Roots

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “root” as, “That from which anything derives origin, growth, or support, or life and vigor.” There is no doubt that the root of John Vento’s passion for music is derived from his Mother’s side of the family, The Amen’s, from Pittsburgh’s historic Larimer Avenue section of East Liberty, were a family with a tremendous musical legacy dating back to the early 1900’s. Primarily of Italian descent, the Amen family had it’s share of characters and gangsters, but it was always best known for producing great musicians.

This page is a tribute to John’s roots and most importantly to his family who provided life and vigor through their love of music. To this day one of John’s biggest supporter’s is his uncle, Anthony “Herb” Amen. Herb has appeared in countless movies (Hoffa, The Cemetery Club, Wonder Boys, Inspector Gadget, Citizen Cohen, Money For Nothing, Mothman Prophecies, etc) as an extra. He is known throughout Pittsburgh as a one of a kind original. As a gift for his Uncle Anthony, John wrote and recorded a song in 2004 entitled “Old Neighborhood”.  Click the link below to hear “Old Neighborhood”.

Old Neighborhood – 2003 – John Vento

 

One of Vento’s most famous relatives from the Amen family is jazz guitarist legend Ron Anthony. Though Ron is best known for his longtime partnership with Frank Sinatra, his career in writing, recording, performing, and teaching stands on it’s own. Click here to visit Ron’s web site .