Charles Magnante started his professional career playing in Italian restaurants and on the Staten Island Ferry , however , he wanted break free from the O Sole Mio image of the stereotypical Italian - American accordionist which his audiences expected to hear .
Charles Magnante started his professional career playing in Italian restaurants and on the Staten Island Ferry . 
 However , he wanted to break free from the O Sole Mio image of the stereotypical Italian - American accordionist which his audiences expected to hear .