Lou Monte was a popular singer who entertained millions of fans with his humorous and catchy songs. He was best known for his Italian-themed novelty records, such as “Lazy Mary”, “Pepino the Italian Mouse”, and “Dominick the Donkey”. But how did he die and what was his legacy? Here is a brief overview of Lou Monte’s life and death.
Early Life and Career
Lou Monte was born Louis Scaglione on April 2, 1917, in Manhattan, New York. His parents were Italian immigrants, but his mother died when he was only two years old. He was raised in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, where he developed a passion for music and singing. He began performing at the age of 14, but it took him many years to gain recognition and fame.
He served in the Army during World War II, and after he was discharged, he resumed his musical career. He got his break when he was hired by a radio station in Newark, New Jersey, in 1948, to do his own show. He also appeared on local TV and made some recordings on small labels. He caught the attention of Joe Carlton, an A&R for RCA Victor Records, who offered him a contract in 1953.
Success and Fame
Monte’s first big hit came in 1954, with his version of “Darktown Strutters’ Ball”. He followed it with more successful songs, such as “Italian Huckle-Buck”, “Angelina”, and “Lazy Mary”. He became known for his humorous and playful style, often mixing English and Italian dialects in his lyrics. He also collaborated with other singers, such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Rosemary Clooney.
In 1962, he released his most famous song, “Pepino the Italian Mouse”, which sold over a million copies and earned him a gold disc. The song tells the story of a mischievous mouse who annoys a man by eating his cheese, drinking his wine, and scaring his girlfriend. Monte followed it with more animal-themed songs, such as “Pepino’s Friend Pasqual”, “Dominick the Donkey”, and “Paul Revere’s Horse”.
Monte recorded for various labels, such as Reprise Records, Roulette Records, Musicor Records, Laurie Records, and AFE Records. He also appeared on TV shows, such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show, and The Jackie Gleason Show. He was admired by many celebrities, such as Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, and Lucille Ball. He was also a philanthropist, who supported various causes, such as the American Cancer Society, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Lou Monte Cause of Death
Monte continued to perform and record until the late 1980s, but his health began to decline due to emphysema, a lung disease that impairs breathing. He moved to Florida, where he hoped to recover, but his condition worsened. He died on June 12, 1989, at the age of 72, in Pompano Beach, Florida. He was buried in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Upper Montclair, New Jersey.
According to The Celebrity Deaths, the cause of death was emphysema. Emphysema is a chronic condition that damages the air sacs in the lungs, making it hard to breathe. It is often caused by smoking, exposure to air pollution, or genetic factors. Emphysema has no cure, but treatments can help to ease the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Legacy and Influence
Lou Monte left behind a rich and diverse musical legacy, that spanned genres, languages, and cultures. He was one of the first singers to popularize Italian-American music, and he influenced many artists, such as Pat Cooper, Jerry Vale, and Tony Bennett. He also introduced many Americans to the traditions and customs of Italy, such as the Feast of the Seven Fishes, the Tarantella dance, and the Christmas donkey.
His songs have been covered by many singers, such as Louis Prima, Bobby Rydell, and Lou Bega. His song “Dominick the Donkey” has become a Christmas classic, especially in the UK, where it reached the number two spot on the charts in 2011. His song “Pepino the Italian Mouse” has also been featured in many movies, TV shows, and commercials, such as The Godfather Part III, The Sopranos, and Geico.
Lou Monte was a talented and charismatic singer, who brought joy and laughter to millions of people with his witty and catchy songs. He was a proud and generous Italian-American, who celebrated his heritage and shared it with the world. He was a legend in the music industry, and a beloved icon in the Italian-American community. He will always be remembered and cherished by his fans and family.
