This isn't a big deal, as far as folk and blues are concerned, but I found this interesting.

When Paul Sorvino died on Monday the obituaries started talking about the actor from Goodfellas and such, but also mentioned is that he was an operatic tenor who was on stage and sang for years before he broke substantially into film.

Paul Sorvino, the tough-guy actor — and operatic tenor and figurative sculptor — known for his roles as calm and often courteously quiet but dangerous men in films like “Goodfellas” and television shows like “Law & Order,” died on Monday. He was 83.

His publicist, Roger Neal, confirmed the death, at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. No specific cause was given, but Mr. Neal said that Mr. Sorvino “had dealt with health issues over the past few years.”

Mr. Sorvino was the father of Mira Sorvino, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for Woody Allen’s “Mighty Aphrodite” (1995). In her acceptance speech, she said her father had “taught me everything I know about acting.”

“Goodfellas” (1990), Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed Mafia epic, came along when Mr. Sorvino was 50 and decades into his film career. His character, Paulie Cicero, was a local mob boss — lumbering, soft-spoken and ice-cold.

For those curious about his voice, there are a few videos on YouTube.

Mamma, in Italian and English. That one may be followed by another song he signs to his daughter Mira.

Remarks in the YouTube remarks include things like "I caught the immensely talented Mr. Sorvino starring in NY City Opera's THE MOST HAPPY FELLA -- an unforgettable theatrical experience."

He told the story of and sang O Sole Mio (I think he'd have had an easier time if he was standing, not seated on a sofa). Interview with Mark Steyn