Mario Lanza (1921-1959)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The beloved tenor was born here as Alfredo Cocozza. Here as a boy he learned the arias of many operas. Became a radio, concert, record artist. After signing with M-G-M in 1947, he made seven films; had the title role in "The Great Caruso," 1951.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In the early 20th century this South Philadelphia neighborhood was a dense Italian-American enclave, and it was here that a boy named Alfredo Cocozza first fell under the spell of grand opera. Rechristened Mario Lanza, he rode the era of radio, records, and Hollywood musicals to international fame, capped by his celebrated turn as the title character in 'The Great Caruso' in 1951. His soaring tenor introduced operatic singing to millions of Americans who had never set foot in an opera house.
Why it matters
Lanza's rise from a Philadelphia rowhouse to Hollywood embodies the mid-century American story of an immigrant community's child reaching a mass audience through the new mediums of film and recorded sound.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.5 mi away
- Hill-Physick House0.5 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Powel House0.7 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Bridgette Mayer0.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.8 mi away · PA
- Congress Hall0.8 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Italian market0.2 mi away · Christian Street
- Second Bank of the United States0.8 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.8 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Becuna0.8 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.8 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Olympia0.8 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.6 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.6 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.7 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.7 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.7 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters0.7 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Morris House Hotel0.6 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.6 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.7 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.7 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.8 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel0.8 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
Own a business near here? Add it to the map.
Related people
- · Mario Lanza
- · Alfredo Cocozza
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
House of Industry
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1996
Opened in 1846, this was the first institution of its kind in Pennsylvania, meeting the surging need of a city swelling with newcomers. It served Irish Catholic and other immigrants alongside the native-born, offering relief to the poor in an era before any government safety net. Rather than mere charity, it emphasized training programs meant to help the needy find work and stand on their own.
Giannini Family
Philadelphia, PA · est. 2005
This was home to the Giannini family, a celebrated musical dynasty of the early 20th century. Father Ferruccio, a tenor, sang on one of the first phonograph discs in 1896; his daughter Dusolina became a Metropolitan Opera soprano, and his son Vittorio a composer who taught at the Curtis Institute and Juilliard. Their careers linked Philadelphia to the great stages and conservatories of American music.
St. Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Parish
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1994
Founded in 1852 by St. John Neumann, the Bohemian-born Bishop of Philadelphia, St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi was the first Italian national parish in the United States — a church built to serve worshippers in their own language and traditions. New church buildings rose here in 1854 and 1891 as the surrounding streets became the heart of the Delaware Valley's largest Italian community. The parish anchored a neighborhood of newcomers finding their footing in a new country.
Eddie Lang
Philadelphia, PA · est. 1995
Born Salvatore Massaro in 1902, Eddie Lang grew up in this part of Philadelphia and grew into the musician often called the "Father of Jazz Guitar." A gifted soloist, he brought the guitar forward as a serious jazz voice, working alongside violinist Joe Venuti, bandleader Paul Whiteman, the Dorsey brothers, and others in the freewheeling music scene of the 1920s and early '30s. He was serving as Bing Crosby's accompanist when his sudden death in 1933 cut short a brilliant career.