Anthony “Tony” Emedio DeNicola (September 2, 1927 – September 2, 2006) was a jazz drummer and educator best known for his work with Harry James, Clark Terry and Kenny Davern.  The Lawrenceville native was also a professor at The College of New Jersey and the founder of College’s Jazz Ensemble.

According to one obituary, DeNicola’s big break came when singer and eventual entertainment mogul Merv Griffin heard him playing in a Trenton nightclub.  Griffin recruited him for Freddie Martin’s band, and that led to him becoming friends with famed bandleader Harry James. He also began a long association with clarinetist Kenny Davern, and led his own quartet.

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