Little Italy in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Frankie Laine

Singer/Actor/Entertainer

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

1. Frankie Laine Marker

Inscription. On March 30, 1913, in the Little Italy section of Chicago, Francesco Paolo LoVecchio was born. Mother Cresenzia Concetta Salerno and father Giovanni LoVecchio. Both parents from Monreale, Sicily. Frankie’s first introduction to music came when the Monsignor at Immaculate Conception recruited him for the all-boy church choir. Now, an aspiring singer, Frankie would work many jobs, singing wherever and whenever he could, traveling from town to town, experiencing many hardships. Frankie was in his mid-thirties when he attained his first hit “That’s My Desire”. 21 Gold Records followed, including “That Lucky Old Sun”, “Mule Train”, “Jezebel”, “High Noon”, “I believe”, “Cry of the Wild Goose”, “Moonlight Gambler”, and “Rawhide”. Frankie starred in 7 motion pictures, starred on his own television show, sang the title song for several motion pictures, including “Blazing Saddles”, “3:10 to Yuma” and “Gunfight at OK Corral”. Frankie moved to San Diego in the 60’s. He lived the rest of his life in his Point Loma home. Frankie loved San Diego and especially Little Italy. Frankie Laine passed away February 6th, 2007

Erected by Little Italy Legends.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is February 6, 2007.

Location.

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32° 43.404′ N, 117° 10.095′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Little Italy. It is on India Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1731 India Street, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Little Italy Landmark Sign (a few steps from this marker); 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Opening Celebration (a few steps from this marker); 2006 FIFA World Soccer Cup Celebration (a few steps from this marker); Madeleine & Vincent DePhilippis (within shouting distance of this marker); Piazza della Famiglia (within shouting distance of this marker); Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rose & Salvatore “Sal” Cresci (about 400 feet away); Pietro & Cristina Busalacchi (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

More about this marker. Marker is located at the south corner of the Nonna Italian Comfort Food restauarant building.

Also see . . .
1. Cry of the Wild Goose [Toast of the Town] 9/10/1950 (Youtube, 2:22). Frankie Laine, Carl Fischer (p.), Ray Bloch & His Orchestra, Ed Sullivan (Introduction) (Submitted on July 9, 2025.)

2. Statue of Frankie Laine in Little Italy.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, July 5, 2025

2. Frankie Laine Marker

A life-size bronze statue of legendary entertainer Frankie Laine (born Francesco Paolo LoVecchio) was dedicated in 2020 in Little Italy. It now stands in front of Nonna, an Italian restaurant owned by Frankie’s long-time friend Joe Busalacchi.

Frankie Lane lived the latter part of his life in San Diego’s Point Loma community and frequently visited Little Italy.

(Submitted on July 10, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 219 times since then and 68 times this year. Last updated on July 10, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.