Cornelius Bumpus – Tenor Saxophone

Don Cornell – Guitar

Alfred Correale – Piano

Morris Gaer – Drums

Bernard Halpin – Electric Guitar

William M. Keller – Bass

Don Lamond – Drums

Nicholas Marano – Piano

Wes Mcafee – Piano/Conductor

Nicola Paone – Guitar

Walter Perkins – Drums

Helene G. Shomer – Violin

William Sorice (Billy Brooks) – Bass

Yakov Vladikin – Trumpet

Lewis Waldeck – Tuba/Arranger/Copyist

Irving Wankoff – Trumpet

Charles R. Winston – Alto Saxophone

Edward Zandy – Trumpet

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Don Cornell

Don Cornell, 84, a singer and guitarist and a Local 802 member since 1938, died on Feb. 23.

Mr. Cornell got his start with the trumpeter Red Nichols and the big-band leader Sammy Kaye before beginning a successful solo career.

From 1950 to 1962 he recorded hits like “I’m Yours,” “The Bible Tells Me So,” “Most of All” and “Hold My Hand.” Mr. Cornell sold more than 50 million records.

He was honored in 1963 as one of the first stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 1993 he was inducted into the Big Band Hall of Fame.

A regular on the club circuit in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Lake Tahoe, he continued to perform into his 80’s. His final performance was in February 2003.

He is survived by his wife Iris, two children from a previous marriage, two stepchildren and five grandchildren.

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William Sorice (Billy Brooks)

William Sorice, 86, a bandleader, bass player, violinist, singer and dancer, and an 802 member since 1937, died on Feb. 16. Mr. Sorice’s stage name was Billy Brooks.

Mr. Sorice had a career that spanned many decades. He played the bass and violin with many big bands. He was well respected by his peers and was affectionately known as “the King.”

During the peak of the big band era, he sang daily on the NBC radio network and made numerous recordings.

During the war years, he entertained the troops as part of the USO. Besides his singing and playing, he was also an accomplished dancer.

Later, he formed the Billy Brooks Orchestra and entertained notable families such as the Woolworths and the Mellons. He played parties for Leon Hess and the New York Jets. He also played private affairs and weddings of politicians and movie stars, such as Elizabeth Montgomery.

He is survived by his sons Brooks and Ronald, daughter-in-law Diane, and grandchildren Briane, Brittany and Taylor.

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