Songwriters Hall of Fame

One of the most popular of postwar ballad singers, Vic Damone was born Vito Farinola on June 12, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York.

His first performances came in a youth choir and at school events. He found work at the Paramount Theater in Manhattan as an usher and elevator operator. One night, while taking Perry Como up to his dressing room, Vic gave an impromptu performance and asked the singer if he had any talent; Como encouraged him, referred him to a local bandleader, and became something of a mentor to him.

Among his early influences was Frank Sinatra who once called Damone “The best set of pipes in the business.” With a repertoire that relied heavily on romantic ballads with occasional pop novelty tunes, Damone had over 40 top twenty hits including ‘You’re Breaking My Heart’ (#1, 1949), ‘My Heart Cries for You’ (#4, 1950), ‘My Truly, Truly Fair’ (#4, 1951), ‘Here in My Heart’ (#8, 1952), ‘Ebb Tide’ (#10, 1953) and ‘On the Street Where You Live’ (#4, 1956).

Damone also appeared in several movies including Kismet, Meet Me in Las Vegas, and Hell to Eternity.

From 1956-1957 he hosted his own TV variety series and was a nightclub staple in the 1970’s, ’80’s ’90’s.