After helping bring music to thousands of locals
over the past 40 years, Mancini Music will close its doors in September. The
store, which was owned and operated by popular jazz musician Mike Mancini, is
having a going-out-of-business sale now.
“It’s been around a long time and he certainly made
an impact on the community,” said Mary Mancini, Mike Mancini’s widow who
reopened the store last year. “And for that I have been so rewarded by the
people ... who had gotten instruments from Mr. Mancini and now they’re back
trying to get their kids instruments.
“It’s been a wonderful experience,” Mancini added.
“I think all of us would hope we leave that kind of an impact in an area we
live.”
In addition to trying to sell the store’s
inventory, the Mancini Music building at 115 N. Cedar Ave. also is up for sale.
Mike Mancini was a musician for more than 60 years.
After serving in the Navy aboard the USS Intrepid, he formed the Don Michaels
Orchestra in 1946 and began performing around the country. He appeared with
Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, and he played with Nat King Cole and
Marilyn Monroe at Madison Square Garden.
He could dazzle crowds with the saxophone, clarinet
and flute.
Mancini retired to the Emerald Coast in 1971 and
opened Mancini Music. Mary Mancini said her husband was famous for sharing
stories about his music career with customers.
Mancini eventually opened other Mancini Music
stores in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, but the Niceville store was always
his favorite. While the other two stores eventually closed, Mancini kept the
Niceville location open until he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008.
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