Singer, Actor. He will be remembered as a regularly featured vocalist on the television series "Arthur Godfrey and His Friends" (1951 to 1953). La Rosa was fired by Godfrey from the show while on the air on October 19, 1953, due to his hiring of his own manager. National controversy ensued following this event. His being fired actually furthered his career, while the controversial move proved detrimental to Godfrey. He would go on to his own TV program "The Julius La Rosa Show," which aired for three seasons (1955 to 1957). Born in Brooklyn, La Rosa was heavily influenced by Frank Sinatra and began his singing career while serving with the United States Navy. It was during this period, when he impressed Godfrey who invited him to join his show following La Rosa's discharge. In addition to his own program, he performed regularly on such popular programs as "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Steve Allen Show," "The Jack Paar Show," "The Perry Como Show" and many others. He achieved four Top-30 hits on the American Pop Charts with "Anywhere I Wander" (1953), "Domani" (1955), "Suddenly There's a Valley" (1955), "Lipstick and Candy and Rubbersole Shoes" (1956) and "Torero" (1958). La Rosa co-penned and sang the hit "Eh, Chumpari," which was featured in the film "The Godfather III" (1990). He experienced acting roles in the film "Let's Rock" (1958) and the television series "Another World" (1980). For the latter, he received an Emmy Award nomination. La Rosa received a star for his television work on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Additionally, he was a popular, longtime disc jockey for WNEW Radio in New York. He died from natural causes.
Singer, Actor. He will be remembered as a regularly featured vocalist on the television series "Arthur Godfrey and His Friends" (1951 to 1953). La Rosa was fired by Godfrey from the show while on the air on October 19, 1953, due to his hiring of his own manager. National controversy ensued following this event. His being fired actually furthered his career, while the controversial move proved detrimental to Godfrey. He would go on to his own TV program "The Julius La Rosa Show," which aired for three seasons (1955 to 1957). Born in Brooklyn, La Rosa was heavily influenced by Frank Sinatra and began his singing career while serving with the United States Navy. It was during this period, when he impressed Godfrey who invited him to join his show following La Rosa's discharge. In addition to his own program, he performed regularly on such popular programs as "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Steve Allen Show," "The Jack Paar Show," "The Perry Como Show" and many others. He achieved four Top-30 hits on the American Pop Charts with "Anywhere I Wander" (1953), "Domani" (1955), "Suddenly There's a Valley" (1955), "Lipstick and Candy and Rubbersole Shoes" (1956) and "Torero" (1958). La Rosa co-penned and sang the hit "Eh, Chumpari," which was featured in the film "The Godfather III" (1990). He experienced acting roles in the film "Let's Rock" (1958) and the television series "Another World" (1980). For the latter, he received an Emmy Award nomination. La Rosa received a star for his television work on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Additionally, he was a popular, longtime disc jockey for WNEW Radio in New York. He died from natural causes.
Bio by: C.S.
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