This book details Dick Contino's career from his early teen celebrity, becoming a seasoned entertainer, being discharged from the Army in 1954, until the present day. It examines the highs and lows of his life, from being a great musical entertainer, to being called a "draft dodger" and sent to prison, being drafted and being transferred to a Special Service Entertainment Unit that performed for troops all across Korea.
From the Author:
This book follows Contino’s career from his discharge from the Army in 1954, until the present day. Peopled with a “Who’s Who of Hollywood and the music industry”, the book examines the highs and lows of Contino’s life. From his marriage to the beautiful actress, Leigh Snowden, to his tour of Russia as part of a cultural exchange arranged by the United States Department of State and Ed Sullivan; from his performances at private parties for mobsters, to his appearances at run-down clubs with ten people in the audience; from the depths of despair when, accosted as “a no-good draft dodger”, he sought solace in liquor, to the renaissance of his career at the fabulous ethnic festivals in Milwaukee and Chicago, Dick Contino’s story is one that is filled with perseverance and commitment.
Inspired to write this book to set straight the story of Contino’s life, the author hopes that the work fills the void that, until now, has existed concerning the entertainer’s military career and subsequent life. In the face of tremendous adversity, Contino righted his life with the assistance of a loving family, a devoted friend, and his countless fans. We believe that this book will help you gain a better insight into the life of one of America’s premier entertainers.
Bob Bove |
