Lanza, Mario

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Lanza, Mario [ Coccozza, Alfred Arnold] (b Philadelphia, 1921; d Rome, 1959). Amer. tenor and actor. Worked in family grocery business. Had audition with Koussevitzky in 1942 and was awarded schol. to Tanglewood. After wartime military service, signed film contract and was chosen in 1951 for the title-role in The Great Caruso. Made best-selling record, Be My Love. His voice was heard also in The Student Prince (1954).