"My father was my earliest inspiration and instilled in me a love of music. He had a beautiful singing voice and would often sing Italian folk songs to my brother, sister and I on the front steps of our home in Astoria, Queens. Although he passed away when I was only ten years old, I still have vivid memories of his beautiful voice and I was told by relatives that in his birthplace in Italy he would go to the top of the mountains and sing and everyone in the valley would be able to hear him. I was fortunate enough to visit my family's ancestral home in Podargani a few years ago and stand on that very same mountaintop and sing O Solo Mio. It was a moment I will never forget and while thinking of my father I want to wish everyone a Happy Father's Day" ~Tony Bennett
