Be My Love: A Celebration of Mario Lanza

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Summary: The book does not bring out the two sides of Lanza
Review: author Roland Bessette's Tenor In Exile book brings forth both sides of Mario Lanza, whereas the "Be my Love" authors show a different side of the singer.

While Lanza was alive he was constantly in the news media for his tempermental acts and demands with studio brass.

His drinking behavior did cause him problems, and this was no secret to those who knew him, and wrote about him.

The Constantine Callinicos book; "Mario Lanza" was one of first of the best books published. If a film was to be made then the toss up with be between Mr. Bessette's book and the Callinicos book. Or using material from these two books.

The Armando Cesari book is good but not as good as the two books mentioned above. It lacks a lot of weakness in the character.

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Summary: New Book on Mario Lanza Sets Record Straight
Review: Be My Love- A Celebration of Mario Lanza" by Damon Lanza, Bob Dolfi, and Mark Muller is a very entertaining and factual publication on the life and times of one of the greatest singers and personalities of the 20th century.

It is full of information culled from Lanza's own personal archives as well as reminices from people who were collegues and friends of the great tenor. There are even thoughts from singers who were inspired by Mr. Lanza. Throughout the work there are many fine photographs a good deal of which are being seen for the first time.

This new work shows Mario Lanza as he was and would like to be remembered and finally dispells the rumor of the cause of his pre-mature death.

It is highly recomended not just for Lanza fans but for anyone interested in a man who came from simple roots and went on to become a major force and influence in shaping the music and entertainment world as it is today.

Bill Ronayne

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Summary: Justice at long last!
Review: Finally a book on Mario Lanza which presents the real person and not just the usual collection of rumours and myths, "Be My Love" is a compilation of fond rememberances and anecdotes of perhaps the greatest tenor voice of the 20th century, if not all time. The book has been lovingly compiled and presented by Damon Lanza, Bob Dolfi and Mark Muller and doesn't contain the usual Hollywood rumormill garbage which we have, unfortunately, come to expect from Lanza biographies. For a glimpse of the real Mario Lanza, tenor, family man, fellow artist, etc., this is the definitive book to read! We are both greatly pleased and relieved that someone has finally taken the time to present this great tenor in a truthful light and hope for more to come from this collaboration in the future! You can really not go wrong with "Be My Love."

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Summary: A disappointing read
Review: I had great hopes for this book, especially when I saw that Mr Damon Lanza was the author.
Unfortunately, after reading it, I soon donated it to the local library. It seemed a trivial attempt to "disprove" certain things that are suspect to be true.

When they interview people who say "oh yes, I played stick ball with Mario....he was a great guy...." or restaurant owners who say "he ate here all the time and was a gentleman...."

What does that prove? You could find 50+ people who I've known over my past 20 years in the theater, to say yeah or neigh about me as well ! Does that prove my character ?

Mario had a temper, he may have drunk a bit too much at times, and his appetite caused his weight to fluctuate. So it has been written !

But does that make him any less of a great artist? NO ! He had a magnificent voice, was a great talent, and made 1000's of people happy. That's his testament to life.

I am a great fan of Mario Lanza and have been for years. He was a human being first and foremost, not a God !

I was disappointed by the fact that Mr. Lanza had to write this book as if in "response" to rumor.
I would much rather have had more concentration on his relationship with Mario.

Lanza fans, who idolize him, may find this book endearing. If so, great! But I for one am alway a bit suspect of books that try to gloss over imperfections by sidetracking the issue.

Take the book for what it is worth, but for a more complete understanding of the man, I suggest Mr. Mannering's volume instead.

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Summary: BE MY LOVE: A Celebration and theTruth About Mario Lanza
Review: There was a BBC documentary some 20 years ago on Mario Lanza and I recall the producer saying that the truth about Mario Lanza is not easy to find. On the contrary, simply read this book written with respect, honesty and love and you will come to know the artist and man, Mario Lanza. A man so amazingly gifted that one cannot escape the feeling that there must have been times that the actual extent of his talents were beyond the comprehension of Mario Lanza himself. Today we have numerous artists in the world of classical vocal music paying homage to this man that, during his brief career, the tabloids labeled a Hollywood fabrication. He was not the product of sound engineers. No indeed. He was the genuine article, a voice heard once in a lifetime and his story is told by the only person qualified to do so, his only living son Damon. If you are a lover of the tenor voice and the truth, I commend wholeheartedly this well researched and well written book. Bravo to Damon, Bob and Mark! Your effort has been long awaited and it's good to have it finally here.