Joe Marsala
Italian-American jazz clarinetist and songwriter
About Joe Marsala
Lived 1907 – 1978 (aged 71). Joe Marsala was an American jazz clarinetist, songwriter and musician.
Joseph Francis Marsala (January 4, 1907 – March 4, 1978) was an Italian-American jazz clarinetist, alto and tenor saxophonist, and songwriter, older brother of trumpeter Marty Marsala.
Music career He was born in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
By 1949, he was writing traditional pop songs, including "Don't Cry, Joe (Let Her Go, Let Her Go, Let Her Go)",
Selected discography 1936-1942 The Chronological (Classics 763, 1994) 1944-1945 The Chronological (Classics 902, 1996)
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Important facts
People in Joe Marsala's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Joe Marsala's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Joe Marsala?
Italian-American jazz clarinetist and songwriter
When was Joe Marsala born?
Joe Marsala was born on 4 January 1907 in Chicago.
When did Joe Marsala die?
Joe Marsala died on 4 March 1978 in Santa Barbara.
What was Joe Marsala's occupation?
Joe Marsala was a jazz clarinetist, songwriter and musician.
What nationality was Joe Marsala?
Joe Marsala was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Joe Marsala. https://biography.guide/joe-marsala/
MLA: "Joe Marsala." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/joe-marsala/.
Chicago: "Joe Marsala." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/joe-marsala/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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