Tony Fontane

Tony Fontane was born September 18, 1925 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and grew up in North Dakota and Chicago. He escaped the grinding poverty of his youth by joining the Coast Guard in World War II, after which he rose to prominence as a singer in the night clubs of New York. After winning the Major Bowes Original Amateur Hour, he enjoyed widespread success that included a recording contract with Mercury Records and his own television show on WGN in Chicago. In 1957 a near-fatal car crash led him to abandon his popular career for one as a gospel singer, recording primarily with RCA Victor. Fontane was constantly on the go, performing in churches, concert halls and other venues throughout the world. He died June 30, 1974, of prostate cancer.