Romano Mussolini

Born on 26 September 1927 in Carpena, Forlì, Italy, and passing away on 3 February 2006 in Rome, Italy, Romano Mussolini was the third and youngest son of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, who met his end at the hands of partisans as World War II concluded. In his formative period he performed on piano under the alias Romano Full. Recognition beyond Italy arrived during the early 1950s through festival engagements and his role supporting touring jazz musicians. Lars Gullin and Chet Baker numbered among those visitors; Baker, reportedly anxious about their initial encounter, extended his hand and exclaimed, “Sorry to hear about your Dad!” Mussolini frequently directed his own compact ensembles, favoring a boppish approach, while also cultivating a technically accomplished solo manner. Foremost among his groups stood the Romano Mussolini All Stars, which traveled the globe alongside such figures as Baker, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie. By the time of his death in February 2006 he remained Benito Mussolini’s sole surviving child.