Born on June 16, 1936. From Staten Island, NY. Was gifted at visual art as well as music (he still draws). Became interested in jazz in teens. Began playing gigs around NY soon after. First big break came when he was an early guitarist with Brother Jack McDuff in the early '60s. Also worked with organist Reuben Wilson around this time, and recorded with McDuff along with Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, George Braith, and in 1970 Thinking of Home, Hank Mobley. Also played with many names on the Latin scene. Worked at the Folklore Center and other locations as a guitar repairman through 1983. Moved to Poughkeepsie, NY in 1984, where he worked as a guitar repairman, and continued to perform. Solo CD, Well, Here it Is, was released in 2006. It co-starred Hank Jones, piano, and also featured John Webber, bass, and Mickey Roker, drums. In 2010 Bart Thrall made The Eddie Diehl Movie, featuring a long interview about his life and work, and including performances with bassist Lou Pappas. Mr. Diehl has performed twice before at Smalls, in 2 guitar groups with Joel Fass and Ilya Lushtak...He celebrates his 80th birthday tonight with this hand-picked group. A swinging time is guaranteed for all!