Mario Lanza
- Born:
- Alfred Arnold Cocozza, January 31, 1921, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Died:
- October 7, 1959, Rome, Italy
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Tenor, Actor
Early Life and Education
- Early vocal training began at age 16.
- Received a scholarship to the Berkshire Music Center at Tanglewood in 1942.
- Debut in opera in 1942 as Fenton in Nicolai's The Merry Wives of Windsor at Tanglewood.
Career and Major Achievements
- Signed a contract with MGM in 1949.
- Starred in several successful musical films.
- Achieved international fame as a recording artist and concert performer.
- Recordings of operatic arias and popular songs were consistently bestsellers.
- Achieved significant success popularizing operatic music to a wider audience.
- The recording of the famous "Be My Love" became a signature tune.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | That Midnight Kiss | Himself |
| 1950 | The Toast of New Orleans | Pepe Abellard Duvalle |
| 1951 | The Great Caruso | Enrico Caruso |
| 1952 | Because You're Mine | Renaldo Rossano |
| 1956 | Serenade | Damon Vincenti |
| 1958 | Seven Hills of Rome | Marc Revere |
Discography (Selection)
- Mario Lanza Sings Christmas Carols
- The Great Caruso and Other Caruso Favorites
- Mario Lanza at His Best
- Many singles achieving gold and platinum status.
- Notable for his powerful renditions of opera arias.
Legacy and Impact
Mario Lanza is remembered for his powerful voice and charismatic screen presence, bringing opera to a wider audience through his films and recordings. His recordings, including popular renditions of "Be My Love" and operatic arias, continue to be enjoyed. Many find renewed appreciation for his contribution to vocal music even within the scope of works like the 'granada song by mario lanza biography', highlighting his influential career.