The Mario Lanza story

This was the first and, until fairly recently, the most accurate of the biographies of this greatly talented but sadly misunderstood man. It is written by Maestro Constantine Callinicos and Ray Robinson. Callinicos was Lanza's conductor, accompanist and close friend. He conducted for Mario at his first RCA Victor recording session in 1949 and Callinicos toured with Lanza extensively up until the tenor's untimely death on October 7, 1959 in Rome, Italy. In general, a very good biography. A little light on details at times but the feeling is there and anyone interested in learning more about the magnificent talent that was Mario Lanza should not miss reading this biography. It tells the tale of the rough tough Italian-American kid from Phialdelphia with a God given voice, perhaps the greatest tenor voice the world has known. His rise to fame and the battle that waged within him once he sold his soul to Hollywood. He knew in his heart his voice was destined for the opera stage and Callinicos brings that fully out. During his short career, he was approached by La Scala, the Rome Opera, Covent Garden and the Metropolitan. In summary: Well written biography, light on details but compelling especially considering the closeness of the author to the subject. Mario Lanza: Born: Philadelphia, PA January 31, 1921 / Died: Rome, Italy October 7, 1959