About Joey Ambrose
Lived 1934 – 2021 (aged 87). Joey Ambrose was an American saxophonist.
Joseph Frank D'Ambrosio (March 23, 1934 – August 9, 2021), also known by his stage name Joey Ambrose, was an American saxophonist who was best known for being a member of the rock and roll band Bill Haley & His Comets. He played tenor saxophone on two of their biggest hits, "Rock Around the Clock" and "Shake, Rattle and Roll". He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Life and career D'Ambrosio was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in March 1934.
Ambrose was initially a member of Bill Haley & His Comets between 1954 and 1955, playing on some of their biggest releases, including "Rock Around the Clock" and "Shake, Rattle and Roll". From 1955 to 1959, he was a member of The Jodimars with former Comets members Dick Richards and Marshall Lytle. After their breakup, Ambrose worked at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where he would remain for 27 years.
In 1987, Ambrose re-grouped with former bandmates Johnny Grande, Franny Beecher, Dick Richards and Marshall Lytle to form Bill Haley's Original Comets.
In 2012, Ambrose along with most of the other 1950–1960 members of the Comets were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Ambrose died on August 9, 2021, at the age of 87. At the time of his death, he was considered to be the last surviving original member of the group.
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Important facts
People in Joey Ambrose's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Joey Ambrose's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Joey Ambrose?
American saxophonist
When was Joey Ambrose born?
Joey Ambrose was born on 23 March 1934 in Philadelphia.
When did Joey Ambrose die?
Joey Ambrose died on 9 August 2021 in Henderson, Nevada.
What was Joey Ambrose's occupation?
Joey Ambrose was a saxophonist.
What nationality was Joey Ambrose?
Joey Ambrose was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Joey Ambrose. https://biography.guide/joey-ambrose/
MLA: "Joey Ambrose." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/joey-ambrose/.
Chicago: "Joey Ambrose." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/joey-ambrose/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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