Romano Mussolini

Romano Bruno Mussolini (26 September 1927 – 3 February 2006) was an Italian jazz pianist, painter, and film producer.[1] He was the fourth child and youngest son of Benito Mussolini.

For the footballer and grandson, see Romano Floriani Mussolini.
Romano Mussolini
Romano in 1932
Born
Romano Bruno Mussolini

(1927-09-26)26 September 1927
Forlì, Italy
Died3 February 2006(2006-02-03) (aged 78)
Rome, Italy
NationalityItalian
Occupation(s)jazz pianist, painter and film producer
Years active1945–2006
Spouse(s)Maria Scicolone
Carla M. Puccini
Children3, including Alessandra and Rachele
Parent(s)Benito Mussolini
Rachele Mussolini
RelativesSophia Loren (sister-in-law)

Early life and education

Romano Mussolini was a native of Villa Carpena, Forlì (Emilia-Romagna), Romano Mussolini studied music as a child, playing classical pieces with his father on the violin. After World War II, he started playing jazz under the assumed name "Romano Full".[2]

Musical career

His playing style has been described as "like a slightly melancholic Oscar Peterson. Occasionally inspired, he was always efficient; he made the refrains run on time."[3]

Personal life

In 1962, Mussolini married Maria Scicolone, the younger sister of actress Sophia Loren. They had two daughters, Alessandra and her younger sister Elisabetta. Alessandra led a small Italian far-right party often described as neofascist, Alternativa Sociale. Romano Mussolini composed the party's official anthem, "The Pride of Being Italian".[3]

With his second wife, the actress Carla M. Puccini, he had a third daughter, Rachele, named after his mother Rachele Mussolini. The younger Rachele has served as a member of the city council of Rome. [4]

Mussolini was very reserved about his family history. It was only in 2004 that he published a book, entitled Il Duce, mio padre (The Leader, My Father), followed by a similar book in 2005, collecting personal memories and accounts of private confidences and discussions with his father.

Death

Romano Mussolini died in 2006, aged 78, in a hospital in Rome from heart problems.

Selected discography
  • Mirage (1974)
  • Soft & Swing (1996)
  • The Wonderful World of Louis (2001)
  • Timeless Blues (2002)
  • Music Blues (2002)
  • Romano Piano & Forte (2002)
  • Jazz Album (2003)
  • Napule 'nu quarto 'e luna (2003)
  • Alibi perfetto (2004) soundtrack

References
  1. "Same name, different fame". The Sydney Morning Herald. March 18, 2006.
  2. Mazzoletti, Adriano (2001). "Romano Mussolini". In Sadie, Stanley; Tyrrell, John (eds.). The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (2nd ed.). London: Macmillan Publishers. ISBN 978-1-56159-239-5. ‎
  3. Steyn, Mark (May 2006). "He made the refrains run on time". The Atlantic Monthly.
  4. "Rachele Mussolini: Fascist dictator's granddaughter wins most votes in Rome's municipal elections". Euronews. 6 October 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2021.

Books
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