Local Musician and Bar Owner Lou Capozzolli Passes Away at 86
Philly music legend Lou Capozzolli, who ran his family's beloved South Philly institution Ray's Happy Birthday Bar for nearly three decades, has left the scene at the ripe age of 86. The news was shared on social media with a heartfelt tribute from the bar's reps.
Capozzoli took the reins of the iconic watering hole in 1997 after his dad, Ray, passed away. Ray had founded the spot back in 1938 and had instilled a tradition of greeting every patron by wishing them a happy birthday - a practice Capozzolli continued, with some notable additions.
The bar's welcoming atmosphere, complete with outdoor smoking sections and BYOF (bring your own food) policies, was largely due to Capozzolli's love of humor and music. He frequently brought the house down with comedy shows, open-mic nights, and karaoke performances.
But Capozzoli wasn't content to just hang out at Ray's; he made sure to make his presence known beyond the bar by fronting the Rage Band, a charismatic group that played saxophone and sang covers on the first Saturday of every month from October through April.
To celebrate their 85th anniversary in 2023, Capozzolli joined forces with local rockers Low Cut Connie to produce a three-song EP - a fitting tribute from fellow Philly musician Adam Weiner, who called him "one of the greatest men I've ever known."
Philly music legend Lou Capozzolli, who ran his family's beloved South Philly institution Ray's Happy Birthday Bar for nearly three decades, has left the scene at the ripe age of 86. The news was shared on social media with a heartfelt tribute from the bar's reps.
Capozzoli took the reins of the iconic watering hole in 1997 after his dad, Ray, passed away. Ray had founded the spot back in 1938 and had instilled a tradition of greeting every patron by wishing them a happy birthday - a practice Capozzolli continued, with some notable additions.
The bar's welcoming atmosphere, complete with outdoor smoking sections and BYOF (bring your own food) policies, was largely due to Capozzolli's love of humor and music. He frequently brought the house down with comedy shows, open-mic nights, and karaoke performances.
But Capozzoli wasn't content to just hang out at Ray's; he made sure to make his presence known beyond the bar by fronting the Rage Band, a charismatic group that played saxophone and sang covers on the first Saturday of every month from October through April.
To celebrate their 85th anniversary in 2023, Capozzolli joined forces with local rockers Low Cut Connie to produce a three-song EP - a fitting tribute from fellow Philly musician Adam Weiner, who called him "one of the greatest men I've ever known."
. He turned 86 and still throwing down like he was 26 again... minus the hangover 
. I mean, can you imagine a bar without karaoke or comedy nights? That's like a world without pizza or sports – unthinkable! RIP Lou, may your saxophone playing and jokes be forever remembered 
what's up w/ people passin away so young? 
86 seems like just yesterday... 
Lou Capozzolli was a true original, his bar Ray's Happy Birthday Bar is a piece of history now 
I remember readin' about him makin' the Rage Band special appearances at the bar, that sounds like so much fun! 
rips that he had to pass away at 86 tho... seems like his energy and spirit were always making people smile 
he was like a second dad to so many ppl in philly. all those funny stories & memories he created at ray's happy birthday bar will never be forgotten 
his legacy lives on through the rage band & low cut connie 
. He was definitely more than just a musician, though - he built this amazing community around his bar & music. RIP Lou 
. Was it all just some publicity stunt? idk, maybe i'm being too cynical 
I loved going to Ray's Happy Birthday Bar with my friends back in the day 
and karaoke nights were the best, how did he get into music & running a bar though? 86 is crazy old 
did he start at Ray's as a kid or was it more like when his dad passed away in '97 that he took over the reins?
he was more than just a musician or bar owner, he was like family to so many people in philly. every time my friends and i would go to rays happy birthday bar, it felt like we were part of the crew too... everyone knew everyone and lou would always make sure we had a good time 
.
I'm gonna miss Lou's energy and humor. Rest in peace, man! 
Can't believe another music legend has left us at 86 
. Lou Capozzolli was more than just a bar owner, he was an ambassador for good vibes in South Philly 
. I mean, the dude brought so much joy and music to South Philly and its people. His addition to the bar was a game-changer - who wouldn't want to come in for a laugh and some tunes? The fact that he kept his dad's tradition alive while putting his own spin on it is super admirable. And let's not forget about the Rage Band, that's just awesome! I'm glad Philly has Adam Weiner to keep his memory going with that EP. Now we gotta celebrate his life and music 
i'm gonna miss the comedy shows & karaoke nights 
it's crazy that he only left us at 86 tho! can we get a revival of those epic rage band performances?! 
. I mean, wouldn't it be nice if we could just get a notification or something? 