Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1373750 in Books
• Published on: 1999-12
• Format: Special Edition
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 259 pages

Synopsis
Mario Lanza's meteoric but brief career made him a legend to millions of his fans and an inspiration to a generation of singers. In this book, those closest to Lanza and his family share their remembrances of this cult figure.

Customer Reviews

The 'real' Mario revealed
Forty years after the premature loss of the unique gift that Mario Lanza brought to music, across the full spectrum from pop to grand opera, this book reveals the true personality of the man known as 'voice of the century'. No hyped-up journalistic rubbish, aimed solely at maximising sales, but a fresh and honest assessment of the man, by the people closest to him and those who recognized the immensity of his talent. A wonderful read for all Lanza fans and a great introduction to those who, as yet, have not experienced the soul-stirring sound of the golden voice.

A disappointing read
I had great hopes for this book, especially when I saw that Mr Damon Lanza was the author.
Unfortunately, after reading it, I soon donated it to the local library. It seemed a trivial attempt to "disprove" certain things that have been written.

When they interview people who say "oh yes, I played stick ball with Mario....he was a great guy...." or restaurant owners who say "he ate here all the time and was a gentleman...."

What does that prove? You could find 50+ people who I've known over my past 20 years in the theater, to say yeah or neigh about me as well ! Does that prove my character ?

Mario had a temper, he may have drunk a bit too much at times, and his appetite caused his weight to fluctuate. So it has been written !

But does that make him any less of a great artist? NO ! He had a magnificent voice, was a great talent, and made 1000's of people happy. That's his testament to life.

I am a great fan of Mario Lanza and have been for years. He was a human being first and foremost, not a God !

I was disappointed by the fact that Mr. Lanza had to write this book as if in "response" to rumor.
I would much rather have had more concentration on his personal relationship with his father.

Lanza fans, who idolize him, may find this book endearing. If so, great! But I for one am always a bit suspect of books that try to gloss over imperfections by sidetracking the issue.

Take the book for what it is worth, but for a more complete understanding of the man, I suggest Mr. Mannering's volume instead