Anthony J. Franchini Papers (MS-00754)

Musician, arranger, conductor, and composer Anthony J. Franchini was born on August 2, 1898 in Naples, Italy and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was five years old. With only an 8th grade education, he worked as a music teacher in Massachusetts until he enlisted in the Army during the first World War. When he was discharged, he went to New York City, New York to pursue a career in music. He recorded over three thousand records for Victor, Columbia, and Edison recording companies and also arranged musical scores for RKO, a production company. Franchini wrote and published over 150 songs including "Talkin' to my Heart" for Tommy Dorsey.

Franchini played the ukulele, mandolin, and guitar, and toured with Hank Williams Sr. for two years and with the Louisiana Hayride, also for two years. He performed with the Mantovani's orchestra in the late 1950s and at numerous Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada resorts, where he backed up such artists as Frank Sinatra, Wayne Newton, Sammy Davis Jr., and Jack Benny. Anthony J. Franchini won many awards and recognitions for his work in the music industry throughout his career. He passed away in 1997.