On March 22, 2023, Graziella DiNuzzo interviewed Gloria DeFrancesco, wife and manager of Joey DeFrancesco. Mrs. DeFrancesco will present a tribute and celebration for Joey DeFrancesco on April 1, 2023 at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts.
How long were you and Joey married? When did you start working as his manager?
Joey and I were married for eleven years and I was his manager for nine years. We met later in life. I am from Toronto. Joey performed at a club called the Bermuda Onion which was above a club I used to attend. He used to say “why didn’t we meet earlier?
What is it like to manage your husband?
Using that word was always awkward. We just worked together and made things happen. We were meant for each other. Joey was happy with the way we worked together. We built everything together, learning from past mistakes. He was happy playing in small clubs or big festivals and would never pass up the opportunity to perform.
I wore many hats – tour manager, wife, best friend, travel agent, whatever it took. Joey took care of the music and I took care of everything else.
Did Joey talk about his time in Philadelphia and the Clef Club?
Yes, Joey would share stories about the Clef Club, Settlement Music and growing up in and around Philadelphia all the time. One of the first times I was in Philadelphia we were driving up Broad Street, Joey spotted Mr. Hines walking down the street. Joey pulled over, jumped out of the car and it was big hugs all around. Mr. Hines and his wife Carla are family – always so pleasant and loving and caring. Everyone there is striving and continuing to offer music and education to young students who need it. I am happy that Joey was part of that history and that it will continue.
What does this tribute to Joey mean to you?
I know I wanted to do something to celebrate Joey in Philadelphia. Joey’s birthday is April 10th so I thought we could do something around that.
It was important for me to do something in Philadelphia where his friends, family and fans from the city can come together and celebrate Joey’s love for the music and the city. I want to celebrate everything about him…his music…his love for the city and his joyful spirit.
When Joey was performing at the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival it began to rain heavily. Instead of leaving the stage, Joey decided to stand on the organ bench and continue to play. Is that typical Joey?
Yes. He would do that and I would just hold my breath, pray, shake my head and laugh. He was always very funny and made me laugh. His music will continue to uplift spirits worldwide and I will always celebrate the incredible blessing that is Joey DeFrancesco.