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.
