January 31st 1921 - October 7 1959 Alfredo Arnold Cocozza (Freddie) - Mario Lanza As a young boy he would listen with intensity to the voice of 'Enrico Caruso' on 78-RPM's operatic recordings. Soon he was singing along and studying plots. In early teens, he could discuss operatic arias and plots with authority. His first formal music training consisted of violin lessons, although, his heart remained with classical operatic arias. Recognizing her son's talent, Maria Lanza Cocozza, went to work to pay for Freddy's voice lessons. In 1942, Mario was drafted, and was now.. singing, in a Soldier's uniform, the Army also brought into his life the charming sister of a Forces buddy. It was love at first sight and they were married on April 13, 1945, He and Betty had four children: Colleen, Ellisa, Damon, and Marc. His first motion picture 'That Midnight Kiss' was released in 1949, and was a smash hit making Mario Lanza a screen star overnight. As the saying goes, MGM gave Mario an offer he couldn't refuse. This was soon followed by Toast of New Orleans in 1950. A personal triumph was playing Pinkerton in Puccini's Madam Butterfly, Mario's path was then crossed with fate and destiny in 1951 when he.. starred as his childhood idol, Enrico Caruso, in The Great Caruso. This was a major triumph for Mario to play his idol. Due to artistic disputes with MGM, Mario was replaced as the star of The Student Prince in 1954, still using his singing voice. RCA Victor released the LP recording and it became the first ever one million-seller Classical soundtrack album. Mario Left MGM, recorded several more songs, then.. a film where he starred in Warner Brother's artistic 'Serenade'. The Lanza family left for Italy on May 17, 1957 after which he, performed for the Queen of England, in several sell-out recitals. In the early days of October 1959, he suffered a fatal heart attack, Mario's family, and the rest of the world were left broken-hearted. A short time later on March 11, 1960, his beloved wife joined him. The song playing was used as a Love Song to his loyal wife Betty. Music Playing  :  1959 UK RCA1123-45rpm Because More than 40 years after the premature death of Mario Lanza, his mystique continues. Remaining an  ICON  loved by an entire generation enjoying his classical music.  Also acknowledged Universally as the first and main Inspiration of today's  'Three Tenors'