JOE GIATTINA

Instruments: Band Leader
Date of Birth: 1907
Place of Birth:
Home:Birmingham, Alabama
Date of Death:August 7, 1998

When Joe Giattina and his band made their debut in 1952 at WBRC Radio in Birmingham, the young band leader says it was the worst night of his life. "When we saw the red light go on, the band froze and when we finally began playing, we sounded horrible".

Determined because of his genuine love for music, Giattina and his Bama Cardinals kept on broadcasting every Sunday night from 9:00 to 9:30, from 1925-1931. His career continued at the Casino Club in Pensacola through 1936. That's when he gave up music to raise a family.

After retiring from the insurance business more than four decades later, Giattina and the Bama Cardinals reunited in 1978 and today, are regarded as one of Birmingham's most popular big bands. Giattina is also credited with reviving big band swing music in Alabama.

Inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.