While attending Chamberlain High School, he was introduced to the double bass by band director Robert Price.
Plumeri played with many jazz greats including John Abercrombie, Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Yusef Lateef, Les McCann, Wayne Shorter, Frank Sinatra, Ralph Towner, and Joe Williams.
He performed, toured, and recorded with Roberta Flack from 1969 to 1974, playing electric and acoustic bass.
On the early morning of April 1, 2016, police responded to a well-being check at Plumeri's home in Dunnellon, Florida.
Early speculation was that his death was a result of a home invasion, possibly linked to a series of such crimes in Citrus County.