Summary
Romano Bruno Mussolini (26 September 1927 – 3 February 2006) was an Italian jazz pianist, painter, and film producer.[1] He was the fourth child and youngest son of Benito Mussolini.
Romano Mussolini | |
|---|---|
 Romano in 1932 | |
| Born | Romano Bruno Mussolini 26 September 1927 |
| Died | 3 February 2006 (aged 78) Rome, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Occupation(s) | jazz pianist, painter and film producer |
| Years active | 1945–2006 |
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 3, including Alessandra and Rachele |
| Parent(s) | Benito Mussolini Rachele Mussolini |
| Relatives | Sophia Loren (sister-in-law) |
Early life and education edit
Romano Mussolini was a native of Villa Carpena, Forlì (Emilia-Romagna), Romano Mussolini studied music as a child, playing classical pieces with his father on the violin. After World War II, he started playing jazz under the assumed name "Romano Full".[2]
Musical career edit
His playing style has been described as "like a slightly melancholic Oscar Peterson. Occasionally inspired, he was always efficient; he made the refrains run on time."[3]
Personal life edit
In 1962, Mussolini married Maria Scicolone, the younger sister of actress Sophia Loren. They had two daughters, Alessandra and her younger sister Elisabetta. Alessandra led a small Italian far-right party often described as neofascist, Alternativa Sociale. Romano Mussolini composed the party's official anthem, "The Pride of Being Italian".[3]
With his second wife, the actress Carla M. Puccini, he had a third daughter, Rachele Mussolini, named after his mother Rachele Mussolini. The younger Rachele has served as a member of the city council of Rome.[4]
Mussolini was very reserved about his family history. It was only in 2004 that he published a book, entitled Il Duce, mio padre (The Leader, My Father), followed by a similar book in 2005, collecting personal memories and accounts of private confidences and discussions with his father.
Death edit
Romano Mussolini died in 2006, aged 78, in a hospital in Rome from heart problems.
Selected discography edit
- Mirage (1974)
- Soft & Swing (1996)
- The Wonderful World of Louis (2001)
- Timeless Blues (2002)
- Music Blues (2002)
- Romano Piano & Forte (2002)
- Jazz Album (2003)
- Napule 'nu quarto 'e luna (2003)
- Alibi perfetto (2004) soundtrack
References edit
- ^ "Same name, different fame". The Sydney Morning Herald. March 18, 2006.
- ^ Mazzoletti, Adriano (2001). "Romano Mussolini". In Sadie, Stanley; Tyrrell, John (eds.). The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2nd ed.). London: Macmillan Publishers. ISBN 978-1-56159-239-5.
- ^ a b Steyn, Mark (May 2006). "He made the refrains run on time". The Atlantic Monthly.
- ^ "Rachele Mussolini: Fascist dictator's granddaughter wins most votes in Rome's municipal elections". Euronews. 6 October 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
Books edit
- Mussolini, Romano (2006). My Father Il Duce: A Memoir by Mussolini's Son. Ana Stojanovic (trans.). San Diego, CA: Kales Press. ISBN 0-9670076-8-2.
External links edit
- Mussolini's jazz pianist son dies from BBC News
- Singer Helen Merrill recalls Romano Mussolini
- Romano Mussolini at IMDb
- E' morto Romano Mussolini, il figlio jazzista del duce from La Repubblica (in Italian)