Quick Facts
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Philip Joseph Patelmo (January 28, 1926 – December 3, 1998) was a stand up comedian and impressionist known by his stage name Phil Jaye.Raised in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he performed for many years as part of a comedy and singing duo, The Jaye Brothers, with partner Jerry Jaye Aiena, and as a solo act.
Early life
Phil Jaye was born and raised in a predominantly Italian community near Columbus Square Playground in South Philadelphia, the son of Thomas and Philomena Patelmo. He attended South Philadelphia High School. At 18 years old, Jaye went into the Armed Services and was stationed in Europe during World War II, where he was a machine gunner in an Army pill box until the Special Services (USO) took him out of the pill box and made him a drummer and a comedian. After the army he returned to Philadelphia and began a career in the shoe repair business in the bottom level of Wanamaker's department store. He met and married Jean Maiorano, his wife of fifty years.
The Jaye Brothers
By the 1950s, Phil teamed up with Jerry Aiena, a local singer and piano player, creating The Jaye Brothers, a comedy, dancing and singing duo. The Jaye Brothers were known for their recording of "Rag Mop". The Jaye Brothers performed at area nightclubs like Palumbo's, Sciolla's, and the 500 Club in Atlantic City and the summer circuit in Wildwood, New Jersey, as well as New York City's Latin Quarters, Las Vegas' Thunderbird and tours of Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
Solo performer
Jerry "Jaye" grew tired of the traveling and by the late sixties decided to leave show business. Phil Jaye made the decision to go solo, and he continued to perform for several decades. He told jokes and did musical impersonations performers such as Dean Martin, Anthony Newley, Louie Armstrong, Louis Prima and Boris Karloff.
Phil Jaye was a regular participant in the Variety Club's "Old News Boys Day" charity event.He also hosted the Annual Phil Jaye Celebrity Golf Tournament to aid the American Cancer Society.
Death
Phil "Jaye" Patelmo died on December 3, 1998 of colon cancer.He and his wife Jean had one daughter, Maria, who is now a Pennsylvania state representative.
Television appearances
- Dick Clark's Band Stand
- Paul Winchell Show
- Arthur Gofrey Show
- Jackie Gleason Show
- Jerry Blavat Show
- PBS "South Philadelphia Italian Style"
Recordings
Rag Mop"....."The Old Two Beat"...."Ain't Nobody Here but us Chicckens",.."Pizza"(Wynne Records)Album: The Singing Comedians"....Strand Records
Movies
"The BLock" (Myers & Benson Production); "Straw to an Inside straight (Saber Productions); "Disk-O-Tek Holiday" (Allied Artist)