Don Vincent's Obituary
Don Vincent of St. Petersburg passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, at age 96. He was born on December 12, 1928, in Pittsburgh, PA and was an Army Korean War Veteran.
He was a legend in the field of music and best known for being the conductor, arranger, musical director & pianist for the Midnight Idol, Wayne Newton for more than 30 years.
Long before Don was asked to be Wayne Newton’s musical director, he served in the armed forces during the Korean War. He quickly moved up the ranks to become the musical director of the United States Army’s 10th Special Service Company. Don provided entertainment to troops near the front line with many stars including Mickey Rooney, Eddie Fisher and Dick Contino.
Don was accepted to the renowned Julliard School of Music and completed his studies at Carnegie Mellon where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts.
He then headed to Miami, Florida. Once there he became well-known for his modern arrangements of jazz and he established the Modern Jazz Orchestra. They recorded an album, which today remains in great demand by jazz enthusiasts. Don’s Modern Jazz Orchestra worked alongside jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie, Gerry Mulligan, Sonny Stitt, and The Four Freshman.
A highlight in his career was when Don was invited to the White House to perform for two presidents, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan.
Don also performed and conducted on TV shows such as The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson, Late Night with David Letterman, The Lucy Show, The Merv Griffin Show, The Sonny and Cher Show, The Mike Douglas Show, The Regis Filbin Show, Kraft Music Hall, The Diana Shore Show, The Jack Benny Show, The Andy William’s Show. He also performed numerous times on The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon.
Over the years, Don Vincent and his orchestra shared the stage with Frank Sinatra, Jack Benny, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Count Basie, Lena Horne, Robert Goulet, Bobby Darin, Jack Jones, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, James Darin and Doc Severinsen.
Don’s talent as a successful songwriter and film composer led him to score music for the movies: 80 Steps To Jonah working with the legendary jazz pianist, George Shearing; Happy Mother’s Day; Love George starring Ron Howard and Directed by Darren McGavin. He also scored music for the popular TV shows: Bonanza starring Michael Landon and Lorne Green; and Dan August starring Burt Reynolds. Don’s brilliant writing skills caught the attention of Producer/Director, Glen A. Larson, who utilized Don’s talents for his popular shows Vegas; Switch; and The Hardy Boys.
Along with his composition skills, Don is well known for his incredible piano talent creating beautiful melodies supported by his signature harmonies.
Although Don loved music, his greatest love was his family.
He was preceded in death by Lois, his beautiful wife of 57 years.
Don is lovingly remembered by sons: Steven (Karyn); Mark (Melissa); Gary; John (Annie); Grandchildren, Jenn (Paavo); Todd; Steven; Sierra; Kacee; Gabrielle; Trevor; Daniel; Anthony; Great grandchildren, Kyra; Rylise; Cali; and Great-great Grandchild, Camila.
Don Vincent was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be truly missed by his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Disabled American Veterans
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