Ave Maria

Mario Lanza

Mario Lanza (January 31, 1921 – October 7, 1959), was an American tenor, singer, actor, and Hollywood movie star of the late 1940s and the 1950s. The son of Italian emigrants, he began studying to be a professional singer at the age of 16. He was born Alfredo Arnold Cocozza. He changed his name when he signed with MGM. His mother's maiden name was Maria Lanza. more »