Del Negro, Luca (1873-1940) | University of Illinois Archives

Name: Del Negro, Luca (1873-1940)

Variant Name: Luca Victor Del Negro

Historical Note: Luca Del Negro (1873-1940) played tuba with the Sousa Band between 1900 and 1908. Del Negro was born in Portelandolfo, Italy to Ferdinand and Carmella del Negro. He emigrated to the United States sometime in late 1889 and was married in Manhattan in 1896. In 1900, he became a naturalized citizen and joined the Sousa Band on tuba. Around this time he also played with the Innes Band and the Conway Band. Following his eight years with the Sousa Band, Del Negro moved to Chicago and performed with the Chicago Grand Opera Company Orchestra. The instrument builder Frank Holton designed a Del Negro Model tuba and tuba mouthpiece beginning in the late 1910s. In 1917, Del Negro moved back to New York City and began performing with the Symphony Society of New York. In 1920, he joined the New York Symphony Orchestra's concert tour of the United States. In 1922, he became a member of the Capitol Grand Orchestra of New York City. Del Negro briefly rejoined the Sousa Band in 1929, performing during the band's first radio broadcasts. Del Negro died in New York in 1940.

Sources:

Paul Bierley The Incredible Band of John Philip Sousa.

Luca Del Negro History on Brasshistory.net. https://www.brasshistory.net/DelNegro%20History.pdf

Note Author: Nolan Vallier