Vic Damone, a popular singer from the 1950s, passed away on Sunday in Miami Beach. He was 89.
Damone's good friend, Ed Henry, said that the nightclub star died due to complications from respiratory failure. In 2000, Damone suffered a mild stroke, but he recovered from it.
A year after, he announced his retirement after his farewell tour and 10 years later, he surprised his fans with a rare performance in Palm Beach, Florida, where he lived.
"Vic Damone is the kind of performer who comes along once in a lifetime. Fortunately, he came along in our lifetime," said Alex Dreyfoos, chairman of the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.
Vic Damone's Professional And Personal Life
The late musician had a memorable career where he managed to record 2,500 songs within a span of 54 years. He also starred in his own radio show and appeared in television programs, movies, and more.
He is best known for his performances in nightclubs where he sang "Come Rain or Come Shine," "In the Still of Night," "I Don't Want to Walk Without You," and more.
Damone's personal life may be regarded as a tumultuous one. He was married five times and was blessed with four children. He had four divorces, and two of his ex-wives committed suicide. Damone also fought hard for the custody of his only son. He was arrested in 1964 after his ex-wife accused him of kidnapping their then-9-year-old child.
In 2013, Damone battled Rena Rowan's two daughters over his ex-wife's fortune. Rena suffered a stroke in 2011. Her daughter, Nina, claimed that her mom was too ill to make decisions over her money. Damone, on the other hand, said that Rena was doing just fine.
Nina and Damone faced off in court, and Nina told the judge that she is worried her mom's fortune will be spent by the singer.
"The value of Rowan's property is at risk if the husband is able to manipulate the alleged incapacitated person to change her trust to name the husband as beneficiary," said Nina.
She also said that Damone has a gambling problem. The singer was also accused of living off of his former wives' assets and incomes. However, Damone said that there was no truth to Nina's claims.
"Obviously, this has nothing to do with my wife but with the fact that her daughters don't get along with me... I have my own money. I don't need my wife's. I love my wife and I'm going to take care of her," said Damone.
