by Cookie Curci

The list of popular Italian American singers is a long one, it includes Ezio Pinza, (1892-1957) the great voice from Broadway's "South Pacific"; Frankie Laine, born Frank Paul LoVecchio, recorded hit after hit in the 1940s and '50s, tunes such as, "Jealously", "That's My Desire", "High Noon" and theme from TV's "Rawhide"; Vic Damone, was born Vito Farinola in 1928 (Damone is his mother's maiden name) and holds the honor of being Frank Sinatra's favorite singer. Quote, "He's got the best pipes in the business" said Sinatra. Damone has recorded some 2,000 songs. Some of his many hits include: "I Have But One Heart", and "On The Street Where You Live", each song sold over 3 million copies; Night club performer Jimmy Roselli, that other talented singer from Hoboken, continues to wow audiences at Trump Plaza. Rosselli's life has been an exciting one, so much so, Hollywood is in the process of filming his life story, "Standing Room Only", starring John Travolta. Bobby Darin (Walden Robert Cassato) (1936-1972) started out as a rock & roll singer in the 1950s, but his version of "Mack The Knife" made him a favorite of all generations. Louis Prima, combined New Orleans blues, rock, jazz and pop to create his own unique brand of music, a style that is still revered by his faithful followers. Julius La Rosa recorded the hit song, "Eh, Cumpari", and created a standard tune played at every Italian-Americn festival and celebration: Lou Monte, brought humor to Italian pop music with his recordings of "Pepino The Italian Mouse" and "The Sheik Of Araby". Sergio Franchi (born Francesco Benenato 1932-1990) helped fill the void left behind by the great voices of Caruso and Lanza. Don Cornell (1930) (Luigi Francisco Varlaro) was as good as the best and proved it by recording 12 gold hits in 12 years (1950 to 1962) among them: "It Isn't Fair", "I'm Yours", "Hold My Hand," and "Heart Of My Hearts".

Part 1: Colombo, Sinatra and Martin
Part 2: Perry Como & Mario Lanza
Part 3: Martino, Bennett & Vale
Part 5: The Italian-American Singer

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