Toscanini called Lanza’s voice the "voice of the century." He was the first singer to earn gold records with million-sellers in both classical and popular categories. His MGM masterpiece, The Great Caruso, was one of the top grossing films of 1951. After losing his MGM contract, he slowly declined in a haze of alcohol and food binges, weight gains and losses. He left Hollywood and moved to Italy to rebuild his career and died of a heart attack at 38, leaving behind four children and a wife who died five months later of a drug overdose. Superb vintage glossy 8 x 10 three-quarter profile portrait of the young Lanza wearing a wool hat and light-colored scarf, signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To Jack, With Best Wishes, Mario Lanza.” In fine condition, with adhesive residue to the reverse from a previous mounting, a few scattered surface impressions, mild corner creasing. R&R COA.
