Does Italy have a Christmas donkey?
This is a song beloved of Italian-Americans and made famous by the lovely Lou Monte in the early 1960s. It’s the story of a little donkey who helps Santa take gifts to all the children of Italy because the reindeer can’t manage Italy’s hills.
What nationality is Dominick the donkey?
Some folks absolutely love the kitschy Christmas tune about Dominick, the well-tempered Italian Christmas donkey who helps Santa Claus traverse the hills of Italy, where his reindeer simply cannot climb.
What is a Cumare?
If a man has a cumare, the word means mistress. Fans of “The Sopranos” will remember that Uncle June had a cumare (I believe he stashed her in Boca).
Who was the original singer of Dominick the donkey?
“Dominick the Donkey” is a Christmas song written by Ray Allen, Sam Saltzberg and Wandra Merrell, and was recorded by Lou Monte in 1960, on Roulette Records. The song describes a donkey who helps Santa Claus bring presents (“made in Brooklyn”) to children in Italy “because the reindeer cannot climb” Italy’s hills.
Who is the narrator of Dominick the donkey?
In that special, the donkey’s name is “Spieltote,” who is voiced by Roger Miller and who is the narrator. Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Who is the voice of Nestor the long-eared donkey?
The song was listed at No. 14 in Billboard’s “Bubbling under the Hot 100” list in December 1960. Santa Claus owning a donkey is later referenced in the 1977 television special Nestor, the Long–Eared Christmas Donkey. In that special, the donkey’s name is “Spieltote,” who is voiced by Roger Miller and who is the narrator.
How old was Lou Monte when he died?
Lou Monte, born Louis Scaglione on (April 2, 1917 – June 12, 1989), was an Italian-American singer best known for a number of best-selling, Italian-themed novelty records which he recorded for both RCA Records and Reprise Records in the late 1950s and early 1960s.