Damone embraced the Baha'i faith in the early 1960s. His private life, in contrast, was falling apart. His marriage to actress Pier Angeli had ended in divorce. Prayer brought his life around. Still, life is filled with tests, Baha'is are told.
Tests strengthen and mold the soul.
He has maintained the balance in his life and nurtured his musical gift through the Baha'i faith, he said. He marked his 50th anniversary in show business three years ago. Reflecting Baha'i precepts of the importance of education, he celebrated the milestone by getting his high school diploma. He had dropped out of school after his father, Rocco, an electrician, was injured in an accident. He said that although he had been invited to sing at the White House numerous times and traveled all over the world, he had an unfinished dream.