The subject of musical siblings has always fascinated me, although I suppose it’s actually a pretty common occurrence. Growing up in a musical household would subject all the kids in the family to the same influences, so it’s only logical that more than one might follow the same muse. Still, it’s got to be a little unusual when two brothers become successful pros on the same instrument, and that describes the trumpet-playing Candoli brothers.
Just separated in age by four years, the Candoli brothers hailed from the Northern Indiana city of Mishawaka, near the Michigan border. The elder of the two, Walter Joseph Candoli — nicknamed ‘Pete’ — was so musically precocious that he was a dues-paying member of the 
musicians union at age 13, and so talented that he was finding work in the big band era while still a teenager.
During the 1940s and later, Pete appeared with a number of noted bands, including those of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Charlie Barnet. But it was in Woody Herman’s group that he made his name, contributing fiery solos on hit songs like “Apple Honey.” It was just the early stages of what would become a long career for the better-known of the two brothers, one that would include leading his own groups — although he still found time for marriages to movie stars Betty Hutton and Edie Adams.
Younger brother Secondo ‘Conte’ Candoli was helped along a little initially by Pete, but really came into his own as a part of the post-war bebop revolution in jazz. His style was a little more subdued than Pete’s, but he was an accomplished trumpeter and became a valued part of many groups, including Shelly Manne’s outstanding combo. Eventually he joined Doc Severinsen’s Tonight Show band, where he would become lead trumpet and continue for many years.
During their long and varied careers the Candoli brothers found plenty of occasions to work together, always crafting some good sounds that often included doubling trumpets. Both stayed active until late in life. Conte — the younger brother — died in 2001 and Pete died in 2008.
Geezer Music Club 