Rudy Pompilli started his career in jazz bands, playing tenor and bass saxophone, among other instruments. It was as a member of Ralph Marterie's Orchestra in 1955 that he caught the attention of Bill Haley. Haley hired Pompilli to play sax after original sax man, Joey Ambrose, quit. Pompilli played tenor sax, flute and clarinet for the Comets and was a featured vocalist. He stayed with Haley longer than any other musician -- from 1955 until his death from cancer in 1976.
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