In honor of the Chiefs’ upcoming return to the Superbowl, we look back ten years to the man who brought live music to professional football. Tony DiPardo, longtime bandleader at KC Chiefs games, died Jan 27, 2011. With him went an important voice and horn in live music. Here are excerpts from his obit, to remind us what “Mr Music” meant to our town:
Bandleader Tony DiPardo was a boisterous showman who for almost 45 years was the most visible Kansas City Chiefs booster in town. His life spanned 11 different decades. He lived his life to the fullest each and every day. If you met Tony DiPardo, you were his friend. A 1st generation son born in the USA to proud Italian immigrants, Tony was a masterful musician and successful businessman, He loved to eat, smile, wink, and give an 'Italian Hug'. Small in stature, Tony was bigger than life and the Chiefs bandleader for more than 40 years, playing on the field at Municipal Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium, leading his band and the Charge for the Kansas City Chiefs Football Team. Go Chiefs!
Tony DiPardo performed and recorded with countless KC musicians including vocalist Marilyn Maye. The only area trumpet player with his very own official booblehead, Tony kept swinging until the ripe old age of 98. He is and will be missed.