Anthony Corbiscello, big band leader

HARRINGTON PARK, N.J. -- Anthony Corbiscello, a drummer and big-band leader who performed at Lincoln Center and opened for Frank Sinatra, died of cancer Sunday at his home in Bergen County. He was 53.

''He was a very dedicated musician, and he always treated his musicians fairly," his father, Nicholas, told The Record of Bergen County.

The younger Mr. Corbiscello played the drums and led the Tony Corbiscello Big Band.

The group played with such entertainers as Bob Hope and performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. In 1992, Mr. Corbiscello was chosen to open for Frank Sinatra's final world tour because of his ability to play the drums in the style of both Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa.

''Tony was a wonderful person," said Martin Pizzarelli, a bassist with Mr. Corbiscello on the Sinatra tour. ''He always knew how to light up a room."