John Pizzarelli, the world-renowned guitarist and singer, has established himself as a prime contemporary interpreter of the Great American Songbook and beyond, with a repertoire that includes Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and The Beatles. His wildly successful Midnight McCartney had its origins in McCartney’s Grammy Award-winning 2012 album, Kisses on the Bottom. Pizzarelli played guitar on 10 of the album’s 14 tracks and backed Sir Paul at an iTunes concert at Capitol Records Studios and the Grammy Awards. 

Pizzarelli’s solo recording career began in 1990 with My Blue Heaven on Chesky Records. He played clubs and concert halls on the jazz circuit, opening for such greats as Dave Brubeck, Ramsey Lewis and Rosemary Clooney. In 1993, he opened for Frank Sinatra’s international tour and then joined in the celebration for his 80th birthday at Carnegie Hall. 

In addition to being a bandleader and solo performer, John has been a special guest on recordings for major pop names such as James Taylor, Natalie Cole, Kristin Chenoweth, Rickie Lee Jones and Dave Van Ronk, as well as leading jazz artists including: Rosemary Clooney, Ray Brown, Johnny Frigo, Ruby Braff, Buddy DeFranco, Harry Allen and, of course, his father Bucky Pizzarelli. 

John has performed on national television shows including “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Conan,” “Great Performances” on PBS, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as the talk shows of Jay Leno, David Letterman, and Regis Philbin. Pizzarelli performs annual fall engagements at the Café Carlyle with Jessica Molaskey.

A radio personality who started in the medium in 1984, Pizzarelli is co-host, alongside Jessica Molaskey, of the nationally syndicated “Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli.” 

His latest album is For Centennial Reasons: 100 Year Salute to Nat King Cole, available from Ghostlight Deluxe.

In this episode, John shares his one way ticket back to 1954 New York City. He also reflects on the life, work and greatness of Nat King Cole, collaborating with the likes of Rosemary Clooney and Sir Paul McCartney, and tells us what goes through his mind when he's on stage performing.

John is just one of the dynamic guests featured on The One Way Ticket Show, where Host Steven Shalowitz explores with his guests where they would go if given a one way ticket, no coming back! Destinations may be in the past, present, future, real, imaginary or a state of mind.

Steven's guests have included: Nobel Peace Prize Winner, President Jose Ramos-Horta; Legendary Talk Show Host, Dick Cavett; Law Professor, Alan Dershowitz; Fashion Expert, Tim Gunn; Broadcast Legend, Charles Osgood; International Rescue Committee President & CEO, David Miliband; Playwright, David Henry Hwang; Journalist-Humorist-Actor, Mo Rocca; SkyBridge Capital Founder & Co-Managing Partner, Anthony Scaramucci; Abercrombie & Kent Founder, Geoffrey Kent; Travel Expert, Pauline Frommer, as well as leading photographers, artists, chefs, writers, intellectuals and more.