Biography

Joe Pass (born Joseph Anthony Jacobi Passalaqua; January 13, 1929 – May 23, 1994) was an American jazz guitarist. Pass is well known for his work stemming from numerous collaborations with pianist Oscar Peterson and vocalist Ella Fitzgerald, and is often heralded as one of the most unique and notable jazz guitarists of the 20th century. Pass was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on January 13, 1929. His father, Mariano Passalaqua, was born in Sicily. Pass found work as a performer as early as age 14.