This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with singer, composer, conductor, arranger, and record producer Charles Calello. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Calello talks about working with Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons; why he first took direction when he began his career from Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio; what keeps the creative process going; his long history of writing arrangements (starting when he was 16 and continuing into his 83rd year); his experience working with Sinatra; how recording styles have changed; why the creative process is both laborious and heart warming; why writers should “speak” from the heart and get joy from it; and his first time in Las Vegas (calling home for more money!)
With a discography that includes over 100 “Billboard” chart records, Calello is regarded as one of the greatest arrangers of our time. His recordings include more Top 10 Hits than any other arranger, with 15 nominated for Grammy Awards.
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