Sadly, I only lasted through 0:53 of this. Ironically, it's because, to me, it lacked soul.
Tommy Leonetti (1929-1979) was born in New Jersey; his parents were immigrants from Italy. He first reached the Billboard charts in the pre-rock era, reaching number 30 in 1954 with "I Cried" and number 23 in 1956 with "Free". His recording of "Kum Ba Yah", a classic spiritual, reached #54 in 1969.
Leonetti lived in Australia for a couple of years in the late 1960s and was popular there. He was also an actor, appearing in bit parts in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C, Hawaii Five-O, and The Waltons, among others. He died of cancer five days after his 50th birthday.
Created November 27, 2025.