Mario .... we're pretty close in age (just turned 61) and even closer in some of the musical influences ... my first influence was my mother, who at the age of 89 is STILL asked to sing for seniors, etc. .... of course most of the people she sings to are younger than her ... my sisters and I used to listen to Alan Freed, and sing along with The Platters, etc. while we did the supper dishes.... and then of course ELVIS ... didn't start appreciating Sinatra until my early 30's or so ... Jack Jones, one of the most underrated singers around, Vic Damone - smooooth ... Torme .... smooooother....later - Donald Fagan, Eagles, Clapton ....
...Michael Franks - great stuff ... and ALL the old time, and unfortunately mostly gone jazz artists... Paul Desmond, Mulligan, Getz, and Brubeck, OSCAR PETERSON !!! ...
today - Michelle Camillo! ... David Sanborn, Bob James, DIANA KRAULL .....
. the beat goes on ....
t.