Legends Dinner Show celebrates rock ‘n’ roller Vito Picone
The Legend Theatre Dinner Show recently took place at Osteria Santina in Westerleigh, hosted by Al Lambert and Mickey Burns. The event was a two-act production that offered viewers a glimpse into the lives of various legendary celebrities. Lambert, a musician and entrepreneur, co-emceed the event and showcased the Al Lambert Band, while Burns, known for his work on “Profiles” on NYC Media Network, provided an engaging retrospective for the audience.
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Vito Picone, a talented singer, actor, and humanitarian, for his outstanding contributions to the performing arts. Picone was honored with the “Legend in Entertainment Award” for his excellence and achievements in the industry. Joe Causi, the WCBS-FM 101.1 deejay, presented Picone with the prestigious award, commending him for his remarkable career.
Edwina Frances Martin, the public administrator of Richmond County, also paid tribute to Picone by presenting him with a special proclamation in recognition of his accomplishments. Picone’s legacy in the performing arts was further celebrated with the creation of a new award in his honor, “The Vito Picone Award for Excellence and Achievement in the Performing Arts,” which will be presented annually to deserving individuals.
The production featured a variety of talented guests, including performers Jay Siegel, Tommy Petillo, Jimmy Spinelli, Johnny Farina, Bobby Tribuzio, Nicky Sticks, Bruce Copp, Terry Clemente, and members of The Al Lambert Show Band. The event was a sold-out success, with over 100 attendees turned away at the door.
Speaking about the significance of the event, Lambert expressed his admiration for Picone and highlighted the importance of honoring achievements in the entertainment industry. Burns emphasized the impact of Picone’s iconic hit song, “Little Star,” which has left a lasting legacy in rock ‘n’ roll history. Causi humorously mentioned Picone’s appearance in “The Irishman” and his enduring popularity in the entertainment world.
Reflecting on the evening, Picone expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared his disbelief at the honor. He reminisced about the early days of his career with The Elegants and the immense success of “Little Star,” which catapulted the group to fame in 1958. Picone’s contributions to music have been celebrated worldwide, with the song reaching gold status and achieving over one million air plays.
As a native of Staten Island, Picone remains proud of his roots and appreciative of the support from his community. His impact on the music industry continues to resonate, with “Little Star” earning a permanent place in music history. The evening served as a tribute to Picone’s enduring legacy and celebrated his remarkable achievements in the world of entertainment.