Top 25 Italian-American Singers of All Time

From Bon Jovi to Sinatra, many of today’s millennials are unaware of the incredible contributions that Italian-American music has made to the music industry. With a culture like no other, it’s no wonder why Italian-Americans have made such a lasting impact in the music scene through the years. Many of these artists almost gave up on their dreams; they fought in the war, battled on the streets, struggled in the ring, and risked everything they had to become the remarkable American singers they are known as today.

25. MORGANA KING

You may know her as Carmela Corleone from “The Godfather,” but Morgana King, born Maria Grazia Morgana Messina in Pleasantville, NY, was one of the finest voices in Italian-American music during the late 50s and early 60s. Her debut album, “For You, For Me, For Everyone,” was released in 1956. In 1964, she received a Grammy award nomination for Best New Artist. Iconic songs in her repertoire include “Corcovado,” “Taste of Honey,” “A Song For You,” and “Walk On By.”

24. LOU CHRISTIE

The MGM recording artist was born Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco in Glenwillard, PA. His single “Lightnin’ Strikes” reached number one in the country in 1966. Later in the spring, Christie released his beloved classic “Rapsody in the Rain.” After being dropped by MGM, he signed with Buddah Records, recording the hit “I’m Gonna Make You Mine.” Other notable hits include “Two Faces Have I,” “The Gypsy Cried,” and “How Many Teardrops.”

23. JULIUS LA ROSA

Brooklyn boy and proud Italian-American, Julius La Rosa enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and sang in the Navy choir. If you don’t know his famous Italian-American hit song “Ehh Cumpari,” you might be surprised to hear it’s a classic. His early hits, “This is Heaven” and “Anywhere I Wander,” reached numbers 21 and 4 respectively. One of my favorites, “Domani (Tomorrow),” hit number 13 on the Billboard charts and has featured on many Italian-American compilation albums, including the classic “Mob Hits.”

22. JIMMY DURANTE

“Thumpidy, Thump Thump, Thumpidy, Thump Thump” may be how most people remember James Francis Durante, the humble and happy New York City born singer, for his classic rendition of “Frosty the Snowman.” Coming from a seventh-grade education, he started out in television and radio, becoming one of the noteworthy American singers. His biggest hits include “Young at Heart” and “September Song.”

21. FRANKIE AVALON

Yes, millennials, we all know it's the guy from “Grease” who sings “Beauty School Dropout,” but Philly-born Francis Thomas Avallone was much more than a singing angel in the clouds. Starting with RCA Victor in 1954, his songs “Venus” and “Why” made a significant impact as they became number one hits. Avalon's impressive resume boasts over thirty top 100 hits from 1958 to late 1962, including “Don’t Throw Away All Those Teardrops” and “A Boy Without a Girl.”

20. NANCY SINATRA

With that last name, you know you're poised for success in the Italian-American music sphere. The beautiful, talented Nancy Sinatra, born in Jersey City, NJ, proved quickly that her name was not all she had to offer. Although her debut single “Cuff Links and a Tie Clip” went unnoticed, her breakout hit “These Boots Are Made for Walking” in 1966 cemented her status. Noteworthy is her duet with her father, “Something Stupid.”

19. VIC DAMONE

Frank Sinatra once said, “Damone had the best pipes in the business,” and he was certainly right. The Brooklyn-born singer, born Vito Rocco Farinola, released hits in the late '40s, including “You’re Breaking My Heart.” His career saw numerous top hits like “Tzena Tzena Tzena” and “Ebb Tide,” showcasing his importance in Italian-American music folklore.

18. LOUIS PRIMA

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Louis Leo Prima formed a small jazz group in the 1920s. He often referenced his heritage in his music, which adds a unique flavor to his work. Prima started recording in 1934, and his hit “In a Little Gypsy Tea Room” reached number four in the country, while “Bouna Sera” remains a classic in the Italian-American music lineup.

17. LADY GAGA

This fashion-forward yet incredibly talented singer embraces her Italian-American heritage. From collaborating with Tony Bennett to dedicating performances to Frank Sinatra, Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta has solidified her status as one of the top Italian-American singers of today. Hits like “Poker Face” and “Just Dance” catapulted her to fame, while her album “Born This Way” sold millions worldwide.

16. MADONNA

Marone! As much as I may not feel like typing about Madonna Ciccone, she undoubtedly belongs on this list. With a remarkable resume of over 600 award nominations and nearly 300 wins, including seven Grammys, Madonna's influence as a top Italian-American singer is indisputable. Her classic songs include “Crazy For You” and “Ray of Light.”

15. FRANKIE LAINE

The Chicago-born Francesco Paolo LoVecchio, often celebrated as “America’s number one song stylist,” topped the charts consistently from 1947-1969. His first number one hits included “Mule Train” and “The Cry of the Wild Goose.” Laine's chart history is exemplary of the talent within the Italian-American music tradition.

14. JON BON JOVI

Jersey boy Jon Francis Bongiovi has always been a fan favorite, sharing the stage with contemporary artists over the years. Most notably known for “Living on a Prayer” and “Bed of Roses,” Jon Bon Jovi has been a major figure in Italian-American music for over three decades.

13. JERRY VALE

Known for his songs featured in Martin Scorsese films, Jerry Vale, born Genaro Louis Vitaliano in the Bronx, New York, remains a beloved figure in the Italian-American music scene. Hits like “Al Di La” and “Inamorata” remind us of his remarkable legacy.

12. JIMMY ROSELLI

Born Michael John Roselli in Hoboken, NJ, Jimmy faced tremendous challenges in life but rose to fame through his music. His hit “Male Femmena” and the album “Showcase: Jimmy Roselli” highlight his place among the top Italian-American singers. His classics continue to resonate with audiences.

11. BOBBY DARIN

Walden Robert Cassotto was born in East Harlem, NY, and began writing for Connie Francis, eventually launching his own career with the hit “Splish Splash.” In 1960, he won a Grammy and later entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, leaving an indelible mark within the realms of Italian-American music with songs like “Beyond the Sea.”

10. PERRY COMO

Pierino Ronald Como, born in Canonsburg, PA, discovered his singing talent while working as a barber. His peaceful voice pairs beautifully with elegant songs like “Catch a Falling Star.” Como's music remains a tranquil embodiment of Italian-American artistry.

9. LOU MONTE

Known for the holiday favorite “Dominic the Donkey,” Lou Monte was a beloved figure in Italian-American music. He was born Louis Scaglione in Manhattan, serving in the army and growing up in New Jersey. Monte’s Italian American classics, such as “Pepino the Italian Mouse,” continue to touch hearts.

8. DION

Dion Francis DiMucci was born in the Bronx, NY, and gained fame with his group Dion and the Belmonts. Known for classics like “The Wanderer,” he embodies the essence of Italian-American music with a legacy that resonates throughout generations.

7. AL MARTINO

You may recognize him as Johnny Fontane from “The Godfather,” yet Jasper Cini's contributions as Al Martino in the realm of Italian-American music are monumental. His first hit, “Here in My Heart,” showcases the beauty and emotion that defined his career.

6. FRANKIE VALLI

Francesco Stephen Castelluccio, known as Frankie Valli, hails from Newark, NJ. He formed The Four Seasons, producing timeless hits like “Sherry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” His impact on Italian-American music is firmly established through these classics.

5. MARIO LANZA

With an incredible vocal talent, Mario Lanza, born Alfredo Arnold Cocozzo in Philadelphia, PA, emerged as a foundational figure in Italian-American music. His signature song “Be My Love” remains iconic in the American music landscape.

4. CONNIE FRANCIS

Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, known as Connie Francis, was the top female vocalist of the 50s and 60s, hailing from Newark, New Jersey. Her resilience led to numerous hits in Italian-American music, including the beloved “Where the Boys Are.”

3. TONY BENNETT

You know you're on the path to legend status when Frank Sinatra names you as his favorite singer. Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Astoria, Queens to Italian parents, Tony’s career has solidified his position among the top Italian-American singers with unforgettable classics like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”

2. DEAN MARTIN

The “King of Cool,” Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti in Steubenville, Ohio, has captivated audiences from boxing to singing, notably releasing the timeless hit “That’s Amore” during his successful career, which still resonates deeply in Italian-American music today.

1. FRANK SINATRA

The Chairman of the Board, Frank Sinatra, defined an era of American music with his distinct style. Born Francis Albert Sinatra in Hoboken, New Jersey, his influence as the quintessential Italian-American singer is profound, with classics like “New York, New York” remaining timeless favorites. Sinatra's remarkable discography showcases the excellence of Italian-American music and the legacy of its talented artists.