Johnny Prophet (Profeta) R.I.P.

"Johnny Prophet"John Profeta, known to most by his stage name, "Johnny Prophet" graced this world for 87 years. He passed away on July 24, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. John was a longtime resident of San Pedro, CA and chose to live his golden years in sunny Palm Desert, CA, with his loving wife, Shirley. Born of Italian descent, John entered this world on March 15, 1925 in Rochester, NY. After graduating from Monroe High School in 1940, he attended the famous Eastman School of Music where he studied trumpet. He then joined the Navy. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he sang with the big band of famed violinist Joe Venuti. He them met his first wife, Ellen Leigh; they were married and had 3 children. He sang in small nightclubs until he got noticed by Frank Sinatra in the late 1950s. He was then signed with Reprise Records where he recorded several albums. He then relocated his family to Las Vegas where he had the great privilege of working with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr. and many other greats. He worked the Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada circuit for many years. He had a very good life and was living his dream. He had a great career and a family that he loved very much. After traveling for years, he worked small nightclubs that were local, since he did not want to keep uprooting his children. He worked locally at the Del Rae Club, Fullerton, Gallaretos, Peppy's, both in Torrance and San Pedro. John was preceded in death by his first wife, Ellen Leigh Profeta and his second wife, Shirley Ann Profeta. John is survived by his three children, Lee Ann Marinkovich (Vince), John Profeta, Jr. and Melissa Prophet; brother, Joseph Profeta, Jr.; sisters, Janet Roehlk and Sheryl Stevens; grandchildren, Anthony Marinkovich (Lilly), John Marinkovich (Kristen), Vinnie Marinkovich, Chris Profeta (Rebecca) and Shaun Profeta; as well as his great-grandchildren, Lauren Marinkovich, Liam Marinkovich and Jaden John Marinkovich; and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his many fans and mostly by his family. One thing is most comforting, "We will always have his music." "But now he is singing to Jesus." Private services were held. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. and share memories atwww.mcnerneysmortuary.com.


                                                  ***


Here is a link to one of my several blog posts about Prophet. Obviously I eventually tracked him down. I might add that I feel there is a case for deeming Prophet the most-under-rated of all the purveyors  of the Great American Songbook.