I have just learnt that Arnie Berle, passed away on October
12, 2008. I know many of you have used his books and a
number of you studied with him personally at his home in
Yonkers, NY and at Mercy College. So rather belatedly, I
have put together the following obituary using sources from
Amsco, Music Sales and Mel Bay. RIP, Arnie, thank you for
all your contributions to jazz and jazz guitar.
--
Alisdair MacRae Birch
Guitarist/Bassist/Educator/Arranger
Arnie Berle, Guitarist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Writer and
Educator
Arnie Berle passed away on October 12, 2008, almost one year
after the death of his wife, Rosalie (deceased October 20,
2007) and after suffering the second of 2 heart attacks.
Arnie Berle born and raised in New York City, Arnie began
playing clarinet, saxophone, and flute while in high school.
In the 1950's, he toured with one of the leading dance bands
of the time, Johnny Long. In 1964, with the arrival of the
Beatles, Arnie decided to study the guitar. Studying with
Howard Morgen, Barry Galbraith, Hy White and Jim Hall. While
continuing his studies, he began working in night clubs and
theatres where he accompanied such stars as Tony Bennet,
Jerry Lewis, Alan Kind and Jerry Vale.
Arnie's reputation as a player put him in demand as a
private teacher. He decided to devote his time to teaching
and writing instruction books. His first two books, "Arnie
Berle's Book Of Modern Chords and Progressions For Guitar"
and "Arnie Berle's Complete Handbook for Jazz Improvisation"
became instant classics when they were published by Music
Sales in the late 19602' and early 1970's.
His experience with other instruments, including accordion
and vibraphone, gave him a much broader musical perspective
of the guitar.
In 1974, he began writing interviews and articles for Guitar
Player Magazine, and in 1977 he began his very popular
column "Fretboard Basics." Also in 1977 Arnie began teaching
at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Arnie published
over 40 books and his name is cited in the International
Who's Who in Music. He is survived by 5 children and 7
grandchildren.
