48 Vaccaro ⦁ Louis Prima & Tarantella In 1960, “Lucky, Lucky, Lucky Me” was covered by Italian American singer Annette Funicello on her album Italiannette. This version is notable because it omits the jazz section, includes traditional tarantella instruments such as the tambourine, mandolin, and accordion, and is sung by Funicello with a nasal tone similar to the performance practice of traditional tarantellas. Funicello’s willingness to play into Italian American stereotypes extends to the album cover, where she uses characteristic hand gestures (see Figure 1). A distinct Italian American identity was emerging based on these stereotypes: the music and the identity were beginning to influence one another on a national scale. Figure 1: Album cover art for Annette Funicello, Italiannette (Buena Vista, BV-3304, 1960). Notice the pinched hand gestures Funicello uses, which originated as a gesticulation of the Italian phrase “Che vuoi?” (What do you want?).35 Another prominent example of this mutual influence is the 1953 song “That’s Amore,” by English American lyricist Jack Brooks and Italian American composer Harry Warren (born Salvatore Antonio Guaragna). “That’s Amore” is an American popular tune that utilizes a distinctly stereotypical Neapolitan feel, with the lyrics explicitly mentioning pizza, wine, pasta, and most importantly, the tarantella. The song became an icon of so-called “authentic Italian” music, thanks in large part to the recording made famous by Italian American singer Dean Martin. Funicello and Martin separately understood Prima’s idea of humorous self-deprecation. 35 Annette Funicello, Italiannette. Buena Vista Records, 1960.
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