Vic Damone had an extraordinary life filled with talent, controversy, and incredible stories beyond his smooth voice.
- Frank Sinatra’s Admiration—Frank Sinatra, often known for his high standards in music, once said that Vic Damone had “the best pipes in the business,” which was a huge compliment coming from “Ol’ Blue Eyes” himself.
- Stage Name Origin—Vic Damone was born Vito Rocco Farinola, but he adopted the stage name “Damone” as a tribute to his mother’s maiden name, Angela Damone.
- Elevator Inspiration—As a teenager, he worked as an usher and elevator operator at the Paramount Theater in New York, where he once boldly stopped the elevator to sing for Perry Como. Impressed, Como gave him his start in show business.
- A Brush with the Mafia—Vic Damone once had a terrifying encounter with the mob. After an altercation with a mobster over a girlfriend, Damone was kidnapped and beaten. He was later let go, reportedly after Frank Sinatra intervened on his behalf.
- Acting Career—Though best known as a singer, Damone starred in several films, including Rich, Young, and Pretty (1951) and Hit the Deck (1955), showcasing his acting abilities alongside his musical talent.
- Military Service Almost Ruined His Career—During the Korean War, Damone served in the U.S. Army and was assigned to entertainment duties. However, when he returned to civilian life, rock and roll had exploded, diminishing the popularity of crooners like him.
- He was nearly in ‘The Godfather’—Damone’ was originally cast to play Johnny Fontane in The Godfather (1972), a role widely believed to be inspired by Sinatra. However, he turned it down, fearing the film’s connections to the real-life Mafia.
- Turbulent Love Life—Damone had a stormy romantic history, including high-profile marriages to actress Pier Angeli and socialite Rena Rowan. His engagement to Diahann Carroll ended in scandal when her father disapproved.
- Financial Ups and Downs—Despite being a successful artist, Damone filed for bankruptcy in 1971 due to poor financial decisions and management, but he later recovered and continued performing.
- Personal Concert for a Dictator—He once performed privately for Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, an event he later admitted made him uncomfortable, though he did it because he was contracted to sing.
