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The last of the iconic quartet has departed. The alluring realm of the grand crooners has closed its doors, ending a golden era etched in the warmth, perfection, and emotional richness of hundreds of songs. Music and ambiance; an intimate, entrancing tone that required no special effects to capture the stage. Just the voice, the performance, the se...

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Italian-Americans have shaped and contributed to many aspects of American life. Our people historically have been a dominant force in the entertainment industry. From singers to musicians to actors, Italian-Americans have entertained and brought happiness to millions of people not only in America, but around the world. It is interesting to look at...

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In 2015 I attended my first National Italian American Foundation Gala in Washington, DC. Somewhat intimidated by the size of the venue, the 2,000 hosts in tuxedos or evening gowns, and the importance of those in attendance, I discovered that at my table were CEOs and managers of the highest caliber, with their respective spouses.  My surprise was g...

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An excellent Italian American crooner and television personality, Perry Como was one of the most successful and popular entertainers of all time. Como was the seventh of 13 children born to his Italian immigrant parents, Pietro and Lucia Como, who came from the region of Abruzzo. Born Pierino Como in 1913 in Canonsburg, PA, he fell in love with mus...

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What made him successful? Was it dazzling special effects? Booty-shaking dance routines? Ear-splitting guitar riffs? No, it was the warm, relaxed manner of the man Bing Crosby dubbed “the man who invented casual.” With his soft and inviting baritone, wearing his unassuming cardigan, Perry Como characterized popular music of the 1940s and ’50s on ra...

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IN THE MOOD IN OUR OWN WAY: a documentary written, produced, directed and narrated by LUCA MARTERA, edited by CARLA BRANDOLINI, linguistic consultant and additional voice narration FRANK PISATURO. A Sexual Radar Production, 2018 https://vimeo.com/296585302 From the ancient Italian tradition of the Great Opera Houses to the Neapolitan melodies of 20...

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We think of It’s a Wonderful Life as a great American movie, a great Jimmy Stewart movie, a great Frank Capra movie — and, of course, as a great Christmas movie. We don’t think of it as a great Italian-American movie. But we should, especially at Christmastime, when Italian-Americans — of Capra’s generation and beyond — can be heard in every shop a...

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