RIP Bucky, you were wonderful. You’ve been for a long time the greatest exponent of a beautiful style of guitar playing, and now your son is. I never had the occasion to meet you. I wish I had, but you made my life better anyway. I wish you endless joy where you are now.
This put a big smile on my face and a lump in my throat at the same time. He will be truly missed. A super guitarist and gentleman. A class act and an American treasure. RIP Bucky. We'll never forget you and your beautiful music.
Bucky touched the hearts and lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Those who met him, have been blessed with their own favorite "Bucky stories" that will endure forever. Truly a legend as a person and a musician!
I live in northeastern New Jersey and have had the opportunity to see Bucky play MANY times over the years. As well, I'm fortunate to have been able to work for and spend time talking one on one with him and to watch him play from 3 feet away. He did not have the sort of ego that said that because we were in a small workshop, he should not play a couple of tunes just for the joy of it. I can say that without a doubt he is as a player and a human being, one of the finest men to walk this Earth. He is friendly, kind and gracious. I was never made to feel anything less than special. The first time he met my wife, he kissed her hand in saying hello. If that does not tell you the character of this man, than nothing will. His smile is genuine, not something that he puts on with his suit when he goes out to perform. Many people are described as "one of a kind", Bucky is one of them. Those of us who have had the chance to hang with him are the better for that.
I had the pleasure of watching Bucky sitting in with John at Birdland a few years ago (around 2012). They are both amazing guitar players and were jokefully exchanging phrases - John would play something really fast and Bucky would smile and just respond with a few expertly phrased notes. It was great fun!
A Paterson New Jersey born legend. What an exceptional guitar player and an even more exceptional human being. Rest in peace both Bucky and Ruth Pizzarelli who passed less than a week apart from one another last month.
I caught Bucky doing an intimate, small club, one night stand in New Orleans with the great Zoot Sims (circa late 70’s). It was a VERY special evening.
