Francesco Crosara

1999.  Francesco and Von Freeman at Southport Studios during the recording of the album “Colors”.

1991.  A sweet photo of Dizzy at the Ala Moana Hotel in Waikiki with Francesco’s daughter Alice, then 4 years old.

1984.  Francesco with Gayle Moran and Chick Corea at Disneyland, where Chick performed with the Return to Forever band.

1983.  While attending  the University of Southern California, Francesco performed with the jazz big band.  Special guest artists included greats such as Lionel Hampton (in the photo), Freddie Hubbard, Bob Magnuson, and more.

1981.  Dizzy performed with the Turin Symphonic Orchestra, with arrangements by Tom McIntosh.  Francesco with the Diz by the rehearsal hall.  Dizzy liked to sport the most unusual hats when not wearing his signature basque on stage.

1980.  Francesco chaperoning Dizzy Gillespie in Rome on a visit to the Circus Maximus (the Coliseum).  Dizzy remained a life long friend of the family, and founded with Lilian Terry the “Dizzy Gillespie School of Music” in Bassano Del Grappa, in Italy.

1980. Francesco age 20 at home in Rome, Italy, with the great singer Abbey Lincoln, visiting Europe with the Max Roach ensemble.  Francesco grew up in an international musical environment thanks to his mother, Lilian Terry, who for decades worked as jazz singer, TV and radio broadcaster, and concert organizer.