Pat Rizzo

Pat Rizzo
Origin	United States
Genres	Funk
Occupation(s)	Saxophonist, flautist
Instruments	Saxophone, flute
Years active	1960s-present
Associated acts	The Cufflinks Sly & The Family Stone War

Pat Rizzo is an American saxophonist and flautist, best known for his work with funk band Sly and the Family Stone^[1] from 1972 to 1975.

During this period Rizzo also performed with Tito Puente and Frank Sinatra. He started performing in the sixties with The Cufflinks. In the Family Stone, Rizzo was intended as a replacement for founding member Jerry Martini, who got into trouble with Sly Stone and his accountants for inquiring about money rightfully due him, but both Martini and Rizzo remained in the band and became good friends. He later replaced Charles Miller in War.

Compositions

Rizzo is the credited composer for a Sly & the Family Stone song, "Ha Ha Hee Hee". During the recording sessions for the groups Small Talk album, Rizzo co-wrote the song with Jerry Martini.^[2]

Personal life

Married to Kelli J Ball (Mickeliunas), international fashion model. Later divorced.

References

1. Santiago, Eddie (2008-02-17). Sly: The Lives of Sylvester Stewart and Sly Stone. Eddie Santiago. pp. 177–. ISBN 978-1-4357-0987-4. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
2. Sly: The Lives of Sylvester Stewart and Sly Stone By Eddie Santiago Page 177