Mario Lanza 1921 - 1959
In his brief thirty eight years he blazed his way to stardom with a voice that was second to none - really, second to none. He was the son of Italian immigrants and was born in the Philadelphia, USA. He started singing to become professional at the age of fifteen. Many refer to him as the greatest voice of the twentieth century after instant success in Hollywood movies. Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s this man shone brightly in so many wonderful musicals. He was a joy to behold when seeing him on the big screen.
He only appeared on Opera stage twice and each time was successful, though he did too few performances to a have proper critic over all. What little he did in this field was extremely good however and could, no doubt, have contributed much more had he lived longer.
He was quickly signed up my MGM to make a number of films the first being Midnight Kiss and from this movie came the beautiful hit song; Celete Aida. This was followed by another movie called Toast of New Orleans and another hit song called, Be My Love. Then he got the starring role as his tenor idol Enrico Caruso 1873 – 1921 in which Mario Lanza played the Enrico in The Great Caruso. From this film came another hit song; The Loveliest Night of the Year. After this came the movie; Because You’re Mine which won an Academy Award.
Like all genius however, he had some flaws. Off film set, he often got into arguments with directors. After recording the soundtrack for The Student Prince he walked out of the movie project because of an argument over his conduct. He was known to be very ambitious and tough, but along with this he possessed a rebellious streak which often erupted into conflict with those he worked with. He had an addiction to overeating and alcohol. Finally he suffered and died of a heart attack at the age of just thirty eight in Rome.
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