1949
Mario Lanza, the spectacular voice and pride of Little Italy.
A descendent of Abruzzi, Mario Lanza (1921-1959) was born Alfred Cocozza in Philadelphia's Little Italy. His father, a disabled veteran, and his mother, a seamstress, were so enamored of him that they overly indulged him thereby neglecting to instill a sense of self-discipline. As a youngster Mario displayed a penchant for singing, however, he quit school and worked for a time as a piano mover. Mario took some formal lessons with accomplished and noted professionals including Serge Koussevitsky whom he astonished. He equally impressed The New York Times music critic, who upon hearing him sing at a festival in 1942, when Lanza was only 21, proclaimed him one of the finest tenors of the day. Lanza's entrance into the Army in World War II not only interrupted his career, but also demonstrated a vulnerability -- his inability to adjust to changing circumstances leading to bouts of depression and rapid weight gains that would mark his later career. Because of his great voice he was assigned to special services and appeared in a couple of military-sponsored shows. Following his separation from the Army, Lanza went to New York where he trained intermittently with Metropolitan Opera luminaries whom he impressed with his powerful voice, startling breath control, and sense of spontaneity. He also briefly performed on radio and appeared in concerts that brought stunning fame. More critics joined in the chorus of praise for this naturally exceptionally gifted tenor. When he replaced the noted opera great Ferrucio Tagliavini in 1947, the result astounded audience and critics alike as the undoubted forerunner of the next generation of tenors.
Interestingly, although opera seemed his natural trajectory, Lanza appeared in only one full-length legitimate opera -"Madame Butterfly". From the late 1940s and for the next several years making films would occupy him. Beginning with "That Midnight Kiss" in 1949 he made eight movies altogether, the most important of these being the “Toast of New Orleans" in which he sang one of his greatest hits, "Be My Love" and "The Great Caruso." The latter, his best film seemed so fittingly appropriate for Lanza in that he, as an upcoming tenor and prospective successor to Enrico Caruso, played the part of the greatest of all tenors. His bouts with depression and rapid weight gain limited his role in “The Student Prince" to singing as a voice-over for actor Edmund Purdom who appeared on the screen as the prince. During the late 1950s Lanza tried to revive his waning career by performing in Italy and other countries. For a time he was very productive in making numerous recordings including memorable Neapolitan favorites, and a worthy film performance. Unfortunately the old problems of depression returned and in addition he became seriously ill succumbing in 1959, leaving a widow and four children. He also left a legacy -that of the greatest tenor this country has produced. Even the greatest of contemporary tenors such as Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo readily admit his influence on their careers.
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