Guitarist Extraordinaire

Jerry Topinka began playing guitar in May of 1954, quickly displaying a passion for the instrument. Jerry studied with two of the top guitarists of the time – Al Caiola and Joe Cinderella. At the age of 16, Jerry began playing professionally and in 1964 was a featured jazz guitarist in a Bergen County nightclub. Les Paul stopped by many Saturday nights to hear Jerry play. Today, Jerry’s venues range from intimate jazz clubs to major corporate fund-raising events, plus special guest appearances with his long-time friend, Les Paul, at the Iridium in NYC.

In the mid- to late-1970s, Jerry toured the country playing in the top Las Vegas clubs - the Stardust, Hilton, Aladdin, and Sands - playing alongside stars such as Buddy Rich and Gloria Gaynor. Jerry accompanied Stephanie Mills and recorded a duet of “Danny Boy” with Al Green. He toured extensively with the band Chailo, whose 1978 song "Joanie" received significant radio play leading to an enthusiastic write-up of the band in Billboard magazine.