Vinny Vella

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ĊENSU VELLA born in Valletta and studied music on his own at a very young age but in 1943 he took his first lessons under the guide-ship of Fr. Vincent Caruana. At the time he was employed with the Government Information Office as a National Service Boy Scout. He continued his music studies with Maestro Casapinta, the famous clarinetist Wiġi Bonnici, the American Guies Wilson and studied harmony and counterpoint with Maestro Carmelo Pace. Through a correspondence course he got in touch with the famous Leslie Evans who led Vinny to graduate and receive his diploma-and their great friendship endures up to this day. Leslie Evans still lives in London.

In 1947 at a very young age Vinny was invited to play clarinet solo at Villa Bellini in Catania.

In 1948 he formed his first twelve-piece orchestra, 'Vinny's Blue Jackets' made up of his two brothers, the late Sunny (Emmanuel Vella -drummer who passed away in 1979 at the age of 48 years) and Dominic Vella - bass.

Many have beautiful memories of Vinny and his band's performance at the Chalet in Sliema, the Rocky Vale in Spinola, Cafe' Rich in Cottonera, Tivoliand the Palace Hall in Paola and the Coronation Hall in Marsa.

When the British Services were in Malta, Vinny and his band used to entertain at their headquarters.

He has composed few melodies still played on the Maltese radio and television.

Vinny presented his own radio program on the Maltese national radio station on MW band, entitled 'Those were the Days'.