Cremona, Italy

April 6, 1926

Romantic tenor Sergio Franchi was born in Italy; during a career spanning close to three decades he won acclaim not only as an entertainer but also as a humanitarian, earning the title of "Cavaliery" from the Italian government. Becoming an American citizen in 1972, Franchi issued a series of recordings for RCA before succumbing to cancer on May 1, 1990; in the wake of his death, his widow Eva established the Sergio Franchi Music Foundation, annually awarding scholarships to students of vocal studies. ~ Jason Ankeny