Born and raised in the ‘burbs of Long Island, Linda began playing the organ at the age of nine and by the time she was sixteen she was playing piano and singing with a progressive rock band at the local clubs. Linda’s love for the art of improvisation lead her to study in New York City with jazz great Hal Galper, who, at the time, was the pianist for the legendary saxophonist Phil Woods.
The band eventually evolved into a jazz quintet featuring John Calisto on guitar, Brian Miller on drums and Carl Loschiavo on bass. By age nineteen, Linda and the group named ‘Round Midnight was performing at prestigious places like “Sonny’s Place” where jazz legends such as Count Basie, Sarah Vaughn and other jazz greats often visited. The group also opened for drummer Buddy Rich at “My Father’s Place” in Roslyn, and often jammed with jazz drummer and bandleader, Roy Haynes at the “Hobbit Hole” in Selden. At that time, the band brought saxophonist Stan Delman on board. The band began to perform in Manhattan at small jazz and folk clubs. To make ends meet, they also began playing local parties and weddings that broadened their spectrum of music. They eventually became the house band at “Gurney’s Inn” on the east end of Long Island.
Linda became increasingly restless and unsatisfied while pursuing a music career. Desperately trying to be the absolute best at her craft, she realized that she could never be “good enough”. Yes, perhaps “good enough” measured by the standards in our culture, but in reality, she felt she could never quite become the musician she aspired to be. These senses of emptiness lead to deep questions about her own spiritual and human condition.
In the late 70‘s while performing in a local pub, a young musician befriended the band; while music was his livelihood, the Bible was his life. He brought the truth of scripture to Linda. The words “good enough” took on a whole new meaning to her and with fear and trembling she realized that she truly was not “good enough” and never could be the person God intended her to be without Him. She put her faith and trust in God and in God’s provision to redeem exclusively through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
- John 3:17
The pressure she placed upon herself was replaced with the unconditional love and acceptance of her Lord. As Linda’s life dramatically changed she began attending a Bible study every Monday night lead by this extraordinary, a little off kilter musician. He knew the scriptures and had an amazing knowledge of biblical history and the early church fathers. She studied with this little group and grew in the faith.
By the late 80’s Linda began recording her own music and eventually became a worship leader of a small local “Calvary Chapel” church located in the heart of Patchogue in New York. Coming from such an unconventional spiritual upbringing, “the church” was a whole new world for her. Linda’s Pastor, was taught under the headship of Chuck Smith, founder of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, in California. By this time Linda’s musical goals and direction greatly changed.
In 1991, the band ‘Round Midnight played its final gig, and Linda began playing solo gigs performing in restaurants and cafe throughout Long Island. Longtime friend and saxophonist, Stan Delman moved to New Jersey to continue his education. He attained his masters and and became a school psychologist in the New Jersey school district. For the remainder of his years he lived in Pennsylvania and continued to work with Linda while playing with local musicians.
Linda continued to teach piano and record her original music with producers, Chris Patti and John Tabacco releasing her first cd entitled “She Wears A Dress” which was pre-produced by Chris and John then later recorded in Denver, Colorado by Calvary Chapel Music and eventually released in 1998. Linda also began ministry abroad and went on her first mission’s trip to Caracas, Venezuela, which opened her eyes and heart even further.
In 1991, Linda met and married Vincent Cusumano and soon after, their daughter Stephanie was born.
Linda began to attend a more conservative mainstream church and eventually became worship leader and over seer of Grace Gospel Church worship teams located in Patchogue, New York. In late 2003, she and saxophonist, Stan Delman thought it would be fun to record some Christmas music. They used the proceeds to help fund Christian missions. In 2006, Linda released a piano prayer & meditation cd entitled, “IN HIS PRESENCE”
Linda led worship with Christian Speaker and Author Ellie Lofaro at “The Joy of the Journey” Women’s Conference in Tuscarora, Pennsylvania. Ellie often travels with Christian artist, Kathy Troccoli, who Linda has also had the privilege to work with.
Linda and her daughter Stephanie spent the summer of 2008 raising funds to send thirty teens and twenty adults, her and her daughter included, from Grace Gospel’s youth group to Greensburg, Kansas to aid in the recovery of the F-5 Tornado in 2007 that devastated the community of Greensburg. Pryor to leaving for Greensburg, she performed a jazz concert sponsored by Frank & Camille’s Piano’s at their recital hall to contribute to this endeavor.
It was August of 2009, when a young teen from Linda’s daughter’s youth group passed away suddenly, his mother requested his favorite songs for Linda to sing at his funeral Service. Linda was so moved with a true compassion that she was compelled to write the title track of her CD “ Joshua’s Song “ and dedicate it to Joshua’s parents, Rosemary & Ben Mahler in memory of their son, Joshua. This CD was released in 2010 Funds raised from the sale of ”Joshua’s Song” went to help support the 2010 Missions trip to “The Joy Ranch” home for children.
In 2013, Linda began performing in theaters beginning with“Joplin’s Pearl Show” and "Us & Floyd"
( Pink Floyd Tribute Band) She has performed with “One Hot Night” ( Neil Diamond Tribute Band),
“Blue Bayou” ( Linda Ronstadt Tribute Band) , and with 70's Dance Band "In The Groove"in the summer of 2018
In November of 2017, Linda debuted her own band called "Tapestry" performing the songbook of Carole King. In 2020, Linda has recorded her first ever jazz cd entitled "Jazz Remembered" Linda and her family have relocated and now reside in West Palm Beach, Florida. As of 2021, Linda is performing with a Fleetwood Mac Tribute band "True Rumours" led by guitarist Eddie Jelley and has recently joined "Life In Technicolor" A Coldplay Tribute Band led by drum extraordinaire John Favicchia.
