Anthony LaRosa passed away December 6th 2024 at the age of 98. He was well known as "Sonny" LaRosa. Sonny formally starred playing his trumpet with the big bands in the 1930's and 40's.
1978 Sonny started "America's Youngest Jazz Band"in Florida after moving to Safety Harbor. The band mimicked the sounds of the big band era. Over 500 children ages 5 to 13 had been in his band over 35 years. Barbara Bickerstaffe had the wonderful opportunity to manage his band for several years and produced a documentary about his life story called Ambassador Of Jazz. His band performances took him all over the United States and as far as Switzerland. He will be greatly missed by his students and those that attended his performances.
