Singing Was the Easy Part

by Vic Damone, David Chanoff

Born Vito Farinola in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn in 1928, Vic worked as an usher at the fabled Paramount Theatre before realizing a dream by shooting to the top of the Billboard Chart in 1947 with his first hit “I Have But One Heart.” He was mentored by everyone from Perry Como to Tommy Dorsey. Frank Sinatra praised his voice and became a friend for life, giving him advice on singing and women. Damone had one of the most successful careers ever had by an American pop singer and one of the most glamorous and exciting lives of any guy who lived while the Ratpack reigned.

• He was almost thrown out of the window of a New York City hotel by a mobster.
• He dated Ava Gardner, who got him drunk for the first time.
• He married glamorous Italian actress Ana Maria Pierangeli and later, Diahann Carroll.
• He appeared at the Sands Hotel during the glory days of Vegas and once took a nude chorus girl into the steam room where the Ratpack was relaxing. In Singing Was the Easy Part , he talks frankly about his bankruptcy, his many marriages and his belief in God. It’s a warm, funny, and inspiring memoir from one of America’s greatest pop singers.

Genres: Music

288 pages, Hardcover

First published May 31, 2009

About the author

Vic Damone was an American traditional pop and big band singer, actor, radio and television presenter, and entertainer.

Reviews

[Rosie Beck · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mostly bland book on Vic Damone's life. Some interesting bits (was EVERYONE in show biz connected with the mob in some way?). He seems like nice guy, terrific singer, and someone who wouldn't write anything negative about anyone.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book that explored the life of Vic Damone. I was really fascinated with his encounters with various mob people. If you are a fan of Vic Damone, you will probably like this book. If not, don't waste your time.

[Bryan Macklowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who likes to read first-hand accounts about life in show-business, this is a good read. Damone tells great tales about such legendary stars as Sinatra, George Burns and others.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Look Back at Great American Singers

I wanted to read this book because I heard Vic Damone mentions my late father-in-law, Nick Sevano. He does, but much to my delight, this is an engaging and entertaining memoir about mid-century entertainment and performers.

I especially liked the chapter about Damone's love of golf and the people he played with.

Highly recommend!

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good and fun memoit

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring man, boring book

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved Vic Dammone's voice and this just made it more beautiful.

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOOOOVE Vic Damone. It was very interesting to read a biography of him. I really did not know anything about him before this book.