Russell Car On Muddy Yonge Street at Balliol Street, 1913. City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 1244, Item 42.

My grandfather came from Monteleone Italy in 1913. Wow can you imagine.!

Funny it was different for Italian immigrants back then. My grandfather had no papers, did not speak or read any English, in fact he did not read in Italian. The immigration people misspelled his name, which stuck and off he went. He was what was then called a WOP or  “With Out Papers”

My grandfather Rocco Romagnolo was so frightened and frustrated with how he was treated in those days in Toronto that when he subsequently had children he would not allow them to learn how to speak Italian. The were going to be Canadian. As a result I speak very little Italian. Just what I learned in 3 years at high school.

Funny thing I haven’t known Lenny very long and yet he is such a humble down to earth guy that I feel he is a friend and I have known him for many years.

I was the guest of Walter Simone of Integrated Planning & Solutions at a CD launch at Revival down on College St.  and Lenny was there. Walter introduced us and Lenny immediately told me that several of his on air people at CHIN has brought my CDs to him and told him that they thought I was an excellent singer and performer.

Within a week Lenny called me personally and invited me to perform in the CHIN Picnic. It says a lot about a man in his position who would personally pick up the phone and call a performer. I look forward to doing as much as I can with Lenny Lombardi.

I have not ever been to the College St music festival and am really looking forward to it. I am going to perform My Way half in Italian.. Should be great fun.

Thanks again to Lenny and CHIN TV and radio for this great opportunity.

Gary Gamble from 88.5 the Jewel in Toronto introduced me. Gary is an awesome guy and great supporter. Thanks Gary.I encourage everyone to listen to the Jewel not only because it is a great radio station but because they play me a lot.

Thanks Brian