What was Vic Damone's net worth?
Vic Damone was an American singer, actor, and radio and television personality who had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 2018. Vic Damone was born in Brooklyn, New York in June 1928 and passed away in February 2018.
Vic Damone, born Vito Rocco Farinola on June 12, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, was one of the most celebrated American traditional pop vocalists of the 20th century. Frank Sinatra himself declared that Damone possessed "the best pipes in the business," a testament to his exceptional vocal abilities and pristine baritone voice.
Growing up in Brooklyn's Bensonhurst neighborhood as the son of Italian immigrants, Damone was exposed to music early through his electrician father, who taught him the basics of vocals. His father's love for opera, particularly the works of Enrico Caruso, heavily influenced young Vito's musical sensibilities. Tragedy struck when his father was injured in a work accident, forcing teenage Damone to drop out of high school to help support his family.
Damone's career began serendipitously when he met Perry Como while working as an usher at New York's Paramount Theater. Como encouraged the young singer and became an early mentor. His big break came in 1947 when he won "Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts," leading to regular radio appearances and his first hit single, "I Have But One Heart."
By age 19, Damone had signed with Mercury Records and launched a string of hits including "Again" (1949), "You're Breaking My Heart" (1949), and "My Heart Cries for You" (1950). His smooth, warm vocal style perfectly suited the romantic ballads of the era, and he became known for his careful phrasing and natural, unforced delivery.
Throughout the 1950s, Damone expanded his career into television and film. He hosted his own TV show, "The Vic Damone Show," on NBC and appeared in several MGM movies, including "Rich, Young and Pretty" (1951) and "Kismet" (1955). His most successful recording period came with Columbia Records in the mid-1950s, producing hits like "On the Street Where You Live" from "My Fair Lady."
Unlike many of his contemporaries who struggled with the rise of rock and roll, Damone successfully adapted to changing musical tastes while maintaining his signature style. He continued recording and performing through the 1960s and 1970s, releasing well-received albums that showcased his versatility with both standards and contemporary material.
Personal challenges marked Damone's life, including five marriages and financial difficulties that led to bankruptcy in the 1970s. However, he maintained his dignity and professionalism throughout, earning respect from peers and audiences alike. His resilience showed when he rebuilt his career through casino and nightclub performances, particularly in Las Vegas, where he remained a popular attraction.
Getty
Damone's contributions to American popular music earned him significant recognition, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His technical skill and interpretative abilities influenced subsequent generations of singers, and his recordings of standards like "An Affair to Remember," "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," and "On the Street Where You Live" remain definitive versions.
Beyond his musical career, Damone was known for his patriotism and support of military causes. He served in the Army during the Korean War and frequently performed for troops throughout his career. He was also active in various Italian-American causes and maintained strong connections to his heritage throughout his life.
In his later years, Damone reduced his performance schedule but continued to make occasional appearances until his retirement in 2002. He published his autobiography, "Singing Was the Easy Part," in 2009, detailing his remarkable journey from Brooklyn to international stardom.
Damone was a personal friend of Donald Trump and was married five times including to Pier Angeli and Diahann Carroll. At the time of his death he was married to fashion designer Rena Rowan Damone. In 2015, they sold a longtime home in Palm Beach, Florida, for $6 million. Today, this home would be worth at least $20 million. Before selling the home, Vic and Rena downsized to an oceanfront condo at The Residences at Sloans Curve. Rena listed this condo for sale in April 2020 for $5.2 million.
Vic Damone passed away on February 11, 2018, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy as one of the finest vocalists of his era. His contribution to American popular music, particularly in maintaining and advancing the tradition of the classic American songbook, remains influential and respected to this day.
