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In the Spring of 1951, Victor Marchese bid a fond farewell to his friends and coworkers at the Farmer’s Market. He was off to Hollywood to fulfill a newly penned recording contract with MGM and some possible offers for screen tests and television appearances. His dream of becoming a singing sensation and recording artist had come true. All the hard work had paid off. But, much to our misfortune, his fame would be short lived. A changing music scene and stiff competition among firmly established crooners of the era would make it all but impossible for Victor to remain among the chosen few Hollywood stars and starlets. 60 years after these fabulous recordings were pressed to vinyl, listeners around the world continue to be impressed by Victor’s powerful voice and dramatic vocal style. There can be little doubt that he deserves to be ranked among the very best vocalists of our time!
Born in San Jose, California on October 31,1920 to Italian-American parents, Victor grew up among seven children born to the Marchese's, who in the 1920's moved the family to San Diego. Music was a special part of the Marchese household, for Mama Marchese had a beautiful gift for playing the piano, and often encouraged her children to sing along with her. Music was always enjoyed as a family activity. Tragically, an ear infection took the life of Victor's mother when he was five, leaving the family heartbroken and the piano silent for many years after. The family pulled together and survived the depression years of the 1930's. In 1938, Victor joined the United States Navy, touring the South Pacific during WWII. It was while he was in the Navy that Victor first began singing for live audiences, joining various bands formed by the men on the US.S. Holland, as well as other bands, both Navy and civilian. Victor's captain aboard the Holland would often send Victor and the band ashore first to make a good impression on the townspeople. Cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Darwin literally opened up for American sailors once Victor sang. |
After the war, Victor worked at a vegetable stand in L.A.'s famous Farmer's Market to pay for opera lessons from Nelson Eddie's voice teacher. In1950, Victor won first prize on a radio show called Live Like a Milionaire, putting him in the spotlight alongside such famous acts as Martin and Lewis, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, and others. People were listening, and so were the record studios. In 1951, MGM Records signed Victor to record twelve records and sing for movie sound tracks like Athena, where Victor dubbed for Edmond Purdom's voice. The (Jane Powell - Victor Marchese) duet, titled Love Can Change the Stars was a beautifully harmonized piece, but was cut from the final edit of this 1954 movie musical. Victor was also the first artist to record the song Fandango, now available on CD.
Also featured in these collections are the songs Jeanine and Flamingo, as played on many oldies radio stations and Public Broadcasting Stations nationwide. Many tracks were done in just one take! After sampling the studio recordings, listeners can delight to a few rare, live recordings that highlight the more intimate side of Victor's warm stage presence, and wide versatility behind the microphone. You've never heard a voice like Victor’s in your lifetime. And there's a good chance you may never hear one like it again! |