Saying Goodbye To An Atlanta Jazz Musician, Sal Gentile

Guitarist Bill Hart pays tribute to an Atlanta jazz guitarist and friend, Sal Gentile. Rest in peace.

I first met Sal more than 30 years ago, backstage at a B.B. King and Neville Brothers concert. He struck up a conversation with me—no name-dropping, no ego—just pure love for music. I could feel it right away. He was the real deal—an old-school jazz guitarist, and he played a Gibson Super 400. His tone was everything you dream of in jazz guitar.

We talked for hours, and after that night, we kept in touch. At the time, I was deep into fusion jazz, but my foundation came from straight-ahead players like Sal. I was so drawn to his deep love for jazz. He was kind enough to invite me to play at his house and on gigs, and I was just honored.

I was head of the Guitar Department at the Atlanta Institute of Music (AIM), and I introduced Sal to AIM. He started teaching there—guiding semi-pro guitarists in a classroom full of eager students. But Sal didn’t care about levels; he just loved sharing music. He was a constant light.

Sal was born and raised in New York City, moved to New Orleans, and finally to Atlanta, Georgia—where I met him and his wife, Roberta, (Roe). They were together for 48 beautiful years, a partnership that carried him through every step of his music career. Sal lived with his guitar in his hands—day and night. He’d wake up with new musical ideas and call me just to share them.

Sal was a true artist. It was never about fame or him; it was always about the music. He lifted up everyone around him—singers, players, anyone who needed a chance. Even when he struggled with his health, he kept that bright, funny spirit—always positive, always making everyone feel special.

Sal and Roberta were the kindest souls—loved by everyone who crossed their path. Rest in peace, my dear friend Sal. Your music and spirit will be with us forever.

If you’re able, please consider contributing to his GoFundMe –

https://www.gofundme.com/f/salvatore-gentile?attribution_id=sl%3Abda46f25-3bbe-41fb-b2ba-0c7acf2ba3ed&lang=en_US&ts=1775094670&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_ta-amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0dz27unp&fbclid=IwY2xjawRPI51leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkU205blVOM1NIVnBsVEVRc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuneqzA0S-yGeDG5fU4gnYUBEehcQvaFdFc2TPnlp29xoHGx0urV6jpy5wli_aem_RW4iW1vD7eaqwFZDhR8EVQ

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