His brother-in-law, Peter Catalano, told United Press International from New York that Franchi--who had been treated for a brain tumor last year--died of cancer. Drag images here or select from your computer for Sergio Franchi memorial. His film credits include a supporting role in ''The Secret of Santa Vittoria'' in 1969. This includes Milan, Cremona, and the smaller village of Codogno where he was born. (May 28, 1967). As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. "Boys' Towns of Italy Gala Benefit Concert." "MUSIC: Franchi doing benefit for Muscular Dystrophy. [154], As part of the 1970 celebrations of the Silver Jubilee of Boys' Towns of Italy, Franchi performed in benefits at New York's Philharmonic Hall,[155] and at New Orleans' Municipal Auditorium. Man learns of $150,000 Powerball prize while on beach vacation. Franchis performing career lasted thirty six fruitful years before his ill-fated death in 1990 due to cancer. He also changed his professional representation to the William Morris Agency. It was my first night club date. This browser does not support getting your location. Born in Cogorno, Liguria to a Neapolitan father and a Genoese mother, Franchi made his singing debut at age 10 as a hunchback in a school play. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. In Italy, he sang with jazz groups and in 1947 he moved with his family to South Africa where he studied engineering while training in opera. "The Ticket Booth. Learn more about managing a memorial . Close this window, and upload the photo(s) again. Cloudy skies. Try again later. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. After his death, his wife Eva Franchi formed The Sergio Franchi Music Foundation to award scholarships to young talented singers. Entertainment Notice. Franchi's 1962 release "Romantic Italian Songs" reached The Billboard Top 200 (167th) 36 years later in 1998 when it was re-issued as a CD. O'Brian, Jack. "Sergio Franchi: From Italy to Las Vegas. Speaking little English at the time, he learned the role phonetically. [59][60] Rodgers provided $450,000 towards the financing of the show, and Columbia Records provided $105,640. I recently read an article about broken heart syndrome in the context of Prince Philips death and how it could impact Queen Elizabeth II and her health. [117][118] He also received the Italian American of the Year Award in New Orleans at this time. (October 26, 1970). I'm 39, quite successful, make quite a lot of money, happy. Sergio Franchi quickly rose to multi-media stardom in America, and became an American citizen in 1972. Instead he became a frequent guest on The Ed Sullivan Show.. In 1962, RCA Victor signed him to a seven-year contract and in October of that year Franchi appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and performed at Carnegie Hall. Franchis performing career lasted thirty six fruitful years before his ill-fated death in 1990 due to cancer. [7] The senior Galli had been a successful businessman who owned several shops, but lost all of his assets during World War II and the German occupation. [17], With these experiences, Franchi returned to Italy, aspiring for more opportunities to become an opera singer. "Franchi to do Boys Town benefit at Heinz Hall." ", Freeman, Donald. ", Wilson, Earl. In the mid-1970s Franchi was the singing voice on TV commercials for the Plymouth Volare, and in his later years he had also become something of a watercolorist. He worked as a draftsman and designed commercial interiors working for his father's furniture business. : Sergio Franchi. "International Music: Italian Newsnotes", Steinman, Sam'l (July 25, 1960). [166] The Boys' Towns of Italy presented Franchi with their prestigious Michelangelo Award, and in 2001 he was posthumously awarded the title of cavaliere in the Order of Merit (Stella al merito del lavoro) by the Italian Government.[152]. Knickerbocker, Suzy (March 23, 1980) Syndicated column. With the collapse of the musical comedy genre in movies, and the dominance of the younger generation in the recording industryLas Vegas became a prime vacation destination for entertainment, and the place to catch live performances of stars.,[85] and Franchi was no exception to this. (May 4, 1963). WebSergio Franchi (April 6, 1926 May 1, 1990), born Sergio Franci Galli, was an Italian-American tenor and actor who enjoyed success in the United States and internationally after gaining notice in Britain in the early 1960s. (October 29, 1975). (October 23, 1977). Knickerbocker, Suzy. Christy, Marian. 1964 was a significant year for Franchi for professional and personal reasons. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Franchi performed around the country and was a headliner in Las Vegas in the 1960s and 70s, blending popular standards and operatic arias. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. [22] And then, during a two-week engagement at the London Palladium,[23] he made two TV appearances on Sunday Night at the London Palladium; a show that launched the career of many performers, and the most popular TV show in Britain. "News for Travelers/Italian Fest." Franchis performing career lasted thirty six fruitful years before his ill-fated death in 1990 due to cancer. Add to your scrapbook. ", Mancini, Joseph (February, 1982). [56] Although he had already received offers to star in several films, Franchi did not find a role he wished to play for a few more years. Reviews were generally favorable for his singing. Advance ticket sales of $900,000 indicated a lengthy run, despite mixed reviews. Sergio Franchi death quick facts: When did Sergio Franchi die? Sergio Franchi. Mr. Franchi appeared on Broadway in 1965, co-starring with Elizabeth Allen in the Arthur Laurents-Stephen Sondheim musical ''Do I Hear a Waltz.'' From Sanremo Music Festival in 1960. The risk of an elderly person dying from any cause increases between 30% and 90% in the first three months after a spouses death. ", Glad, Peggy Mulley (April 25, 1975). In November 1963, Franchi was invited to attend a rally for President John F. Kennedy at the Monticello Hotel in Framingham, MA and to sing the National Anthem. Jerome E. Edwards). Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. "Roles as Italian gangster refused by Sergio Franchi.". Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Low near 40F. [8] In 1959 Franchi made an important contact with an English agent, James Gilmore, who encouraged Franchi to meet with him if he came to London. The cause of death was kidney failure. Born in Cogorno, Liguria to a Neapolitan father and a Genoese mother, Franchi made his singing debut at age 10 as a hunchback in a school play. "[19] An album of Italian songs and several EPs and singles in Italy, London, and Canada followed (these recordings were eventually released for American audiences.) In 1988, RCA re-issued the compilation album This is Sergio Franchi on CD. WebSTONINGTON, Conn. (AP) _ Singer-songwriter Sergio Franchi died Tuesday at his estate here after a prolonged battle with cancer, his family said. April 17 (UPI) -- International Bat Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on April 17, was designed to dispel myths about the flying mammals and spread word of the benefits the creatures have for the ecosystem. The song "Bargaining" was especially written by Rodgers to showcase Franchi's vocal dexterity and to provide comic relief in the score. We rehearsed mostly opera arias. In May 1965, Franchi sang at the huge annual Congressional Club luncheon honoring then-First Lady. Verify and try again. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. (October 5, 1979). [2] Young Franchi began using his skills as an architectural draftsman and worked for his father as a designer of commercial and industrial interiors. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. A generous benefactor and philanthropist, Sergio Franchi was honored by The Greater New Orleans Cultural Society on March 12, 1982 where they presented him with the "16th Annual Italian American of the [62] The show continued to be popular and Franchi continued success with it, and with other endeavors, such as continuing recording with RCA Victor. Vettel, Phil. GREAT NEWS! [64] Later that year Franchi joined MC Jack Benny and other stars for a United Nations Delegates Concert on September 10. "Voice of Broadway.". His blend of pop music and a spectacular operatic voice along with his charm and tidy good looks made every single one of his Ed Sullivan performances memorable. Birth. "7th Annual Lions Sight & Hearing Telethon", Bradlee, Ben (May 14, 1982). [4][5][6] An uncle who owned a vineyard in Alassio (near Sanremo on the Italian Riviera) was instrumental in family life on various occasions. I told him it was me playing. Franchi Family Estate Grounds. The songs took me and my father back to our 1960s living room, with Sergios records playing loudly on the large console stereo. RCA Victor, 1963, LP, Liner Notes. You may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. (October 21, 1977). On being poor and being rich: The feeling of being poor is terrible You think the whole world is against youI went on no matter what!Now that I am rich, I enjoy the fact that I can walk into any restaurant anywhere and not think how much the bill is going to be. [150] In later life, Franchi donated prints of some of his watercolors for charitable sales. WebSergio Franchi. What was the cause of death? He became active very early with the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), and regularly performed in benefit of the Boys' Towns of Italy and the Girls' Towns of Italy. "When the Pianist and Gag Writer Meet. Sorry! But, as the weeks passed, he changed. 64 Where did Sergio Franchi die? It was fantastic. (January 3, 1964). WebFranchi performed musical comedies on stage, appeared on numerous television variety shows, and starred in a major motion picture. He stated he preferred performing on Broadway, where each night was different and a challenge to make it new. [68][69][70][71][72][73][74][75][excessive citations] He also had performances internationally. Oops, we were unable to send the email. They were a loving and close-knit couple together for seven decades. May 2, 1990 STONINGTON, Conn. (AP) _ Sergio Franchi, a singer with operatic ambitions who had a hit with O Sole Mio and crooned in TV commercials for the Plymouth Volare in the 1970s, has died of cancer. Get our L.A. WebSergio Franchi. You can always change this later in your Account settings. 6 Apr 1926. which contained the 1988 Festival winner, "Perdere l'amore," and four more songs never before recorded by him. His death was announced by his brother-in-law, Peter Catalano, in New York who said a private service would be held by the immediate family members. Franchi died at his home in the historic and picturesque shoreline community of Stonington, Conn., on the Rhode Island border, where he had lived for a number of years with his wife, Eva. Franchi was one of three children born to a Neapolitan father and Genoese mother. He became an American citizen in 1972. One of the most frequent guests on The Ed Sullivan Show was Italian tenor Sergio Franchi. "Entertainment in Las Vegas." You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. I went to his house several times to work with him as he got ready for a future concert at Carnegie Hall. A decade later, he held the record for the biggest one-week attendance draw at the North Shore Music Theater. [26] He soon recorded his first RCA Victor album, in London. Lucky pug rescued from roof of California home. "Franchi Shows Cancelled." In 1976, Franchi was hired to do television commercials for Chrysler Corporation's Plymouth Volare as well as for Hills Brothers Coffee. (October 26, 1968). Stonington, New London County, Connecticut, USA. At the time he believed he was doing well, so he sent for his wife and children. [152] While visiting back in Italy, he was recruited to perform what was possibly his first Boys' Towns Benefit Concert at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, on May 4, 1963, of which many more followed. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. The play was based on Federico Fellinis surrealistic 1963 film 8 1/2.. "Franchi to Fill Return Date. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. "Sergio Now Yankee Franchi.". The Italian-born tenor died Tuesday at his estate. "Franchi regales with wide range of music.". Franchi died at his home in the historic and picturesque shoreline community of Stonington, Conn., on the Rhode Island border, where he had lived for a number of years with his wife, Eva. A generous benefactor and philanthropist, Sergio Franchi was honored by The Greater New Orleans Cultural Society on March 12, 1982 where they presented him with the "16th Annual Italian American of the You need a Find a Grave account to continue. [38][39][40][41], He soon made his Las Vegas debut at the Sahara Hotel as the opening act for Bob Newhart. "Tenor Sergio Franchi to join Benefit show." There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. "Broadway I Love You!" Franco was 70 years old at the time of death. He was born in Cremona, Italy and was an Italian tenor. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. After his death, his wife Eva Franchi formed The Sergio Franchi Music Foundation to award scholarships to young talented singers. [132], Franchi was proud of both his American citizenship[8] and his Italian heritage. ", Chase, Sam. [83], As the recording industry increasingly came to be dominated by the tastes of a younger generation, Franchi and many his contemporaries found their most popular reception in supper clubs. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. (June 14, 1965). (January 25, 1985). Franchi, a native of Italy who made his American debut at New York's Carnegie Hall in 1962, had appeared on stage, screen and in films and had a long recording career with RCA, United Artists and Gold Records. ", Bravin, Jess (February 8, 1989). [1], Franchi was also an avid collector and restorer of classic and antique automobiles. [103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][excessive citations] During this period, Franchi became estranged from his wife Yvonne, and (with their children now grown) he moved back to his Manhattan apartment. He also signed to endorse Carpineto wines in print media because "Italy produces 90% of the grapes for wine". "Britain/Record Business.". Later, in the 1980s, Franchi continued to perform at a number of popular venues in the United States. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. (October 4, 1989). cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. "VegasBuying 'Class' for a Song.". ", Rosenfield, Paul. at The Cocoanut Grove album.[54][55]. "Earl Wilson's New York. He became an American citizen in 1972. (May 22, 1977). [42] These successful performances were interspersed with multiple European events. Anonymous, Other Works "[2] Because the family also lived in Cremona, Franchi called both Codogno and Cremona his "hometown" at different periods in his life. Failed to delete memorial. [34] His debut album, Romantic Italian Songs continued on the Billboard 200;[44] He completed the year as the opening act for Juliet Prowse at the Cocoanut Grove. (Reno, NV). (February 15, 1979). Sergio Franchi's personal passion was collecting and restoring classic and antique automobiles. After gaining success, Franchi was a benefactor and philanthropist, donating his time and talent to many causes. [158][159][160] More boys Benefit Performances occurred in New Orleans in November 1977, occurred. "Arts and Film/Franchi Concert Postponed." WebCategory. "Willson Musical Wins Top Praise. Beyond the Mafia: Italian Americans and the Development of Las Vegas. Make sure that the file is a photo. based on information from your browser. On the fear of dying: I died once in a night club. Franco was 70 years old at the time of death. "[46] Franchi's singing, dancing, and comedy, were then prominently featured on six television specials. (May 31, 1985). "Smarrimento" (Loss of Self) "Splende il sole" (The sun is shining). (September 1, 1978). (Franchi's sister Dana Valery played one of the children.) [143], Early in his American career, Franchi's popularity drew people for major charity and benefit shows. He is an organist and composer living in West Hartford, Conn. Our mission: To be the primary catalyst that motivates people to contribute to the intellectual, civic and economic vitality of our communities. He appeared in performances of ''La Traviata,'' ''La Boheme'' and ''Carmen'' before leaving South Africa to advance his operatic career. [3][81][82], After his Broadway role in Waltz, Franchi continued to be considered for new roles on stage; but he did not return to Broadway for more than a decade. WebFranchi credited with lyrics. (December 12, 1960). Born in Cogorno, Liguria to a Neapolitan father and a Genoese mother, Franchi made his singing debut at age 10 as a hunchback in a school play. Brain cancer How old was Sergio Franchi when died? "[80] In 1968, he accepted a non-singing, supportive role in a United Artists film, but soon tired of these types of positions. Franchi cancelled a paid performance to assist the charity, and the show was expected to net over $100,000 for the MDA. STONINGTON, Conn. -- Internationally famed singer Sergio Franchi died Tuesday at his estate on Long Island Sound following a bout with cancer, his family said. [45], Franchi's February 1964 appearance at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas attracted the attention of Time magazine, as his performance garnered more attention and popularity than that of the star performer, including getting "standing ovations and multiple encores. Please reset your password. In 1972, he became an American citizen. "From the waist up I'm Neapolitan" (pointing to his heart). Age discrimination, How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Rainn Wilson, Ray Romano reveals widowmaker health scare: I had 90% blockage. His singing performance received favorable reviews. [137], Simon and Franchi purchased the 240-acre Farmholme property in Stonington, Connecticut in 1979. Franchi married his second wife, Eva E. Simon, in New York City on June 14, 1982. [3] Despite his age, reviews from this time generally regarded him as being in good physical and vocal form[116] He continued a series of successful concerts, benefits, and tours. Shore Music Theater later that year Franchi joined MC Jack Benny and other stars for a Concert! On June 14, 1982 the charity, and became an American citizen in 1972 Mulley ( April 25 1960. Give each month $ 105,640 Franchi quickly rose to multi-media stardom in America, became... Bradlee, Ben ( May 14, 1982 close-knit couple together for seven.... County, Connecticut, USA all photos appear on this tab and here you can update sort! 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