Muzzy Marcellino (November 27, 1912 – June 11, 1997) was an American singer and musician, known primarily for his clear, melodious style of whistling. Marcellino's whistling was featured in many TV and movie soundtracks, such as The Mickey Mouse Club and Lassie. He was the uncle of Vince Guaraldi.
He doubled up as guitarist and lead male vocalist. During his six years with the band, he featured in a number of motion pictures, including “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi” and "Broadway Gondolier."
In the late 1940's, he reduced the size of his band, touring Reno and Las Vegas. Marcellino finally folded the band in 1948, when he went to work on Dick Powell's radio show.
Later Marcellino was hired by television personality Art Linkletter to lead a small on-air combo featured on Linkletter's talk cum variety show, "House Party." He stayed as musical director for 19 years, until Linkletter ended the show in 1969 following his daughter's suicide
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1953 Muzzy with Hostess Helen Parrish on "It's a Good Idea" |
Eventually, Marcellino's whistling talents became well enough known among studio musical directors that he had a steady series of studio jobs in addition to his work on "House Party." During the heyday of Disney's "Mickey Mouse Club" television series, Marcellino collaborated with songwriter Jimmy Dodd on original musical numbers written for the show. Disney also hired him to record the bird calls for the
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legendary Tiki Room at Disneyland. Muzzy Marcellino released his debut album of whistling ballads, Birds of a Feather in 1958.
legendary Tiki Room at Disneyland. Muzzy Marcellino released his debut album of whistling ballads, Birds of a Feather in 1958.Marcellino's strong yet mellifluous whistling was employed to distinctive effect on hit recordings from the theme from The High and the Mighty to Hugo Montenegro's cover of Morricone's theme to The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Esquivel used Marcellino on his Stereo Action album, Latin-esque and was struck by his very precise pitch. If you hear whistling featured on a Hollywood studio recording from the 1950s or 1960s, chances are, you're hearing Muzzy Marcellino.
He died June 11, 1997 at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, following a lengthy illness.
Here’s “Dancing In The Moonlight” by Ted Fiorito Orchestra with Muzzy Marcellino on vocals.1934.