Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

January 31, 1921 in Philadelphia, PA

Death

:

October 7, 1959 in Rome, Italy

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Mario Lanza was an American tenor and actor who rose to fame in the 1950s as one of the most popular classical music artists of his time. Born on January 31, 1921, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lanza was the fourth of five children of Italian immigrants. His father, Antonio Cocozza, was a coal miner who later became a baker, and his mother, Maria Lanza, was a homemaker. Lanza showed an early interest in music and began singing in his church choir at the age of seven. He also took piano lessons and later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. As a teenager, Lanza worked in his father's bakery and sang in local clubs and theaters. He also studied at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music and the Curtis Institute of Music. In 1942, Lanza was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a cook in the Special Services division. He continued to sing and perform in Army shows and concerts, and his talent was noticed by the famous conductor Serge Koussevitzky, who invited him to audition for the Berkshire Music Center in Tanglewood, Massachusetts. Lanza was accepted and spent the summer of 1945 studying with Koussevitzky and other renowned musicians. After his discharge from the Army, Lanza returned to Philadelphia and resumed his singing career. He performed in local operas and concerts and was soon discovered by the Hollywood producer Louis B. Mayer, who signed him to a contract with MGM Studios. Lanza made his film debut in the 1949 musical "That Midnight Kiss," co-starring with Kathryn Grayson. The film was a box office success, and Lanza's performance was praised by critics and audiences alike. Lanza's next film, "The Toast of New Orleans" (1950), was even more successful, and he became a major star. He went on to make several more films, including "The Great Caruso" (1951), "Serenade" (1956), and "For the First Time" (1959). In these films, Lanza showcased his powerful and expressive voice, singing a variety of classical and popular songs. In addition to his film career, Lanza also had a successful recording career. He recorded for RCA Victor and Columbia Records and released several albums of classical and popular music. His most famous recordings include "Be My Love," "Because You're Mine," and "The Loveliest Night of the Year." Lanza's recordings sold millions of copies and made him one of the best-selling classical music artists of his time. Lanza's live performances were also highly acclaimed. He performed in concerts and operas around the world, including at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and the Royal Opera House in London. He also gave several concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, which were attended by thousands of fans. Despite his success, Lanza's personal life was often troubled. He struggled with his weight and health problems, and his behavior became increasingly erratic. He was known for his temper and his tendency to cancel performances at the last minute. He also had several run-ins with the law, including a 1957 arrest for assault and battery. Lanza's career began to decline in the late 1950s, partly due to his health problems and personal issues. He made his last film, "For the First Time," in 1959 and gave his last concert in 1960. He died on October 7, 1959, at the age of 38, from a heart attack. Despite his short career, Mario Lanza left a lasting legacy as one of the greatest classical music artists of his time.

More....