AL Martino

[mariana44]

I was like you Marian, and thought of Jerry Vale--and again was not sure if he was Italian.

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Yes, Jerry Vale is Italian,... GENARO LOIS VITALIANO. Here are a few more... Don Cornell. Frankie Laine, Jimmy Rosselli, Bobby Darin, Buddy Greco, Alan Dale, Julia La Rosa, Lois Prima.

[mariana44]

I am a dope-why did I not think of Bobby Darin-one of my real big favourites

I did not realise Don Cornell was Italian.

[Marian]

Thanks for the list Lena and Harry. Of course I knew Bobby Darin was, but I didn't know all the others were.
Must be something in the water!
Marian

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Don Cornell was LUIGI FRANCESCO VARLARO.
The parents of these crooners had emigrated to the United States beginning in the 1880s through to the 1920s, mostly from Southern Italy and the island of Sicily.
Apparently at that time Northern Italians scorned Southern Italians and improved civilzation in the south was ignored by government and economy and depression encouraged the citizens to look for and hope for a better life in far off America.
We have often said like you Marian, it must be something in the water, but with several of the crooners caming from Phillidelphia, Al said it was because Philly was so near to New York where all the recording venues were, it was easy to get to and an opportunity for those who were willing to succeed.

[Mark Fox]

PLUS-Anthony Dominick Benedetto!

[Marian]

Tony Bennett was included in my original list Mark
Marian