Rocco Scott LaFaro (April 3, 1936 – July 6, 1961) was an influential American jazz double bassist, perhaps best known for his seminal work with the Bill Evans Trio. 　　LaFaro entered college to study music but left during the early weeks of his sophomore year, when he joined Buddy Morrow and his big band. He left that organization in Los Angeles after a cross-country tour and decided to try his luck in the Los Angeles music scene. There, he quickly found work and became known as one of the best of the young bassists. LaFaro was vigorously disciplined, spending most of his days practicing his instrument. He practiced using a clarinet book to improve his facility. Bassist Red Mitchell also taught LaFaro how to pluck the strings with both the index and middle fingers independently, which also furthered his development. LaFaro spent much of 1958 in pianist/percussionist Victor Feldman's band.