit my web site:
http://www.orkut.com/Profile.aspx?uid=5470404197701232163
Big hugs from your Brazilian brother,
PAULO CEZAR BARROS
Thursday, September 1st 2005 - 07:08:33
PM
Dear Mr. Bell,
Your music and life's work as one
of the best studio musicians around are an
inspiration to so many, including myself. If only all musicians
were as
endearing, sincere, and talented as you are...my job would be
a lot easier!
I look forward to our next phone
conversation and of course, if you ever
need anything from Local 802, know that we are here for you, especially
in
this difficult time in your life.
Best,
Katrina Monta
Recording Department,
Local 802 AFM
Wednesday, August 31st 2005 - 07:19:07
PM
Hello Vinnie,
This is Stephanie...
I love your music, your talent is amazing. I look forward to meeting
you
soon.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Wisecup
Monday, August 29th 2005 - 12:49:35
AM
I think you are one of the greatest guitarists I've ever heard.
I noticed on
your website a lot of songs that I never knew you played on. My
friend, the
Philly guitar man Bobby Eli speaks very highly of you.
Thanks for the music,
Mike Tuggle
Chicago, IL
Sunday, August 28th 2005 - 12:36:48
AM
Hey Vinnie, its Mike from TK.S Band. Thank you for coming out
and staying as
long as you did!! We are now heading to the Outer Banks for a
weeks
Vacation!! It was really nice meeting you, and I told my wife
all about it!!
Maybe when we return from our trip, we can do a dinner, and you
can meet
Maureen, shes pretty cool, and Im sure she would love to sit and
"chew your
ear off"!! Be well and please keep in touch!!.....Your friend,
Mike
Wednesday, August 24th 2005 - 03:27:21
PM
Dear Vinnie, What a great Website...I so enjoyed the comments
in the
Guestbook and the photos. Such wonderful comments about Marilyn.
What a
doll! I know she is dearly missed but what a beautiful legacy
she has left
you and her family. Vinnie oneday there will be no sorrow or tears,
thats a
promise that our Lord has given us...You hold to that promise
and be strong.
God Bless you and your family. "May the Lord let his face
shine upon you and
bless you and yours. Love, your friend Laurie
Tuesday, August 16th 2005 - 06:17:16
AM
Sal
http://salditroia.com
Vinnie,
You have always been an inspiration to me. When we worked together
in the
recording studios through the years I always learned from you.
You have been
a dear friend and an extremely talented fellow guitarist. You
brought the
term "studio musician" to a new level. I am happy to
be in touch with you
again. You have my respect and also my friendship for ever. All
the very
best.
Sal
Sunday, August 14th 2005 - 11:40:28
AM
Mike
I am in a coverband, and my drummer was telling me about the accomplishments
of Mr. Bell. He said check out his website, and I am truly amazed
at the
fact, I didnt know who he was (I should be ashamed) He has played
on all my
favorite tunes, what a great guitarist!!!!!!! I sure know who
he is now!!
Sunday, August 14th 2005 - 11:37:15
AM
Saturday, July 30th 2005 - 11:26:59
AM
http://homepage.mac.com/scott.c.moore/
I just want the world to know what a kind and gracious man Mr.
Vinnie Bell
is. As a musician and fan of many styles of music, I was aware
of Vinnie
Bell as the Studio Legend who has played on an unbelievable array
of famous
records over several decades, and as the inventor of several wonderfully
funky instruments including the Bellzouki. As a matter of fact,
I'm in a
band that does a cover of his song "Bellzouki", and
when I went to the
internet to look up how the heck to spell "Bellzouki",
I ran across this
website. On a whim, I sent him an e-mail explaining that we admire
his
accomplishments and play his song, etc. Within hours I received
a warm and
encouraging reply like you would expect to get from a close friend.
The fact
that a guy who has played with everybody from Louis Armstrong
to Frank Zappa
would take an interest in our group is quite a thrill, and says
a lot about
the kind of man he is.
Here's wishing you all the best,
Scott Moore
Hillsborough, NC
Thursday, July 28th 2005 - 07:05:28
AM
Dear Vinnie,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Sending you well wishes with
O~ O~ O~ ::::::
("balloons", "confetti" & "party
hats"!)
With Love & Affection,
Adrienne Vazzana :D
Monday, July 25th 2005 - 11:30:22
PM
Anita Murren
Dearest Vinnnie,
Talking with you last week was so
wonderful and brought back so many
memories of you and your beloved Marilyn -who when we last spoke,
answered
the phone saying "Marilyn Gambella," which made me smile.
I still cannot
believe that she, Denise and Edward are together watching over
you and your
family.
The entries of your dear Michele,
Katie, Krista and John all helped to make
Marilyn come alive for me. She was a beautiful woman, inside and
out, funny,
talented, smart, a great cook and so devoted to you and the family.
My memories of you, Marilyn and
the bambinos go way back to New Jersey in
the late 50's and very early 60's. We used to follow you and the
Gallahads
to any club that you were playing at in N.J. and Staten Island...mainly
in
Wayne, N.J. We could never get enough of your music or magical
voice. I
remember when your hit song, "The Fool" made it big.
I can close my eyes and
hear you singing "Imagination"...the way only you could
sing it. We would
miss you when you went to Las Vegas.
A great memory is of Marilyn making
us a wonderful Italian dinner at your
home with your adorable children vying for her attention and then
we all
went into the living room to watch the Dinah Shore show on TV.
While Marilyn
had been cooking, we were downstairs looking at all the wonders
in your
"inventors workshop". You had a stunning photograph
of Marilyn on the wall.
Les Paul and Mary Ford were favorites
of mine (I think I still have piano
sheet music with their photo on the front in the attic) and I
remember Les
coming in to listen to you play at the clubs. I got a kick out
of your
"Guitar Mafia" photo.
Three thousand miles have separated
us for many years, but you have always
been in my heart and I'm so happy to know that everytime I said
to somebody
"That sounds like Vinnie Bell", it probably was you
playing. You and your
music and exceptional talent and kindness have brought much joy
to many the
world over. You truly are an amazing man.
We were always honored that you
consented to be Godfather to our dear Laura,
oh, so many years ago. We all love your new website and friends
are now
enjoying it also. I love being able to listen to "Marilyn's
Theme" and the
"Airport Love Theme". We are fortunate to have the Decca
record you sent to
Laura and a stereo that still plays 33's.
To quote R.W. Raymond - "Life
is eternal; and love is immortal; and death is
only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of sight."
We are
all together in love.
Our love, prayers, good thoughts
and blessings to you and the family. May
the music that flows from your soul through your fingertips continue
to make
you and others happy and to bring you many blessings. You're the
best!
With hugs and love always,
Anita Murren
Santa Cruz, California
Wednesday, July 6th 2005 - 07:12:38
PM
http://www.vinniebell.com
Dear Bill Ruppert, Thank you ever so much for your kind
expressions to me in signing my guestbook. I shall always
treasure your sweet thoughts. May your heart effortlessly
pour out great music!
Blessings from a distance,
Vinnie Bell
Tuesday, July 5th 2005 - 05:05:34
PM
Dear Vinnie,
I would like to take this opportunity
to publicly thank you for being an
inspiration and role model.
During my 25 years as a studio guitarist in Chicago you have been
a major
influence on my career, not only musically, but also by how you
have run
your life and the way you treat others in and out of the studio.
Your unending quest to expand the
voice of the electric guitar has redefined
the instrument, breaking through boundaries and expanding its
possibilities.
I only hope that in my career I
can achieve even a small percentage of what
you have accomplished as a musician and as a human being.
My thoughts and prayers go out to
you and your family.
Your friend,
Bill Ruppert
Monday, June 6th 2005 - 06:52:45
PM
John
Dear Dad,
Thank you and Marilyn for always
treating me like your son and making me
feel welcome in your home. Marilyn was of great comfort to me
when Denise
passed . I will never forget the times we all shared together
in your house
with warmth and laughter.
My parents and I have the greatest
respect for your accomplishments and
talents as well as being a good man.
Although we have seen the loss of
Edward,Denise and Marilyn over such a
short time I know they would all want us to continue to be strong
and
embrace life as you have shown me...a true Roman.
Love John
Tuesday, May 24th 2005 - 11:11:47
PM
http://vinniebell.com
Dear K.H. Morrow,
I've worked a thousand recording dates with a fantastic
trombone player named "Buddy Morrow"... Any relation
to
you????
vinnie bell
Tuesday, May 24th 2005 - 05:50:24
PM
http://vinniebell.com
Dear K.H. Morrow,
I've worked a thousand recording dates with a fantastic
trombone player named "Buddy Morrow"... Any relation
to
you????
vinnie bell
Friday, May 20th 2005 - 04:21:12
PM
Marcial Lopez
Hello Vinnie
It is very hard to find your music in old LP, it would be very
good if you
could do a CD with your memorable songs like Airport Love Theme
and Nikki
for example.
Best Regards
Marcial Lopez
Friday, May 13th 2005 - 05:39:41
AM
Ron Jones
Hi Vinnie,
It was great to meet you & hear your stories at Carnegie Deli.
I listened to
your mp3s and of course you're a great, musical player. (Which
was obvious
anyway
from your fantastic career.) I must agree with your wife that
"I Didn't Know
What Time It Was" is a beautiful performance. I also got
a kick out of
hearing
the water guitar and clicking to see the "secret" for
it.
I'm sorry you have suffered such
terrible losses. Perhaps people who have
similar
grief might be of some help. My aunt was comforted by "compassionate
friends"
group when her son was killed in an accident. They have this website
www.compassionatefriends.org
& links to other groups.
Also if you become interested in
traveling to TX, we'd love to see you & I'm
sure you'd get a kick out of the M.'s party. I should be back
in NY this
Fall & hope to introduce you to my wife.
Best,
Ron Jones
Saturday, May 7th 2005 - 11:47:18
AM
Marcos Mendoza, Jr.
Dear Mr. Bell, I have been a big fan of yours, since the summer
of 1970. I
heard the water sound on Airport Love Theme, on KIUN radio in
Pecos, Texas.
I bought the album and have loved the music and sounds ever since.
I am very
sorry for your loss. I know now, that the song Marilyn's Theme
was for your
beloved Wife, Marilyn. You truly are and will always be blessed.
I am still
trying to figure out how you came out with the water sound, it
is so
beautiful. Your friend guitarist, Marcos Mendoza, Jr.
Sunday, May 1st 2005 - 08:35:51
PM
Bob L.
Dear Mr. Bell...
You probably don't remember me but,
I was friends with your son Ed in the
70's while at highschool. Ed was a very talented guitarist.One
to whom I
looked up to. Ed, Ray Nassr and I would "jam" in your
house for hours. As a
kid, I was so in awh of your studio, guitars and your inventions....it
was
like stepping into another world, a very special place and I knew
I had been
blessed.
During that time as well, I grew
to know Michele and Denise. Denise was a
great student and friend, Michele always make me laugh.
I can remember Marilyn as well.
She would drive "us kids" all over the
place, feed us, take us to themovies, pick us up from school etc...She
exemplified what a good Mom was all about... A sweet person with
a heart of
Gold. I thank God I had the chance to meet her again a year or
two back.
This is poem, although not my own,
pretty much says it all...
"Some people come into our
lives stay for a while and leave".
"Some people come into our
lives for just a brief moment and are gone"
....and, "we are never ever the same".
May God Bless you and know the Lord
is with you.
Hope to meet you again.
Prayers from....
Bob L.
and my wife, Denise
Friday, April 22nd 2005 - 10:06:48
PM
Ani Azoto
Vinnie,
Thank you for playing the right thing at the right time all the
time. Thank
you for providing the sound track of our lives. My love and prayers
to you
and yours.
Sincerely, Ani Azoto
Monday, April 18th 2005 - 04:35:40
PM
Susan Dasaro
Dear Vinnie,
Thank you so much for personally
responding to my "fan letter" and
invitation to sign your guest book.
I was very moved when I read the tributes to your beloved wife
Marilyn. She
obviously touched the lives of everyone she knew and the fact
that you two
shared so many years of love is inspiring in this day and age.
I can only
hope that my special guy (a fellow guitarist who is also a fan
of yours) and
I share a lifetime of love as you two did. My heart goes out to
you and your
family in your time of sorrow and may you be consoled by your
memories of
the many happy years you shared. You have given your fans a lifetime
of joy
through the wonderful music you have created and by sharing your
extrordinary talent with the world.
Warm wishes,
Susan Dasaro
San Francisco
Sunday, April 10th 2005 - 12:33:23
PM
http://cmoore@mooremusicworks.com
Greetings from NBC. I love your web page and am glad to know some
of your
friends here at NBC, New York. My, goodness, you played on everything!
Best,
Charles Moore
Sunday, April 3rd 2005 - 12:35:30
PM
TO MY MOM, WITH LOVE FROM MICHELE
My mom had the biggest heart and capacity for love of any person.
She took
care of the whole world. She looked out for everyone. And she
fed everyone,
and then some. Yet, if anyone ever messed with her family, look
out. That
feminine, graceful woman would go into a tirade the likes of which
you've
never seen, using language you never thought could possibly come
out of her
mouth. There were so many sides to my mother. Many of you don't
know how
funny she was without even trying. One of the things my dad loved
most about
her was the way she would break him up mispronouncing certain
words. Fire
hydrant became fire hydrogen. You'll never look at a fire hydrant
the same
way again. Growing up, she constantly broke us up with her laughter.
She
would laugh so hard, she would lose control, and then the rest
of us were
finished. This beautiful woman hated to have her picture taken.
Of course,
every picture my dad took of her he loved, even if her eyes were
closed in
it. She would promptly take those pictures out and rip them up.
She loved
the Home Shopping Network & QVC. We used to laugh about needing
a 12-step
program every time a new Today's Special Value came on, and mom
would call
me, most of the time to see if it was something that she could
order for the
girls. She didn't like hot weather, yet she was willing to move
to Florida.
As she put it, 'that's what air conditioning's for.' The only
time she liked
being outside was when mom & dad went fishing on their boat.
My dad had
these state of the art lures, every fishing accessory imaginable,
and
there's my mom, her pole in the water, reading Soap Opera Digest,
catching
fish!
You never forgot one of my mom's
gourmet extravaganzas. It wasn't just
because she was such an incredible cook. Mom expressed her love
through
cooking. She didn't just throw together a menu haphazardly. She
gave every
dinner party great thought, adjusting recipes to suit a guest's
taste. If
one person didn't like veal, no problem. There would be a beef
wellington
and eggplant parmesian on the table as well, not to mention the
pasta first,
and enough desserts to fill a venetian table. Who could forget
her chocolate
mousse? You could just feel her love in her cooking, appreciating
the fact
that these meals would take days to prepare. You wouldn't even
have to lift
a serving platter. She would go around to each guest, serving
them, and
making sure they were taken care of. When couples saw how she
took care of
my dad, even putting sugar in his coffee for him, fights were
started!
People would sit around our table for hours, and never want to
leave. She
nurtured everyone. Everything I ever learned about being a hostess
came from
this amazing woman.
She was without a doubt the best
grandmother ever. Just as her husband and
children were her life, so were her grandchildren. There's no
need to say
their names; you are all well-acquainted with them. Not only have
you heard
everything about them, you've all seen their pictures, over and
over again!
Just a few weeks ago, mom gave me yet another as we called them
'Marilyn
moments.' Mom and her dear friend and partner in crime, the other
Marilyn,
were at a wake, doing what else, bragging about their grandchildren.
Mom
went so far as to pull out the latest pictures of the girls. Marilyn
was
probably a close second. That was my mom -- not a day went by
when the girls
didn't hear how proud she was of them and how much she loved them.
Everyone adored her. You couldn't
meet my mother and not fall in love with
her. When Katie and Krista were very young, one day I found them
stuffing
cotton balls in their ears. When I asked them what they were doing,
they
replied, "We're being Nanny!" For those of you who didn't
know, if there was
a wind over 10 miles an hour, mom would put cotton in her ears
so she
wouldn't get an earache. The girls didn't know why they were stuffing
cotton
in their ears, but they knew that they wanted to be just like
their Nanny.
They have always been so proud of Nanny and Grandpa. Many times
I have
overheard them telling their friends that they have the 'coolest
Nanny and
Grandpa.'
She always put everyone first. She
was the most selfless person I have ever
known. She would do anything for her children. She did everything
she could
for Edward and Denise, outwardly strong when they needed her to
be, with her
heart breaking on the inside. Even though my mom suffered immeasurable
grief
after their passing, she still took the time to reach out to others.
When we
were calling friends and family to tell of mom's passing, I can't
tell you
how many people told us, 'Marilyn just called me this week.' That
was the
kind of person she was, facing such a tough week with the anniversary
of our
beloved Denise's passing, yet she put her grief aside always thinking
of
others. Who else could do that under those circumstances?
With all the grief she endured,
she still realized she had blessings. The
love for her family was her constant, and the love that her family
had for
her was her strength. My dad not only loved her, he was still
in love with
her after so many years together. Till the end, they still held
hands and
loved each other unconditionally. There are so many tears tonight,
because
we just can't imagine not hearing her say, "Hi dear, how
are you?" like she
always did. We can't even think about what our lives will be like
without
her. But we have been the ones who have been blessed, just to
share even a
fragment of our lives with her. My dad always called mom his angel,
and now
she is among them, holding Edward and Denise's hands, and watching
over us.
Sunday, April 3rd 2005 - 06:49:17
AM
OUR PRECIOUS NANNY - A TRIBUTE FROM KATIE & KRISTA
We wanted to give you a glimpse into the Nanny that we knew and
adored.
Nanny was the fun grandmother. Even
if we ran errands with her, it was an
event. She would take us to see all of her friends in the supermarket,
pharmacy, beauty parlor, gas station, even to the store where
Nanny bought
lottery tickets. She would tell everyone that we were her dolls.
When we
were little, she wouldn't let us leave a store without insisting
that we
pick something out. She made all of our favorite foods. She made
lasagna
that was better than the finest Italian restaurant. She let us
torture her
when we played beauty parlor and did her hair and make-up. We
could make her
look like a clown, and she would say, 'how beautiful you made
Nanny look.'
Not only was she young looking,
she was young at heart. Because of this, she
could relate to us as teenagers. She knew the latest fashion trends,
right
down to the earrings. Nanny always sent us surprise packages in
the mail.
Even though we weren't lucky enough to live nearby, she made us
feel as if
she were right there with us. She knew everything about us --
what boys we
liked, what teachers we didn't, and everything in-between. Talking
to Nanny
was like talking to one of our friends. If we told her that someone
said or
did something unkind to us, watch out. Our sweet Nanny could have
killed
that person with her bare hands! That was our wonderful Nanny
-- the
sweetest person in the world until you did something to someone
she loved.
Our Nanny looked out for us even when she wasn't there.
Not only was Nanny fun, but she
was so funny. On one visit that Nanny &
Grandpa made to Indiana, we visited Conner Prairie, a colonial
village. We
were worried that Nanny would get the giggles when she saw the
women wearing
bonnets. So Mommy told Nanny, 'just so you know, all the women
will be
wearing bonnets.' Nanny was behaving herself until we had to watch
a movie
first and as soon as we see the first clip, there is a woman wearing
a
bonnet. Nanny wasn't the one who started laughing this time --
it was our
Mom. She also inherited the laughing gene. When Nanny saw Mommy
laughing,
she chimed in. Then we started laughing. Papa and Grandpa were
ready to move
to another aisle they were so mortified. We went to the restroom
so we could
finish our laughing, not realizing it echoed. But the laughing
didn't stop
-- it only got louder. It seems a mother was changing her baby's
rather
pungent diaper, and Nanny got a whiff, got hysterical, and then
the rest of
us chimed in. Everyone was finally composed so we walked through
the
village. Nanny was trying so hard not to laugh in everyone's faces,
because
they talked as if they lived back then. You know what a friendly
face Nanny
had, so they started talking to Nanny. All of a sudden she disappeared.
We
finally see her walking down the hill with a woman wearing a bonnet,
holding
Nanny's arm, having a conversation with her. Nanny was giving
us a look that
said, 'help me.' We finally rescued her and she was hysterically
laughing,
about to lose control (if you know Nanny, you know what this means).
When
she composed herself once again, we asked her what the woman was
talking to
her about. You know how cute Nanny was with language. Her reply
was, "I
don't know, something about infanity." We figured out that
she meant
profanity. We could tell you a million Nanny stories like this,
all true,
and they happened over and over again.
We are so broken-hearted to lose
our precious Nanny, but we hope that you
will always remember Nanny the way we do, with a smile, and please
tell your
stories of Nanny so she will always be with us.
Saturday, April 2nd 2005 - 08:03:57
AM
http://argonaise@mac.com
Dear Vinnie,
Through all these many years, you and I, Steve and Frankie, have
been
brothers.
We were all born and raised in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn,
went to
Saint Simon and Jude church, where we were confirmed, and even
attended P.S.
95, on Avenue U, playing handball and stickball in the schoolyard.
Together we share so many great memories.
But my best memory is that of your beloved, Marilyn.
I continue to hear the sound of her warm hello as she would answer
the
telephone on those more than numerous occasions that I would call
for you to
contract a date, play a date or simply call to chat and have a
few laughs.
I have never known of a more bonded and loving relationship.
We share your pain.
Much love,
Angelo and Lonny
Thursday, March 31st 2005 - 09:16:13
PM
Dear Vinnie,
Thinking of Marilyn...I will always remember her strength and
courage the
past 2 years through the saddest of times. She was an inspiration
to us all.
Thinking of Ed...A best friend for 30 years. I miss him everyday!
Thinking of Denise...such a kind and loving person.
Thinking of you and Michelle...sending love and prayers. May God
give you
the strength to get through these difficult times.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Ray
Thursday, March 31st 2005 - 07:21:41
PM
Megan Mullaney
Dearest Vinnie, Please stay well and we'll all carry thoughts
of sweet
Marilyn in our hearts- I'm sure she and Patricia have a lot to
talk about in
their place in the sky.
Fond Regards,Dave,Jan,Dean,Sean & Megan Mullaney
Thursday, March 31st 2005 - 03:45:12
PM
Joel
Dear Vinnie,
I'm so glad we were able to spend a long afternoon together.
We'll get you back into the swingin' mainstream real soon!
Love,
Joel
Monday, March 28th 2005 - 12:31:59
AM
Jesse and Mary Lou
Dearest Vinnie,
You and Marilyn have been in our
thoughts and prayers every day for the past
month. Reminiscing about our evolution from complete strangers
to virtual
family members, we realized that the timeline of these treasured
memories
has become somewhat blurred because the warmth and hospitality
you and
Marilyn extended during every one of our visits made us feel as
if we'd
known both of you forever. And, by all accounts, our story is
not unique.
The eternal love you and Marilyn share has been deeply inspirational
to
many. As difficult as it is to accept the physical loss of this
amazing
human being, we're certain that Marilyn's spirit is peacefully
reaping the
rewards of a life of selfless love and devotion. Thank you for
sharing her
__ she will live in our hearts forever.
We love you,
Jesse and Mary Lou
Woodstock, NY
Sunday, March 27th 2005 - 05:22:51
PM
Jimmy Wisner
Dear Vinnie:
Your Marilyn was the best! Dinner
at your house, which
I was privileged to have, was a magnificent feast.
We will all miss her and we will all be there for you
in these difficult times.
Hang in there, Vinnie.
Love, Jimmy Wisner
Sunday, March 27th 2005 - 03:34:14
PM
Gary and Sarah
Dear vinnie: too bad we're so far apart in space, but still very
close in
love for marilyn. Her loss is not yours alone, but ours as well.
The
wonderfull times we shared with you both, as well as granpa vincent
and
grandma lena will always live in our memories as what is good
in life that
will always remain. Our prayers are with you and for you both.
Love, Gary
and Sarah
Tuesday, March 22nd 2005 - 08:56:43
PM
Adrienne Vazzana
Dear Vinnie,
After visiting your newly revamped
website several times in the last few
months, I learned only just now about Marilyn's passing when I
decided to
visit it once again tonight. What can be said that could possibly
console
you?
I'm still sitting here, stunned, in disbelief, and in a daze,
myself. I'm so
saddened by it, and so so sorry. It's beyond comprehension, and
I literally
had to read the tribute 3 times to make sure I was reading it
right before
it even began to sink in. Believe me, there hasn't been a day
that's gone by
over the last year and half that I haven't relived and reviewed
my time
together with you all in New Jersey since I got back to California.
I'm so
grateful for, and I thank you both for allowing me to opportunity
to make
that visit a reality. I'm forever indebted to Marilyn for her
many efforts
in arranging a way for Ed and I to stay in contact while he was
in the
hospital. It meant so much to me (more than you'll ever know)
to be afforded
even 2 minutes on the phone with him, and to be able to visit
with him daily
in the hospital while I was there.
Had I the ability to take away your
pain, I would. But for all that she
gave and did for everyone, for her love & care, and very presence
in our
lives, we should know we were blessed, and that likewise, she
will be
rewarded. And though she's "back home" now, she'll forever
be here with us
in our hearts. That's something no one can take away from us.
Surely, the
day when we will all be reunited with those we love so dearly,
will make up
for this temporary passage of time. Just keep faith that God will
set things
right once again, and that the best is still yet to come - awaiting
us in
that specially ordained time in the future.
With deepest heartfelt sympathy,
concern, love, and prayers ~
Adrienne Vazzana
Monday, March 14th 2005 - 11:07:28
PM
Howard & Sandra
Dear Vinnie,
What sad, sad news. Marilyn was
such a treasure so loving and devoted to
you, as you were to her. What will always stand out in our minds
(aside from
her accomplishment as a cook as talented in the kitchen
as you are on the
guitar) was how tireless and how utterly selfless she was. There
was nothing
she wouldn't have done for you.
Words of sympathy are so inadequate,
Vinnie, but her light will keep shining
on you, and on everyone lucky enough to have known her.
With much love,
Howard & Sandra
Monday, March 14th 2005 - 04:22:57
PM
To my godfather Vinnie:
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God bless you and give you strength.
Love,
Cindy
Saturday, March 12th 2005 - 07:38:46
AM
vinnie;
So sorry to hear of your lost my prayers are with you'
when things calm down let's get together.
RAY RIVERA
Friday, March 11th 2005 - 12:29:05
PM
Hi Vinnie:
It was so wonderful talking to you
today. I spoke to Buddy Saltzman a couple
of days ago and he told me of your terrible loss. I'm so sorry.
You and
Marilyn will be in my prayers. I know that you and Marilyn were
married many
years and I know that everyone of them were special to you and
to her.
Everytime your name came up in conversation, so did Marilyn's.
It's quite
possible she may have been more "famous" than you are.
Speaking of famous...I knew quite
alot about you, at least I thought I did
until I read through your website..which is fantastic. Is there
anyone you
haven't recorded with? Unbelievalbe!
The many times you and I recorded together were just magical for
me. Aside
from being a first class musician, your're a first class gentleman...and
a
nice guy.
I know these days ahead will be
hard for you and your family. My prayers
will be with you.
Love, Peter Dino
Friday, March 11th 2005 - 02:21:44
AM
Kahuna Kawentzmann
http://www.kawentzmann.de
Hi.
i have been a fan of your music for some years now, and through
the Exotica
mailing list I found your website today.
It's truly great, I love it, what a great source, and well built
by Dana
Countryman, too.
I am playing a little guitar in Berlin, Germany, and am always
happily
buying your solo albums when I can find them. Often I can recognize
your
sound on other people records, and make a note in my iTunes program.
Thanks for the music and inspiration,
Kahuna Kawentzmann
Tuesday, March 8th 2005 - 12:48:43
PM
Vinnie,
Great site! I checked out every
page. Very impressive. I've always known a
lot about you - now I know even more.
It was great to see you last week.
I only wish it could have been for a
different reason. I am so sorry for your loss. I know Marilyn
was the love
of your life and I can only imagine the emptiness you're feeling
right now.
But you are so fortunate to have shared so many wonderful years
with her and
she was so fortunate to have shared those years with you. And
the "Vinnie &
Marilyn love story" is an inspiration to us all.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Hang tough, my friend, and may the road
always rise to meet you.
Rod McBrien
Saturday, March 5th 2005 - 02:50:59
PM
http://www.josephmrusso.com
Vinnie is a great and wonderful person and one of the most talented
and
skilled musicians in the country (and world). I worked with Vinnie
(sat next
to him) during our Broadway Fiddler on the Roof run in NYC in
the 90s. His
great talent, kindness, humor and warmth spread throughout the
pit and
beyond. Over the years of our friendship I have come to think
of Vinnie as
my brother. Words can not fully express the wonder and joy of
Vinnie......
My heart and prayers are with Vinnie
and his family during this sad time,
the passing of their special angel, Marilyn, Vinnie's wife and
soulmate. The
love they have for one another is eternal and will live on in
the lives of
those who loved them both.
Joe Russo
March, 2005
Friday, March 4th 2005 - 06:03:43
PM
Friday, March 4th 2005 - 11:25:11
AM
http://www.danacountryman.com
Vinnie --
My wife Tricia and I are so sorry
about Marilyn's passing. She was such a
sweet person, and loved you so much. I'll never forget her kindness,
when I
stayed in your home last November. She made me feel so at ease
as a guest
there.
She put her heart and soul into
those fantastic Italian meals, and went to a
lot of extra trouble to make sure I was comfortable in your home.
It was
obvious that she really put herself last, in consideration of
others.
I'll also never forget how Marilyn
doted on you, while you worked on your
music or on the computer. And I'll always remember how much you'd
rave about
how fantastic Marilyn is, and how much you love her.
Yours was truly a classic love story.
You and Marilyn are our idols, and
Tricia and I are glad we've become such good friends. We are really
hurting
at your loss...
Please know that we care, and we'll
always be here for you.
I treasure our friendship, and becoming friends with you and Marilyn
was the
highlight of my year, last year.
Love you, man...
Your loyal webmaster and friend,
- Dana (and Tricia and Matthew.)
Tuesday, March 1st 2005 - 07:59:20
AM
Dear Vinnie,
We are so sad to hear of Marilyn's passing. She was a lovely and
kind
friend, and we'll miss her so much. The picture you chose for
the tribute is
beautiful! Take care of yourself.
All our love,
Claudia, Ken and all the Kohns
Friday, February 25th 2005 - 06:48:19
PM
http://www.jeanjacquesperrey.com
Hello again , mon Ami Vinnie . I tell you something : WE ARE HAPPY
GUYS TO
HAVE MET DANA , he is so nice and a true gentleman . I am happy
he is my
Webmaster too . And I wish you a so efficient Manager as mine
, Lisa Haugen
. She is fantastic .
Love to your wonderful wife , and yourself of course . Your good
Friend from
France ,
JEAN-JACQUES .
PS : Talk to ya soon !
Thursday, February 17th 2005 - 10:27:55
AM
VINNIE , YOU HAVE BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL CONTINUE TO BE AN INSPIRATION
TO
ME...AND ALL LOVERS OF MUSIC...ESPECIALLY THE SIXTIES STUFF!"HOW
CUTE WE ALL
WERE THEN".AS THEY SAY IN ITALIAN..,"CENTO ANNI".
PEACE AND LOVE .VINNY ROSA, THE KID IN THE BASSETT'S STORY (UNDER
FUN
STUFF)NOW DRUMMER/SINGER FOR THE ROCKINGHAMS!
Monday, February 14th 2005 - 11:38:31
AM
Hi Vinnie, your web site is terrific. I'm very impressed.Jack
Jennings
Monday, February 14th 2005 - 01:11:18
AM
http://www.28thParadigm.com
Hi Vinnie!
It's Lisa, Jean Jacques' manager, long long time no talk! I still
hope the
offer is open to visit New York and have dinner...something about
a great
fried chicken I can't seem to forget? Just would love to finally
meet. Cool
website! Well deserved too! I still love discovering the plethora
of records
that you have been a part of! Have a great New Year!
All the best!
Lisa Haugen ;-)
Sunday, February 13th 2005 - 02:32:34
PM
http://www.jeanjacquesperrey.com
Hello mon Ami , this is Jean Jacques here . I will never forget
all what we
did together in New York . I am happy that you decided to install
such a
wonderful site , you deserve it !
Forgive me , I did'nt improved yet with my english ! But my warmest
regards
to you and your lovely wife ... Hope to see you soon on the East
Coast .
Your friend from France , Jean Jacques .
PS : I appreciate very much all the E-Mails you have sent to me
!!!! JJ .
Wednesday, February 2nd 2005 - 09:09:27
PM
Charlie Fagioli
http://www.cdzuba.com
Vinnie;
I think you have a great website. It really shows who you are.
But I think
you are getting a lot more visitors to your site. I don't think
your counter
is working!
Charlie Fagioli
Monday, January 31st 2005 - 10:46:19
PM
http://www.youngandablemusic.com
Nice site Vinnie! It was good seeing all the guitarists together.
Jim
Saturday, January 29th 2005 - 05:20:23
PM
The site is looking wonderful!!!!!!You are one of my Dearest Frinds
and a
Positive influence in my life on a daily basis. Both my son and
I are
Thankful for having you and Marilyn in our lives. I just have
one question?
When are you going to make available for sale to the public your
wonderful
catalog of 5 decades of Greatness? Ok two question. (:I am allowed
since I
am a friend :) When are you going to RE ISSUE The REAL VINNIE
BELL CORAL
SITAR?
We Love you BOTH
Moe Thomas and Vincent Siekierski
Thursday, January 27th 2005 - 03:15:59
AM
Dear Mr. Bell,
Years ago you and my father, were
colleagues. In 1976 my dad moved to L.A.,
where he worked on movie and telivision music soundtracks (He
retired a
couple of years ago). When I was 13, an aspiring guitarist, he
bought me a
danelectro guitar, designed by you! Shortly after that, he brought
me to a
session at AR Studios, and you were there, playing the same guitar!
When the session began, boy was
I impressed. The way you sightread difficult
stuff amazed me. So while other school mates raved about Clapton
and
Hendrix, I would counter that they pretty much played one style
of guitar,
and that they couldn't read music.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know
that you made a big impression on a
music loving kid.
Sincerely,
Lew Levin
PS: The session I mentioned was
the soundtrack for "Barbarella".
Wednesday, January 26th 2005 - 09:53:04
PM
hi vinnie, eric lane, my sitar sounds great!
thanks for making it a one of a kind!
i bet i'm the only kid on the block with one of these.
thanks again,
eric lane
Wednesday, January 26th 2005 - 06:13:42
AM
Chazam
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/chazam/chazorg.html
I'm a friend of Dana, and Jean Jacques Perrey, of course, I did
an album
called "eclektronics" recently with him.
I was looking for your site, where
I found your mail adress.
This gives me the opportunity to
send you directly my best regards, and to
tell you the admiration I have for your work. Thanks for all !
your fan
David CHAZAM
Berson, FRANCE
Wednesday, January 26th 2005 - 05:06:59
AM
http://www.vinniebell.com
The website is progressing beautifully, nice color and layout
choices. It's
wonderful to see a great artist receiving his just desserts. Loved
the funny
water sound pic by Moe Thomas. I'm looking forward to visiting
again and
again. Keep up the great work.
All the best,
Wally Baudin
Sunday, January 23rd 2005 - 02:15:11
PM
Vinnie's Webmaster
http://www.vinniebell.com
Hi Fans and Friends of Vinnie Bell!
This is Vinnie's webmaster, inviting
you to leave a message for Vinnie! He
loves getting mail, and hearing from his many fans, so this is
the place to
do it.
Please leave a message for Vinnie
that we can all enjoy reading!
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