As a teen I saw him perform at, I think, the Westbury Music Fair (or maybe the somewhat infamous Westchester Premier Theater -- anyone remember that?) about 35 years ago but it wasn't until watching this clip of him did I realize, years later as an adult, how great a singer he was.
Why must people compare Sergio Franchi with Mario Lanza? They were two different people in personalities, looks and most of all talent. Sergio Franchi far surpassed Mario Lanza in everything.
Sergio was the best. I saw him many times in person, have all his recordings. He paved the way for all the current crossover singers. When he first came into this country RCA touted him as as the successor to Mario Lanza. I enjoyed Mario Lanza, however Sergio did it all. He had the range and power in his voice without the fluff that Lanza projected, and he was a true opera singer performing in many opera houses around the world, which Lanza never acheived.
The First Army New York Band performed the National Anthem at Shay Stadium opening day of base ball in May of 1968 NY Mets and San Francisco Giants.
Mr Franchi sang the National Anthem! Absolutely amazing performance! They loved him in New York... I had a chance to chat with Mr Franchi . We talked about Italy. I had just returned from a trip to Venice. A nicer more friendly and cordial man would be hard to find.. Our best wishes to this fine most great talented singer...
I fell in love when I was only 13 yrs old when he was co-host on Mike Douglas' show and as an adult I got to see him at Sunrise Musical Theater in Ft Lauderdale in "79 and then Palumbo's In Philly each year What a Voice and what a great man he was We will not see any like him anytime soon We Miss You
8 minutes ago I fell in love when I was only 13 yrs old when he was co-host on Mike Douglas' show and as an adult I got to see him at Sunrise Musical Theater in Ft Lauderdale in "79 and then Palumbo's In Philly each year What a Voice and what a great man he was We will not see any like him anytime soon We Miss You
I fell in love when I was only 13 yrs old when he was co-host on Mike Douglas' show and as an adult I got to see him at Sunrise Musical Theater in Ft Lauderdale in "79 and then Palumbo's In Philly each year What a Voice and what a great man he was We will not see any like him anytime soon We Miss You Sergio
@felixbautista Au contraire. This guy knew his limitations and didn't think he was the reincarnation of Caruso. He had the career Lanza should of had and never killed himself in his 30s with booze, drugs, and food.
@VinylToVideo Franchi was unlike Lanza in that he took much better care of himself and was, apparently, a fine all-around guy, but he was also unlike Lanza in that he couldn't sing as well as Lanza. There are varying degrees of singing talent. This guy had plenty. Lanza had substantially more.
What a wonderful collection of excerpts of the singing voice of Sergio Franchi, what a joy to hear, and to watch. I also have in my collection the Broadway show ''Do I hear a Waltz?'' Great songs there too. Thank you so much for uploading this tape in his memory.
Sergio,was a great entertainer with a good tenor voice.However,his singing of Core'ngrato (Ungreatful Heart) is right there with the best of any Tenor!
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Sergio Franchi grande Artista dalla voce piena,brunita,duttilissima e piena di squillo.Dal resto non poteva essere altrimenti...Un uomo con il viso solare e con gli occhi furbi e intelligenti.Amante della vita la sua voce è come una droga! Se l'ascolti una volta,non puoi più farne a meno.Purtroppo una brutta malattia ti ha tolto la vita troppo presto ma il tuo ricordo sarà sempre vivo nei nostri cuori.Grazie Maestro
At a separate table "Ricca was playing poker with five other people. Periodically, we could hear music and applause coming from the third floor...Ricca's wife was entertaining some ladies' group."
"After a while, she came down to the recreation room with a very handsome young man from Italy who had a guitar strapped around his neck. 'Oh, Papa, I just love this young man,' she said. 'He's got such a beautiful voice. Can you help him?' " [continued on next post]
At a separate table "Ricca was playing poker with five other people. Periodically, we could hear music and applause coming from the third floor...Ricca's wife was entertaining some ladies' group."
"After a while, she came down to the recreation room with a very handsome young man from Italy who had a guitar strapped around his neck. 'Oh, Papa, I just love this young man,' she said. 'He's got such a beautiful voice. Can you help him?' " [continued on next post]
In an interview of former First Ward Alderman Don Parrillo by Anthony DeBartolo of Hyde Park Media I quote the following:
I'm going to tell you a story," declares Parrillo, "just to show you how powerful these guys were in the entertainment industry at the time."
"One Sunday afternoon (alleged events imply October 7, 1962) I was playing cards with friends, including Ricca's son, in Ricca's basement recreation room" at his three-story home in River Forest . [continued on next post]
I just received my DVD of this. It was nice to see and hear Sergio sing the full songs. Nice picture and sound. He appeared more then the 12 times it shows, too bad they add all of them. it was a plus to see how Ed Sullivan really liked him. The great old days that are sadly gone, but love on DVD and youtube.
Bellissima voce! Signore Franchi was always one of my favorite singers. In my opinion,he bears a strong resemblance to John Kennedy Jr. . Sergio left us much too early. Riposa in pace maestro.
I'm 38 years old but, i remember recording " noches de ronda with Sergio Franch back in 93..they were giving Ed Sullivan repeats...nice performance..i recording on v.h.s..watched it everyday for about 1 year.
I cannot remember his sisters name but it was like caterina valente or whatever but he studied also with Gigli and he looked a little like Corelli. He recorded a LP of songs all womens names like Diane, Stella etc. He was very good at classical songs and Italian songs also. His Chicago concert was in the early 60's and was a huge success.
His sister's name was Dana Valery - she wasn't nearly as good as he was. He was not only a wonderful, talented entertainer, but also a humanitarian and his wife Eva carries on his good works. His antique classic luxury car collection was unmatchable.
His sister', name is Dana (sp) Valari...she also was on the ED show...loved him..saw him in person back in the 70's ...was as good in person as on tape... I have photos somewhere!!!
My father had that album "Women in My Life". He sings "Maria" from West Side Story and makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. He was amazing.
nice post i heard him in the 60's in chicago in concert and his sister also was a very good singer, valente? not sure of dpl. he was very good at all he did. He sang well witout shouting the love songs.
Does anybody remember when after Franchi sang "The Lord's Prayer" on a 1965 Sullivan Christmas show, Sullivan said, "C'mon...let's hear it for the Lord's Prayer"?
Yes, Sullivan forgot the maestro's name... they became fast friends, and when SF went to Italy to film The Secret of Santa Vittoria ES showed up on the set dressed as an Italian peasant.
Sergio Franchi's family migrated to South Africa in the early 50's. He started an opera company in that country.. He left in the late 50's to study in Milan. His first love was opera, but that was not to be and he went on to become one of the finest voices that we will ever hear.
Sergio Franchi is astounding. I grew up in South Africa in the 50s and 60s and there was not one household in that country who did not know who he was. I think he might have performed there but we certainly did not know him from TV as SA did not get TV until 1977. Every woman in that country wanted to leave their husband for him! And we all had every recording. A superb voice. Thank God for U-Tube.
That's because all of the C.B.S. stars (e.g., Sullivan, Gleason, Skeleton) all received either kinescopes or videotapes of their shows (that was in their contracts).
I received my DVD...if you're a Sergio Franchi fan and like beautiful music I suggest that you get your DVD. He's marvelous, and the songs are the ones that will live forever in the hearts of real music fans. Bravo Maestro!!!
Electrifying ! Sergio was incredible! I pray people spread the word about him and reopen interest on one of the most beautiful & gifted men to ever walk this earth !! Bravo !
Thank you...I have already sent in for my DVD. I have been a fan of Sergio Franchi since 1962, and I'm sure there are many like me that would love to see and hear more of him. His voice was truly a gift from God, something we don't hear any longer.
Unbelievable voice! This man should have been hugely famous. Thanks so much for posting this. Will check out the website. I need to hear more Sergio Franchi!!!!!
THANK YOU for posting this on youtube. Sergio Franchi is one of the great voices all but forgotten, except for fans who heard him when he was alive and the new fans that found him. Thank you again.
this is the 1st time i've heard him in 40 years 1 one of the best tenors !
136428759 3 months ago
I knew Sergio.. he was the most modest and talented of men. His watercolours and sculptures were amazing.
reneeglass1 8 months ago
As a teen I saw him perform at, I think, the Westbury Music Fair (or maybe the somewhat infamous Westchester Premier Theater -- anyone remember that?) about 35 years ago but it wasn't until watching this clip of him did I realize, years later as an adult, how great a singer he was.
hayesman76 10 months ago
Great post. R.I.P. Mr. Franchi Glad i watched as a child.
radiotubes 11 months ago
Why must people compare Sergio Franchi with Mario Lanza? They were two different people in personalities, looks and most of all talent. Sergio Franchi far surpassed Mario Lanza in everything.
luccaspring 1 year ago
Sergio was the best. I saw him many times in person, have all his recordings. He paved the way for all the current crossover singers. When he first came into this country RCA touted him as as the successor to Mario Lanza. I enjoyed Mario Lanza, however Sergio did it all. He had the range and power in his voice without the fluff that Lanza projected, and he was a true opera singer performing in many opera houses around the world, which Lanza never acheived.
nannanpoppop 1 year ago
It's good to know that so many people still enjoy good, no "great" talent. Sergio Franchi was irreplaceable.
luccaspring 1 year ago
The First Army New York Band performed the National Anthem at Shay Stadium opening day of base ball in May of 1968 NY Mets and San Francisco Giants.
Mr Franchi sang the National Anthem! Absolutely amazing performance! They loved him in New York... I had a chance to chat with Mr Franchi . We talked about Italy. I had just returned from a trip to Venice. A nicer more friendly and cordial man would be hard to find.. Our best wishes to this fine most great talented singer...
lclaughton 1 year ago
what a great voice!!
arcot9 1 year ago
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I fell in love when I was only 13 yrs old when he was co-host on Mike Douglas' show and as an adult I got to see him at Sunrise Musical Theater in Ft Lauderdale in "79 and then Palumbo's In Philly each year What a Voice and what a great man he was We will not see any like him anytime soon We Miss You
redheadvabeach 1 year ago
8 minutes ago I fell in love when I was only 13 yrs old when he was co-host on Mike Douglas' show and as an adult I got to see him at Sunrise Musical Theater in Ft Lauderdale in "79 and then Palumbo's In Philly each year What a Voice and what a great man he was We will not see any like him anytime soon We Miss You
redheadvabeach 1 year ago
correction below Moozie is my daughter's nickname she got me to this sight I'm the redhead
moozie1986 1 year ago
I fell in love when I was only 13 yrs old when he was co-host on Mike Douglas' show and as an adult I got to see him at Sunrise Musical Theater in Ft Lauderdale in "79 and then Palumbo's In Philly each year What a Voice and what a great man he was We will not see any like him anytime soon We Miss You Sergio
moozie1986 1 year ago
When will they make a bio pic of this great singer?
Geostrum2 1 year ago
desde peru.
buena voz,timbre agradale, algo como un lirico -.ligth.
lastima que se perdio.
su disco del 62, es recomendable.
alexleyvac 1 year ago
This man had magnificent control ... only a singer would understand ...
craigenputtock 1 year ago
THE GRANADA RENDITION IS EXTREMELY FUNNY YOU MUST ADMIT! LOL but what a gorgeous voice... truly!
miuzefreak 1 year ago
Bravo ! Another Mario Lanza here. Great upload.
felixbautista 1 year ago
@felixbautista Au contraire. This guy knew his limitations and didn't think he was the reincarnation of Caruso. He had the career Lanza should of had and never killed himself in his 30s with booze, drugs, and food.
VinylToVideo 1 year ago
@VinylToVideo Franchi was unlike Lanza in that he took much better care of himself and was, apparently, a fine all-around guy, but he was also unlike Lanza in that he couldn't sing as well as Lanza. There are varying degrees of singing talent. This guy had plenty. Lanza had substantially more.
larrydonguy 1 year ago
Breathtaking! Fabulous! Thanks for posting. I saw him perform on the Ed Sullivan
Show many times when I was young.
Fegen 1 year ago
What a wonderful collection of excerpts of the singing voice of Sergio Franchi, what a joy to hear, and to watch. I also have in my collection the Broadway show ''Do I hear a Waltz?'' Great songs there too. Thank you so much for uploading this tape in his memory.
indyandnorbert 1 year ago
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my Father is related to him . And also got the Opera bug. Unfortunately , it appears there is a curse upon this family.
bodhronii 1 year ago
@bodhronii You"re right, the curse of "WEALTH" !!!
alloverherface 1 year ago
my Father is related to him . And also got the Opera bug. Unfortunately , it appears there is a curse upon this family.
bodhronii 1 year ago
He'd have to be considered the logical succesor to Mario Lanza.
kmillard 1 year ago
Fine singing Sergio!
We'll miss You!
Thanks for Posting!
Aloha from Hawaii!
Rudipolt 1 year ago
Sergio,was a great entertainer with a good tenor voice.However,his singing of Core'ngrato (Ungreatful Heart) is right there with the best of any Tenor!
tenorvoice50 2 years ago 3
Incredible! one of the greatest pop/operatic
voices ever.
dagodino 2 years ago
Saw this georgeous man at Chateauqua Lake inJjamestown, NY. wonderful voice, look , class and personality. He was taken much too soon...
TheGinalolo 2 years ago
I never knew Sergio was this spectacular a power house ... such a singer ... magnificent!
TonyLearner 2 years ago
Brilliant
Geraldolini 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Sergio Franchi grande Artista dalla voce piena,brunita,duttilissima e piena di squillo.Dal resto non poteva essere altrimenti...Un uomo con il viso solare e con gli occhi furbi e intelligenti.Amante della vita la sua voce è come una droga! Se l'ascolti una volta,non puoi più farne a meno.Purtroppo una brutta malattia ti ha tolto la vita troppo presto ma il tuo ricordo sarà sempre vivo nei nostri cuori.Grazie Maestro
pinkerton70 2 years ago
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" 'Well, what does he want?' Ricca asked his wife, who then turned to the young singer and asked, 'What do you want, young man?' "
" 'I'd like to be on the Ed Sullivan Show,' he said. So she said, 'When would you like to go on it?' and he replied, 'As soon as possible.' "
"Now, this is the hottest variety show in America and all the talent in America was trying to get on this show."
Munchygut 2 years ago
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luccaspring 2 years ago
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luccaspring 2 years ago
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At a separate table "Ricca was playing poker with five other people. Periodically, we could hear music and applause coming from the third floor...Ricca's wife was entertaining some ladies' group."
"After a while, she came down to the recreation room with a very handsome young man from Italy who had a guitar strapped around his neck. 'Oh, Papa, I just love this young man,' she said. 'He's got such a beautiful voice. Can you help him?' " [continued on next post]
Munchygut 2 years ago
At a separate table "Ricca was playing poker with five other people. Periodically, we could hear music and applause coming from the third floor...Ricca's wife was entertaining some ladies' group."
"After a while, she came down to the recreation room with a very handsome young man from Italy who had a guitar strapped around his neck. 'Oh, Papa, I just love this young man,' she said. 'He's got such a beautiful voice. Can you help him?' " [continued on next post]
Munchygut 2 years ago
In an interview of former First Ward Alderman Don Parrillo by Anthony DeBartolo of Hyde Park Media I quote the following:
I'm going to tell you a story," declares Parrillo, "just to show you how powerful these guys were in the entertainment industry at the time."
"One Sunday afternoon (alleged events imply October 7, 1962) I was playing cards with friends, including Ricca's son, in Ricca's basement recreation room" at his three-story home in River Forest . [continued on next post]
Munchygut 2 years ago
I just received my DVD of this. It was nice to see and hear Sergio sing the full songs. Nice picture and sound. He appeared more then the 12 times it shows, too bad they add all of them. it was a plus to see how Ed Sullivan really liked him. The great old days that are sadly gone, but love on DVD and youtube.
Michaelbos 2 years ago
Comment removed
Michaelbos 2 years ago
Bellissima voce! Signore Franchi was always one of my favorite singers. In my opinion,he bears a strong resemblance to John Kennedy Jr. . Sergio left us much too early. Riposa in pace maestro.
CraigFrancisSoto 2 years ago 2
I'm 38 years old but, i remember recording " noches de ronda with Sergio Franch back in 93..they were giving Ed Sullivan repeats...nice performance..i recording on v.h.s..watched it everyday for about 1 year.
sergioalonzo 2 years ago
His Hatikvah in Hebrew of course is well sung.
pearlmuth3 3 years ago
I cannot remember his sisters name but it was like caterina valente or whatever but he studied also with Gigli and he looked a little like Corelli. He recorded a LP of songs all womens names like Diane, Stella etc. He was very good at classical songs and Italian songs also. His Chicago concert was in the early 60's and was a huge success.
pearlmuth3 3 years ago
His sister's name was Dana Valery - she wasn't nearly as good as he was. He was not only a wonderful, talented entertainer, but also a humanitarian and his wife Eva carries on his good works. His antique classic luxury car collection was unmatchable.
luccaspring 3 years ago 2
His sister', name is Dana (sp) Valari...she also was on the ED show...loved him..saw him in person back in the 70's ...was as good in person as on tape... I have photos somewhere!!!
Francoexplosion 2 years ago
My father had that album "Women in My Life". He sings "Maria" from West Side Story and makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. He was amazing.
bostonmaggie 2 years ago
nice post i heard him in the 60's in chicago in concert and his sister also was a very good singer, valente? not sure of dpl. he was very good at all he did. He sang well witout shouting the love songs.
pearlmuth3 3 years ago
I was just a kid when I first heard Sergio on my dads "record player" in the early 60's. What a perfect voice he had.
Geraldolini 3 years ago
Does anybody remember when after Franchi sang "The Lord's Prayer" on a 1965 Sullivan Christmas show, Sullivan said, "C'mon...let's hear it for the Lord's Prayer"?
vividwatch47 3 years ago
Yes, Sullivan forgot the maestro's name... they became fast friends, and when SF went to Italy to film The Secret of Santa Vittoria ES showed up on the set dressed as an Italian peasant.
luccaspring 3 years ago
Sergio Franchi's family migrated to South Africa in the early 50's. He started an opera company in that country.. He left in the late 50's to study in Milan. His first love was opera, but that was not to be and he went on to become one of the finest voices that we will ever hear.
luccaspring 3 years ago
Sergio Franchi is astounding. I grew up in South Africa in the 50s and 60s and there was not one household in that country who did not know who he was. I think he might have performed there but we certainly did not know him from TV as SA did not get TV until 1977. Every woman in that country wanted to leave their husband for him! And we all had every recording. A superb voice. Thank God for U-Tube.
NotNellie 3 years ago
great voice,bravo
girardje70 3 years ago
Died of brain cancer at the age of 64 in 1990. He is now singing God's praises in Heaven. RIP
catholicpriest1 3 years ago 3
Thank God they saved all of the Ed Sullivan tapes.
catholicpriest1 3 years ago 6
That's because all of the C.B.S. stars (e.g., Sullivan, Gleason, Skeleton) all received either kinescopes or videotapes of their shows (that was in their contracts).
vividwatch47 3 years ago
bravissimo...i am surprised to see such an italian voice after frank and tony bennett...wow!!!
accuruneide 3 years ago
Great voice, beautiful tone. Wonderful selection. Congratulations.
pianist527 3 years ago
I received my DVD...if you're a Sergio Franchi fan and like beautiful music I suggest that you get your DVD. He's marvelous, and the songs are the ones that will live forever in the hearts of real music fans. Bravo Maestro!!!
luccaspring 3 years ago 2
Electrifying ! Sergio was incredible! I pray people spread the word about him and reopen interest on one of the most beautiful & gifted men to ever walk this earth !! Bravo !
santnicola 3 years ago
Thank you...I have already sent in for my DVD. I have been a fan of Sergio Franchi since 1962, and I'm sure there are many like me that would love to see and hear more of him. His voice was truly a gift from God, something we don't hear any longer.
luccaspring 3 years ago
Unbelievable voice! This man should have been hugely famous. Thanks so much for posting this. Will check out the website. I need to hear more Sergio Franchi!!!!!
diane325 3 years ago
diane325 - you can also go to ebay and get his CD's - they are GREAT
luccaspring 3 years ago
THANK YOU for posting this on youtube. Sergio Franchi is one of the great voices all but forgotten, except for fans who heard him when he was alive and the new fans that found him. Thank you again.
Michaelbos 3 years ago 2