The Italians Who Changed American Music: The Myth of Enrico Caruso and Other “Greats” of the 900th Century

New York, early twentieth century. In the working-class neighborhoods, amid the voices of immigrants and the smell of black coffee, songs from far away resounded: new melodies, passionate, full of nostalgia.

The Italians who had just landed in the United States brought with them not only suitcases full of dreams, but also a musical tradition that would change the American cultural landscape forever.

Enrico Caruso, emblem of Italian music in America

From the folklore of Southern Italy to opera, the music of the emigrants was grafted onto the new urban realities, contaminating emerging genres such as jazz, Broadway musicals and pop songs.

The rise of the great Italian interpreters was marked above all by the most legendary name: Enrico Caruso. Arriving in America at the turn of the century, Caruso quickly became a star. With his powerful and vibrant voice, he recorded some of the first commercially successful records, selling millions of copies and becoming the first global music icon. Caruso was the embodiment of the American dream: starting out humble in Naples, he became a symbol of excellence and passion recognized everywhere. Alongside him, other Italian voices conquered the American public: Luisa tetrazzini, a soprano with a ringing timbre, thrilled packed audiences, while Beniamino gigli, considered the spiritual heir of Caruso, carried on the lyrical tradition with an enveloping and charismatic voice.

Frank Sinatra: American by birth, Italian by blood

Without forgetting those who were born in America but had Italian blood: Frank Sinatra, American singer, actor and producer of Italian origins, was an icon of world music. Known for his interpretations of American songs and for his voice. His father was Sicilian, Antonino Martino Sinatra, his mother was Ligurian, Natalina Maria Vittoria Garaventa.

The Italian music of the emigrants did not remain confined to the opera houses or the Little Italy: merged with American popular culture, influencing the birth of new genres and the musical sensibility of an entire nation.