Legendary Rock Guitarist Jimmy D'Angelo Dies At 66

WORCESTER, MA—Back when it was a real big deal to hear a song played on the radio, brother guitarist Jimmy and Joey D'Angelo were basically rock gods to kids in Worcester - particularly aspiring musicians.

The two almost went national with '70s and '80s bands The Joneses and Mad Angel. Later, Jimmy led August, Pretty Poison, Code Blue and the more recent Deep Six.

Jimmy passed away after a period of illness on Saturday, Sept. 22, his death sparking an outpouring of tributes, shock and sadness, particularly among the Worcseter music community.

Joe said while his "memory is pretty shot," his earliest musical memory of he and Jimmy involved sitting in his bedroom learning "Money," the Beatles version.

"Drinking coffee and smoking butts, of course," said Joe. "He was singing, I was playing the guitar riff and trying to sing the harmony. Singing and playing simultaneously was so difficult at the time. His musical impact was immense. He did his own thing and he was true to it. He inspired a multitude of younger players. And he inspired his older brother."

"Celebrating the Life of Jimmy D'Angelo" has been planned for Nov. 24.

Photo of Jimmy D'Angelo courtesy Joe D'Angelo