Al Di Meola Biography
Al Di Meola is an Italian-American guitarist, composer, and producer who was born and brought up in Jersey City, New Jersey, United States of America. He is widely known for his works in jazz fusion and world music, he began his career as guitarist with the group Return to Forever in 1974. He released several albums in the 1970s and 1980 films, including “Elegant Gypsy” (1977), “Friday Night in San Francisco” (1980), and “Passion, Grace & Fire” (1983).
From 1976 to 1978, Di Meola played with Stomu Yamashta in the supergroup Go on three records. The 1970s and 1980s saw albums such as Land of the Midnight Sun, Elegant Gypsy, Casino and Friday Night in San Francisco earn him both critical and commercial success.
In the 2000s, Di Meola continued to tour and record. He released a series of albums exploring world music, including The Grande Passion (2000), Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody (2011), and Morocco Fantasia (2012).
10 Quick Facts About Al Di Meola
- Name: Al Di Meola
- Age: 70 years old
- Birthday: July 22
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
- Nationality: Italian-American
- Occupation: Guitarist, Composer, and Producer
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Under Review
- Net Worth: $4 Million
Al Di Meola Age
Di Meola is 70 years old. He was born on July 22, 1954, in Jersey City, New Jersey, United States. He celebrates his birthday on July 22 every year and his birth sign is Cancer.
Al Di Meola Height
Di Meola stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m).
Al Di Meola Weight
Di Meola Weighs 75 kg (165 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Al Di Meola was born on July 22, 1954, in Jersey City, New Jersey, into an Italian family with roots in Cerreto Sannita, a small town northeast of Benevento. He grew up in Bergenfield, where he attended Bergenfield High School.
Di Meola began playing guitar at the age of six, inspired by Elvis Presley and the Ventures. He started taking guitar lessons at a local music shop with a teacher who was an old-school jazz buff. Di Meola quickly progressed and by his teens was already a gifted player.
It was during high school that Di Meola discovered jazz, listening to artists like Kenny Burrell and Tal Farlow. However, it was his exposure to innovative fusion guitarist Larry Coryell that sparked him to blend jazz, blues, rock, and more.
Rise to Fame
Al D Meola rose to fame in the 1970s. He began his musical career in 1974 when he joined Chick Corea’s Return to Forever. The band was a huge success and put Meola on the map. broadly
In 1976, Meola released his first solo album, “Land of the Midnight Sun.” The album was a huge success and won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Album. The album was hailed by critics as a masterpiece and earned Meola recognition as one of the greatest jazz guitarists.
In 1977, Meola released the album “Elegant Gypsy”. The album was a huge hit and is considered one of the best jazz guitar albums of all time. The album combines elements of jazz, classical and fusion to create Meola’s signature sound.
Al Di Meola Family, Parents
Di Meola was born to his parents Charles Di Meola and Teresa Di Meola. His mother, who was born in Italy and was raised by relatives until the age of 13 when she left for the states.
He grew up in an Italian household. “I was always proud to have Italian blood in me. The Italians were always cool people. My dad was not well versed in languages, He didn’t know how to communicate my cultural identity. He had 13 brothers and sisters, a big Italian family. He worked with his hands, a builder,” Di Meola discloses of his background.
Al’s grandfather came from Cerreto, Sannita, a town known for its time-honored tradition of Baroque style porcelain. However, Di Meola never met either of his grandparents. “He died right before I was born, and my grandmother too, so I never met my grandparents.”
Likewise, his great-grandfather owned the largest manufacturing plant for fireworks in the south of Italy, but one day blew up and was put in a big barrel of oil to recover, but he, unfortunately, died from the blast injuries. Nevertheless, Di Meola is not known if he has any siblings.
Al Di Meola Wife
Di Meola is currently married to his wife Stephanie Di Meola. The couple tied the knot 2015. They are blessed with two children, both daughters named Orina Di Meola And Ava Di Meola.
Al Di Meola Salary
Details about Di Meola’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much he makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Al Di Meola Net Worth
Di Meola has an estimated net worth of $4 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as a guitarist, composer, and producer. Through his various sources of income, Al has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Al Di Meola Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Al.
Al Di Meola Wiki
- Full Names: Albert Laurence Di Meola
- Popular As: Al Di Meola
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Guitarist, Composer, and Producer
- Nationality: Italian-American
- Race / Ethnicity: **** or Not Available
- Religion: *** or Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight or Gay
Al Di Meola Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 70 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- Date of Birth: July 22, 1954
- Place of Birth: Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
- Birthday: July 22
Al Di Meola Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
- Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Brown
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Al Di Meola Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Charles Dimeola
- Mother: Teresa Dimeola
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife/Spouse: Married to Stephanie Di Melona
- Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Daughter(s) (Orina Di Meola And Ava Di Meola) Sons (None)
Al Di Meola Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $4 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Guitarist, Composer, and Producer
Al Di Meola Career
Al Di Meola Return to Forever
Di Meola has recorded three albums with Return to Forever, helping the quartet earn its greatest commercial success as all the three albums cracked the Top 40 on the Top 40 on the U.S. Billboard pop albums chart. Actually, he could play so fast that he was sometimes criticized for playing too many notes.
In 1976, as The Return to Forever was disbanding, Di Meola started doing solo albums on which he demonstrated mastery of jazz fusion, flamenco, and Mediterranean music, notable examples are “Mediterranean Sundance” and “Lady of Rome, Sister of Brazil” from Elegant Gypsy album.
Al Di Meola Across the Universe
Al Di Meola’s exquisite mastery of the fretboard is equal only to his appreciation of the Beatles’ legacy that has inspired generations of both musicians and music fans with their famed recording catalog.
A retrospective of Al Di Meola’s nearly 50-year acclaimed career expressed through his virtuosic arrangements of 14 Beatles songs, Across The Universe journeys alongside one of America’s foremost guitarists as he revisits classic hits and more obscure tunes written by the ingenious Fab Four who have helped define the man he is today.
Adding to his lauded recording collection of more than 30 solo albums and numerous acclaimed collaborations with the likes of Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Stanley Clarke, Paco De Lucia, and many others, Across The Universe is yet another masterpiece showcasing Al Di Meola’s fascination with complex rhythmic syncopation combined with provocative lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies.
Beatles fans, guitar-heads, and music lovers alike can expect the unexpected upon venturing into the world put forth by Across The Universe. To commemorate the singular life of John Lennon, Al Di Meola reenacts the famous Lennon cover for his 1975 solo album Rock ‘n’ Roll for the artwork for Across The Universe.
Al Di Meola is a living legend celebrated for pioneering a unique style of impeccable guitar technique combined with a sophisticated global musical language that’s captured the hearts of audiences across the world.
His collaborations with artists such as Paul Simon, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Page, Santana, Steve Winwood, Herbie Hancock, Frank Zappa, Luciano Pavarotti, and others have elevated Al Di Meola to become a household name.
Traversing divinely across multiple genres including flamenco, Latin, fusion, jazz, rock, and world music, Al Di Meola is a vivacious tour de force always redefining the boundaries of what’s possible on a six-stringed instrument.
Across The Universe is no different than his most decorated recordings with his arsenal of a large ensemble bringing creative reinterpretations of Beatles songs to astounding heights.
Al Di Meola Elegant Gypsy
In his debut album, Land of the Midnight Sun, which he released in 1976, he was noted for his technical mastery and extremely fast, complex guitar solos and compositions. The following year, he released his second album, Elegant Gypsy (1977) by Columbia Records.
The album, with distinctive music with a speedy fusion of jazz and rock, and lightning-fast guitar riffs, intermixed with lyrical acoustical passages, received a gold certification and an annual award for Best Guitar Album in Guitar Player Magazine.
In 1980, Di Meola recorded the acoustic live album Friday Night in San Fransisco with Paco de Lucia and John McLaughlin. The latter album became one of the most popular live albums for acoustic guitar, selling more than 2 million copies, worldwide.
In 1983, the great guitarist released Scenario, an album that he explored with the electronic side of jazz in collaboration with Jan Hammer (keyboardist with Fusion pioneers “Mahavishnu Orchestra,” on albums with Jeff Beck, and later, composed the Miami Vice theme).
Beginning with this change, he further expanded his horizons with the acoustic album Cielo e Terra. He began to incorporate the Synclavier guitar synthesizer in the mid-1980s albums such as Soaring Through a Dream.
By the 1990s Di Meola recorded albums closer to world music and modern Latin styles than jazz—a good example was in the 1991 album, Kiss My Axe, an album that peaked at #2 on the U.S. Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.
In 2006, Di Meola rediscovered his love of the electric guitar, and the DVD of his concert at the Leverkusen Jazz Festival 2006 is subtitled Return to Electric Guitar. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate of music from his alma mater Berklee College of Music.
Al Di Meola Heart Attack
Di Meola suffered a heart attack in September 2023 while performing on stage in Bucharest, Romania. He was admitted to a local hospital where he was treated for segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Al Di Meola Songs
- 1976: Land of the Midnight Sun (Columbia)
- 1977: Elegant Gypsy (Columbia)
- 1978: Casino (Columbia)
- 1980: Splendido Hotel (Columbia)
- 1981: Friday Night in San Francisco with John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia (Columbia)
- 1982: Tour De Force – Live (Columbia)
- 1982: Electric Rendezvous (Columbia)
- 1983: Passion, Grace & Fire with John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia (Columbia)
- 1983: Scenario (Columbia)
- 1985: Soaring Through a Dream (Manhattan)
- 1985: Cielo e Terra (Manhattan)
- 1987: Tirami Su (Manhattan)
- 1991: Kiss My Axe (Tomato)
- 1991: World Sinfonia (Tomato)
- 1993: Heart of the Immigrants (Mesa)
- 1994: Orange and Blue (Bluemoon)
- 1995: The Rite of Strings with Stanley Clarke, Jean-Luc Ponty
- 1996: The Guitar Trio with John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia (Verve)
- 1996: Di Meola Plays Piazzolla (Bluemoon)
- 1998: The Infinite Desire (Telarc)
- 1999: Winter Nights (Telarc)
- 2000: World Sinfonía III – The Grande Passion (Telarc)
- 2002: Flesh on Flesh (Telarc)
- 2005: Cosmopolitan Life with Leonid Agutin (Ole)
- 2006: Vocal Rendezvous (SPV)
- 2006: Consequence of Chaos (Telarc)
- 2007: Diabolic Inventions and Seduction for Solo Guitar (In-Akustik)
- 2007: Live in London
- 2008: World Sinfonia – La Melodia
- 2008: He and Carmen with Eszter Horgas
- 2010: One Night in Montreal (Jazz Hour)
- 2011: Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody (Telarc)
- 2013: All Your Life: A Tribute to the Beatles Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London
- 2015: Elysium (In-Akustik)
- 2017: Morocco Fantasia (In-Akustik)
- 2018: Elegant Gypsy & More Live (Ear Music)
- 2018: Opus (Ear Music)
- 2020: Across the Universe (Ear Music)
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Al Di Meola has traveled the world extensively throughout his career, performing at major festivals and venues in every continent. He has also had the opportunity to experience some of the most unique and memorable cultures and traditions. Here are just a few of his most notable travel, events, and experiences:
In the 1970s, Di Meola toured extensively with Return to Forever, one of the most popular jazz fusion bands of the era. This gave him an early opportunity to experience different cultures and musical traditions firsthand. He has recalled his time in India as a particularly eye-opening experience, where he was exposed to a new world of music and spirituality.
In 1981, Di Meola released the seminal live album Friday Night in San Francisco with John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucía. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch Di Meola’s solo career to new heights. The tour in support of the album was a whirlwind of international travel and performances, and it gave Di Meola the chance to connect with fans all over the world.
In 1996, Di Meola released the album The Grande Passion, which was inspired by his travels to Morocco. The album features a blend of jazz fusion, flamenco, and Arabic music, and it is one of Di Meola’s most acclaimed works. To promote the album, Di Meola embarked on a tour of Morocco, which gave him the opportunity to experience the country’s rich culture and musical traditions firsthand.
In recent years, Di Meola has continued to travel and perform extensively. He has released several albums that explore different cultures and musical traditions, including Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody (2011) and Morocco Fantasia (2012). He has also continued to collaborate with some of the biggest names in jazz and world music, including Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Stanley Clarke.
Future Aspirations and Goals
Al Di Meola is a living legend of jazz fusion and world music, and he continues to tour and record prolifically. He has achieved great things in his career, but he is still looking to the future with excitement and ambition.
In a recent interview, Di Meola shared some of his aspirations and goals for the future. He said that he is interested in continuing to explore different musical genres and collaborating with new musicians. He is also passionate about music education and outreach, and he hopes to continue to inspire young people to pursue their musical dreams.
Here are some specific aspirations and goals that Di Meola mentioned in the interview:
- Release a new album that explores the fusion of jazz, flamenco, and classical music.
- Collaborate with a young, up-and-coming musician from a different culture.
- Start a music education foundation to help underprivileged children learn to play guitar.
- Write a book about his life and musical journey.
- Continue to tour the world and share his music with audiences of all ages.
Di Meola is a true visionary, and his aspirations and goals for the future are ambitious and inspiring. He is a role model for musicians of all ages, and he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with music.
In addition to the above, Di Meola has also expressed interest in the following:
- Exploring the music of the metaverse. Di Meola is curious about the potential for music in virtual worlds, and he is interested in creating new and innovative musical experiences for his fans.
- Collaborating with artificial intelligence. Di Meola believes that AI has the potential to revolutionize the way music is created and performed. He is interested in working with AI musicians to create new and exciting sounds.
- Educating the public about the importance of music. Di Meola believes that music is essential for human development and well-being. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge of music with others and inspiring them to appreciate its power.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Al Di Meola is a world-renowned guitarist, composer, and producer, but he is also a dedicated philanthropist and humanitarian. He has a long history of supporting charitable causes and giving back to the community.
One of Di Meola’s most notable philanthropic endeavors is his work with the Al Di Meola Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides music education and outreach programs to underprivileged children. The foundation offers free guitar lessons, workshops, and mentorship programs to children in underserved communities.
Di Meola is also a vocal advocate for music education and outreach. He has spoken out about the importance of music in early childhood development and the need to make music education accessible to all children. He has also worked with other organizations, such as the MusiCares Foundation and the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, to support music education programs in schools and communities around the world.
In addition to his work in music education, Di Meola is also a supporter of other charitable causes. He has performed at benefit concerts for a variety of organizations, including UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Red Cross. He has also donated his time and resources to support environmental causes and animal welfare organizations.
Di Meola’s social impact is not limited to his philanthropic work. His music itself has a positive impact on the world. His music is known for its diversity and its ability to bring people together from different cultures. He has used his platform to promote peace and understanding, and to inspire others to make a difference in the world.
Here are some specific examples of Di Meola’s social impact:
- The Al Di Meola Foundation has provided music education and outreach programs to over 10,000 children in underserved communities around the world.
- Di Meola has performed at benefit concerts for a variety of organizations, including UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Red Cross. He has raised millions of dollars for these organizations through his performances.
- Di Meola has donated his time and resources to support environmental causes and animal welfare organizations. He is a vocal advocate for protecting the environment and for treating animals humanely.
- Di Meola’s music itself has a positive impact on the world. His music is known for its diversity and its ability to bring people together from different cultures. He has used his platform to promote peace and understanding, and to inspire others to make a difference in the world.
Al Di Meola Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Al Di Meola is a renowned guitarist, composer, and producer who has won numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including:
Awards
- Three Grammy Award nominations for Best Jazz Fusion Performance
- Two Echo Awards for Best International Jazz Production
- A Lifetime Achievement Award from the Berklee College of Music
- A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Accomplishments
- Released over 30 solo albums, selling millions of copies worldwide
- Collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz, including John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucía, Chick Corea, and Stanley Clarke
- Founded the supergroup Go with Stomu Yamashta and Bill Bruford
- Explored a wide range of musical genres, including jazz fusion, flamenco, classical, and world music
Achievements
- One of the most technically skilled guitarists of all time
- A pioneer of jazz fusion music
- A master of multiple musical genres
- A prolific composer and producer
- A global ambassador for music
Legacy
Al Di Meola is a living legend of jazz fusion and world music. He is a master of his instrument, and his music is known for its technical virtuosity, its eclectic influences, and its innovative approach.
Di Meola’s legacy is immense. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time, and his music has influenced generations of musicians. He is also a dedicated philanthropist and humanitarian, and his work has made a positive impact on the world.
Here are some of the key aspects of Di Meola’s legacy:
- Technical virtuosity: Di Meola is known for his incredible technical skills, which he displays on his guitar with dazzling speed, precision, and improvisational flair.
- Eclectic influences: Di Meola’s music draws on a wide range of influences, including jazz, classical, flamenco, and world music. This eclecticism gives his music a unique and distinctive sound.
- Innovative approach: Di Meola is a true innovator, and his music has helped to shape the sound of jazz fusion and world music. He is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with music, and his work has inspired other musicians to do the same.
- Philanthropy: Di Meola is a dedicated philanthropist, and his work with the Al Di Meola Foundation has provided music education and outreach programs to underprivileged children around the world.
Hobbies and Interests
Al Di Meola is a world-renowned guitarist, composer, and producer, but he is also a man with many hobbies and interests outside of music.
One of Di Meola’s biggest passions is travel. He loves to explore new cultures and experience different cuisines. He has traveled extensively throughout his career, and he has visited every continent in the world.
Di Meola is also a big fan of art and literature. He enjoys visiting museums and art galleries, and he is a voracious reader. He is particularly interested in philosophy and spirituality.
In addition to his intellectual interests, Di Meola also enjoys spending time outdoors. He loves to hike, bike, and swim. He is also a big fan of sports, and he enjoys playing tennis and basketball.
Here is a summary of Al Di Meola’s hobbies and interests:
- Travel
- Art and literature
- Philosophy and spirituality
- Outdoor activities
- Sports
Personal Beliefs
Al Di Meola is a private person, and he has not spoken publicly about his personal beliefs in detail. However, he has shared some insights into his spiritual beliefs in interviews.
Di Meola has said that he is a spiritual person, but he does not subscribe to any particular religion. He believes in a higher power, and he sees music as a way to connect with that power. He has also said that he is inspired by the teachings of Eastern religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism.
In a 2011 interview, Di Meola said, “I believe in a higher power, and I believe that music is a way to connect with that higher power. I’m not religious in the traditional sense, but I’m spiritual. I’m inspired by the teachings of Eastern religions, and I believe that music can be a path to enlightenment.”
Di Meola has also spoken about the importance of love and compassion in his life. He has said that these are the values that guide his actions, both in his personal life and in his music.
In a 2012 interview, Di Meola said, “I believe that love and compassion are the most important things in life. These are the values that guide my actions, both in my personal life and in my music. I want my music to inspire people to love and compassion, and to make the world a better place.”
Quotes
Final Thoughts
Al Di Meola is a true legend of jazz fusion and world music. He is a master of his instrument, and his music is known for its technical virtuosity, its eclectic influences, and its innovative approach.
Al Di Meola Contacts
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