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In Memoriam: Joseph “Joe” D. Calato – The Innovator Who Changed the Percussion Industry
The world of music, particularly the realm of percussion, lost a true pioneer on September 1, 2023, with the passing of Joseph “Joe” D. Calato. A name synonymous with innovation and excellence in the drumming community, Joe Calato’s groundbreaking invention of the nylon tip drumstick not only revolutionized percussion instruments but also paved the way for the creation of the esteemed Regal Tip drumstick company.
The Early Years of a Visionary
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Niagara Falls, Joseph Calato was a talented drummer and a skilled cabinet maker. It was his passion for drumming and an inherent sense of craftsmanship that led him to embark on a journey that would change the course of percussion history. In 1958, from the confines of his humble basement workshop, Joe developed what would become his magnum opus – the nylon tip drumstick.
The impetus for this invention was born out of personal necessity. Frustrated by the incessant wear and tear on the tips of his drumsticks, Joe Calato set out to create a drumstick that could endure the demands of a dedicated drummer. Little did he know that this quest for a solution would lay the foundation for a legendary career.
The Birth of Regal Tip
Word of Joe Calato’s innovative drumsticks quickly spread among local drummers, who soon found themselves clamoring for his creations. The burgeoning demand compelled him to make a pivotal decision: he closed his cabinet-making business and embarked on a new venture dedicated to crafting drumsticks that would stand the test of time. This marked the birth of the Regal Tip brand.
Under Joe’s visionary leadership, Regal Tip grew into one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of wooden drumsticks and percussion mallets. The brand’s commitment to quality and durability made it a go-to choice for drummers across the globe. Regal Tip’s success soared as it became endorsed by a constellation of leading rock and jazz musicians, including Lars Ulrich from Metallica, Chester Thompson from Genesis, Jeff Porcaro from Toto, Eric Carr from Kiss, Robert Sweet of Stryper, and Dennis Chambers from John Scofield’s band, among many others.
A Legacy of Innovation
Joe Calato’s inventive prowess extended beyond the nylon tip drumstick. Throughout his illustrious career, he patented a variety of percussion-related innovations, including fasteners for the heads of marching drum mallets, a best-selling model of brushes, a drum practice set, and a bass drum pedal. His unceasing dedication to pushing the boundaries of percussion technology left an indelible mark on the industry.
Honors and Recognition
The magnitude of Joe Calato’s contributions to music and percussion earned him numerous accolades throughout his lifetime. His storied career led to well-deserved inductions into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame, the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, and the Niagara Falls Hall of Fame. These honors underscored his enduring impact on the world of music.
A Life Well-Lived
As we bid farewell to Joseph “Joe” D. Calato, we remember not only the man but also the enduring legacy he leaves behind. Joe’s contributions to the percussion industry cannot be understated.
In the immortal words of Joe Calato himself, “Innovation drives progress, and in music, progress is the heartbeat of our rhythm.”
He studied engineering at the University at Buffalo before leaving to serve during World War II as a navigator on B17s in the Army Air Forces. While home on leave near the end of the war, he met Katherine Laurri. They were married in 1946 and were married for 72 years before she died in 2019.
Rest in peace, Joe Calato, and thank you for the rhythm that will echo through eternity.
