Album Notes

Rob's Voice and Trumpet - Recorded:

Rob’s "Something Makes Me Want To Dance With You" CD was recorded in 2000. His big band was arranged and conducted by Lew Anderson. The songs are by 20th century greats such as Rogers & Hart, Hammerstein, Mercer, and Porter.

Released in June 2009, Rob's latest CD "You Ought To Be Havin' Fun !" is an exciting concept combining 1960s and 70s pop hits with a full big band sound. When you listen to this CD, you will hear the passion and energy that has been put into this project.

”Here’s to Frank” is a single that Rob recorded in 2005. This original song was written by Joe Ronan and arranged by Lew Anderson. It pays homage to the voice, the talent, and the legend of Frank Sinatra.

Rob has performed at Birdland in New York City with The Lew Anderson Big Band up until 2006. It was there that he premiered his single, "Here’s to Frank", which received great acclaim from the enthusiastic audience at Birdland.

The Voice - Live:

Not many vocalists have performed with the most popular big band of all time - The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. From January 2001 to February 2009, Rob was the featured vocalist for this famous big band.

The affiliation has taken this great singer on tour with the Orchestra around the globe and all the way to the 2005 President’s Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C.

Rob will tell you that it has been his honor and privilege to perform with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under the direction of the legendary Buddy Morrow.

Buddy Morrow, who performed with The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, will tell you that Zappulla’s talent, his rich baritone voice, his own style and interpretation of the Great American Songbook, and his prior experiences as a professional, dynamic entertainer was a perfect match for the great Orchestra.

The Trumpet:

Rob grew up in Connecticut, where he had big dreams. As an 8-year old, he heard Harry James play the trumpet and the die was cast.

Rob studied at the prestigious Hartt School of Music. After school, he found work as a trumpeter with show bands such as The Barnum and Bailey Circus, The Box Tops, Lesley Gore and many other well known groups.

His professionalism and talent took him from a jazz and classical trumpeter, theater musician and conductor to performing with big bands and symphony orchestras.

Since 1980 to present, he has toured with several groups, opening for Tower of Power, The Temptations, The Drifters, The Shirelles, and Little Anthony and the Imperials, to name a few.

As a trumpeter, he can be heard on countless recordings with a variety of bands.

Rob’s incredible voice, superb trumpet playing, extraordinary style and showmanship continue to bring him tremendous accolades at major theaters, casinos and various venues
throughout the world.