Sergio Franchi

Born in Cogorno, Liguria to a Neapolitan father and a Genoese mother, Franchi made his singing debut at age 10 as a hunchback in a school play. He sang with jazz groups in Italy, but immigrated to South Africa in 1947, after he completed his compulsory military service. He worked as a draftsman and designed commercial interiors working for his father's furniture business. Within a few years, his amateur singing led to leading roles in operetta and opera. Having experienced local fame, Franchi was encouraged to return to Italy and pursue an operatic career. Fate intervened as opportunities opened instead in popular music and television.

Discovered on a BBC TV show, he accepted an RCA recording contract and a Sol Hurok 1962-63 concert tour.

In November 1963, Franchi was invited to attend a rally for President John F. Kennedy at the Monticello Hotel in Framingham, MA and to sing the National Anthem.

In May 1965, Franchi sang at the huge annual Congressional Club luncheon honoring then-First Lady Lady Bird Johnson.

On April 17, 1968, Franchi sang The National Anthem for the Opening Day game (New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants) at Shea Stadium.

After becoming a United States citizen in 1972, Franchi often called himself a "Yankee Frankee".

In 1976, Franchi was hired to do television commercials for Chrysler Corporation's Plymouth Volare as well as for Hills Brothers Coffee. He also signed to endorse Carpineto wines in print media because "Italy produces 90% of the grapes for wine".

On October 10, 1977, Franchi served as Grand Marshall of the world's largest Italian-American celebration - New York City's Columbus Day Parade. A decade later, he held the record for the biggest one-week attendance draw at the North Shore Music Theater.

A generous benefactor and philanthropist, Sergio Franchi was honored by The Greater New Orleans Cultural Society on March 12, 1982 where they presented him with the "16th Annual Italian American of the Year Award.".

On September 15, 1983, Sergio Franchi gave a Command Performance for President Ronald Reagan in honor of the Portugese State Visit.

In recognition of his support for them, The Boys' Towns of Italy presented Sergio Franchi with their prestigious "Michelangelo Award". In 2001, he was posthumously awarded the title of "Maestro" of the Stella al Merito del Lavoro (Star of Merit of Work) by the government of the Republic of Italy.

Sergio Franchi's personal passion was collecting and restoring classic and antique automobiles. He was a long-time member of the Classic Car Club of America; won awards for his restoration work, and participated in many of their cavalcades. After his death, his important collection aroused strong interest and competitive bidding at Christi's Exceptional Cars Auction in 2006.