Johnny Adams

Johnny Adams of Carmel Highlands passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 26 at the age of 89 years old. Johnny was given the birth name of Ettore Maffezzoli when he was born to his loving parents Armando and Placida Maffezzoli in Trenton, New Jersey. When Johnny moved to the Monterey Peninsula in the late 1940's from Trenton, New Jersey to reside in Pacific Grove with his parents Armando, Placida and sister Edie, Johnny never envisioned becoming a disc-jockey and musical icon. Prior to his trip west, Johnny served as a co-pilot in the United States Navy from 1944 -1946 during World War II.

In 1952, Johnny was influenced to become a disc-jockey after meeting broadcaster Sam Salerno, who listened to Johnny's resonant voice and encouraged him to attend the Don Martin School of Radio Arts in Hollywood. Upon completion of this broadcaster school, Sam coined Johnny his new radio name of Johnny Adams, which has been his name longer than his birth name.Johnny's love was "JAZZ" and he played all the jazz charts on several local radio stations, and during his career, he interviewed all the greats of the jazz world, from Billy Holiday, Mel Torme, Louis Belson, Duke Ellington, June Christy, and many, many more. His idol was Frank Sinatra. When Clint Eastwood made his directorial debut and starred in the movie "Play Misty For Me" in 1971 that was filmed exclusively on the Monterey Peninsula and at radio station KRML in Carmel, Johnny tutored Clint on the nuances of being a disc jockey. They became friends and Clint later gave Johnny a "bit" part in the Charlie Parker movie "Bird". Clint has mentioned that his inspiration to make the movie "Play Misty For Me" was based on the life of Johnny Adams. Johnny attended Monterey Peninsula College in the 50's, was a great roller skater, and he was known to hold his own on the dance floor. He was proud and boastful of his fabulous record collection, numbering some 30 thousand long playing records. Johnny has lived in the Carmel Highlands for some 60 years, living in the "round house". His love was going to the casinos to play the "slots" and tinkering with his classic '46 Ford coupe, his '53 Ford sedan, and his 1976 Cadillac convertible. Lest we not forget, Johnny was responsible for the "jazz" format at radio station KRML in Carmel. Johnny is proceeded in death by his beloved parents Armando and Placida and Johnny's nephew Bruce Miller, who passed away the day before Johnny. Johnny is survived by his loving sister, Edie Balistreri, brother-in-law Benny Balistreri, nephew Fred Hardee, nieces Debby Beck and Pati Miller all of Pacific Grove and Dyan Dickson of Henderson, Nevada and 10 great nieces and nephews and their children. The Monterey Peninsula has truly lost a musical icon..."JOHNNY ADAMS, AND ALL THAT JAZZ!"

A memorial service will be held on Saturday December 6 at 2:00 pm at The Paul Mortuary, 390 Lighthouse Ave in Pacific Grove.