Biography

Lou Monte was born on April 2, 1917 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA. He died on June 12, 1989 in Pompano Beach, Florida, USA.

Italian-American singer/comedian, raised in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. His greatest popularity was in the 1950s and early 1960s. His biggest hits were "Darktown Strutters Ball" (RCA Victor: 1953), the popular Christmas novelty "Dominick the Donkey" (Roulette: 1960), and "Pepino, the Italian Mouse" (Reprise: 1962). His successful albums included "Songs for Pizza Lovers," "Lou Monte Sings for You" (both RCA Victor: 1958), "Italian Houseparty" (RCA Victor: 1959), and "The Mixed-Up Bull from Palermo and 0ther Italian Fun Songs" (Reprise: 1964).

Contributed the Lou Monte, Jr., Leukemia Research Laboratory to the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey. This was done as a memorial to his elder son, who died of the disease at the age of only 21.