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Anthony Acquaviva, Composer, Dies at 61

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Anthony Acquaviva, a composer-conductor whose lush recordings with his wife, singer Joni James, sold millions of copies in the 1950s and ‘60s, died Saturday in Florida.

Acquaviva was 61 and died of complications of diabetes. He and his wife had moved to Florida from Beverly Hills many years ago after adopting two children.

A West Point graduate who served with the Army’s orchestral division from 1944 to 1948, Acquaviva met Miss James in a recording session. They were married in 1956 and he became her conductor and manager.

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He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a date not yet selected.

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