It is with a sad heart that I share the news of one incredible artist, friend of mine, Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award winning singer, as well as, internationally acclaimed composer & songwriter, to which I am 1 of his 100s of 1,000s of worldwide fans, has passed away. REST IN PEACE dear Phil Naro. ♡

PHIL NARO RIP. Statement from his family-
It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our son, father, friend, and musician Phillip Sampognaro, known professionally as Phil Naro. Phil fought a valiant battle against cancer over the last few years but left this earth last night
surrounded by his family and closest friends. A citizen of both The United States and Canada, he died at his home in Rochester. Funeral arrangements and tributes will be announced shortly. He is survived by sons James and John; brother Joseph; and his mother, Maria, who he loved dearly. Phil was one of those rare individuals known as a “singer’s singer.” A staple of both the Canadian and US music scene, Phil had become a mainstay in venues ranging from clubs to large performing arts centers and massive arenas. He had just completed the debut album from the band LIPS TURN BLUE (formerly D Drive) which had secured a worldwide record deal, and a reunion album with Billy Sheehan & Talas, of which he was a member in the 1980s. Phil had successfully balanced an in-demand solo career with a number of high-profile projects with other superstar musicians from bands such as The Rascals, Vanilla Fudge, Whitesnake, Yes, ASIA, and guitarist Ron Thal (ex-Guns N Roses) as a member of The Platinum Rock All Stars. Phil was capable of an extraordinary number of music styles all built around his unmistakably powerful voice. Fortunately, Phil left us with an extraordinary amount of recorded music, which will allow his artistic legacy to live on forever.

♡
“With every song I sing, I want to touch people’s hearts— let them feel the passion  I have for music.”—Phil Naro. I was addicted to his Toronto Ozone Baby the stupendous Led Zepplin Tribute’s sold out concerts over the years, but Phil was oh so much more, he was a legend!!!. Phil Naro had been passionate about making music his entire life. Growing up in a predominately rock ‘n’ roll environment, he embraced the culture and gradually developed into that rarified genre of musician— a “singer’s” singer/songwriter.” 

It was that unique talent that skyrocketed him into an international music career. During this time, Phil also successfully balanced an in-demand solo career, performing with many of the top 80’s hard rock bands including, Yngwie Malmsteen, Anthrax, White Lion, Quiet Riot, and Iron Maiden. 

Ultimately, he paired his powerful voice on a number of recording projects with KISS founding member Peter Criss and later with Canadian rocker Coney Hatch.

Phil also co-wrote three songs for Canadian Artist, Lee Aaron for her 1989 Album, Bodyrock, which went Double Platinum. 

Naro’s continuing stream of singing and songwriting triumphs made him a celebrated performer across both the American and Canadian music scenes.  It also earned him notice from other music celebrities, which led to star power collaborations . 

1 of my fondest moments was capturing his solo essence at a private event where I had this to share, “Phil amazed the audience with his vocal range, spanning 4 octaves.  He introduced his original “Black & Blue” and got Kevin and I cuddling on the dance floor to Alice Cooper’s  “Only Woman Bleed” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Yes.  He cut into a more current era featuring his version of  “Wonder Wall” by Oasis showing his versatility.

Once again, Sept. 2017, my words expressed how extactic I was to see Phil perform again, sadly that was my last time enjoying him live from Toronto’s historical Opera House. Proud to share how I felt that night, “Back by Popular demand non other than Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award Winning singer/song-writer performer & composer, 1 of the top sought after vocalists in the world, Mr. Phil Naro & the Canadian Premier Led Zepplin Tribute, Ozone Baby. Another KISS CF Goodbye return veteran performer, they took you to another dimension, back to the late 60’s, what a trip. These sensational seasoned musical veterans, Phil Naro as front man/vocalist, bassist/keyboards Enzo Lapadula, guitarist Steve Major & drummer Glen Nash took you to the highest level of Led Zeppelin, truly magical. They hone their crafts while mastering the bonanza of Led Zepplin’s indulgent masterpieces, totally surpassing my expectations, as this was my 1^st Ozone Baby experience. The audience doubled upon the first chord & Phil’s alluring vocals led the adventure with Ramble On, placing you in the rock & roll frame of mind, setting the tone of the night. Their version of Black Dog was stupendous & the audience sang loud & proud taking over the vocals with the loudest & most seductive ah ah-ah, ah-ah, ahh‘s I have yet to hear. The riveting deluxe Led Zepplin hits Ozone Baby expressed were thoroughly triumphant. I found their versions of All of My Love, Misty Mountain Hop, (the Bluesy hit) Since I Been Lovin’ You, Your Time Is Gonna Come, Kashmir, Stairway To Heaven, Whole Lotta Love & Rock and Roll were virtually expansive, leaving me breathless. These legendary songs have stood the test of musical time with 49 years & still going strong on the air ways, attracting younger & younger generations & the same can be said about Ozbone Baby, their shows are massive & magically nostalgic, a sell out funerific groovy time. Stay in tune” at http://www.philnaro.com/ozone_baby 

Rest in peace Phil Naro, you are deeply missed!