Vincent Anthony "Vince" Guaraldi (born Vincent Anthony Dellaglio; July 17, 1928 – February 6, 1976) was an American jazz musician and pianist noted for his innovative compositions and arrangements and for composing music for animated adaptations of the Peanuts comic strip. Guaraldi was born in San Francisco, California's North Beach area, a place that became very important to his blossoming musical career. Vince’s last name changed to Guaraldi after his mother Carmella Guaraldi (née Marcellino) divorced his biological father (whose last name was Dellaglio) and Vince was adopted by his stepfather, Tony Guaraldi. He was the nephew of musician, singer, and whistler Muzzy Marcellino. Vince graduated from Lincoln High School, attended San Francisco State University, and served as an Army cook in the Korean War.