Friday, January 22, 2016

FRIDAY FAVOURITES 24

I am sure most of you know that beautiful song "Stranger in Paradise" but do you all recall Vic Damone who sang it in 1957?  He has a delightful voice and I hope you will listen along with me as I recall happy memories of this song which I found on YouTube:


Vic Damone was born Vito Rocco Farinola on 12 June, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York to Italian immigrants.  His father was an electrician and his mother taught piano.  Inspired by his favourite singer, Frank Sinatra, Vic Damone began taking voice lessons.

When his father was injured at work, Vic had to drop out of high school.  He worked as a usher and elevator operator in the Paramount Theatre in Manhattan.  He met Perry Como while at the Paramount Theatre.  He stopped the elevator between floors sang for him and asked his advice if he should continue voice lessons.  Impressed, Como said "Keep singing" and referred him to a local bandleader.  Vito Farinola decided to call himself Vic Damone, using his mother's maiden name.

8 comments:

  1. What an interesting story. It's fun to read about how people get their start. Thanks Mimsie!

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    1. Yes, we often take these artists for granted not knowing they often had quite a rough start in their lives.

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  2. Yes, I remember Vic Damone. I didn't know all the extra stuff about him, but I do remember him and his voice. Great song, too!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the song Susan and you do actually remember Vic Damone. He was very popular when I was young.

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  3. This isn't a song I've heard before, it's nice enough, but not something I would ever buy.

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    1. It was a very popular song for many years and sung by many different artists. I just find this one quite delightful but then I do enjoy ballads.

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  4. I do remember him. Lovely voice.

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  5. He was a favourite for many years and deserved to be.

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