Senate Resolution No. 2389

BY: Senator BORRELLO

COMMENDING Johnny Farina upon the occasion of his
designation as the 2024 Italian American of the Year
by the New York Conference of Italian American State
Legislators

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Johnny Farina upon the occasion of his designation as the 2024
Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of Italian
American State Legislators; and

WHEREAS, Part of the rock band Santo & Johnny, Johnny Farina has
been touring Europe, the United States, Mexico, and Australia for over
50 years; the duo has recorded and released 35 albums and 50 singles in
their career; and

WHEREAS, Covered by more than 200 artists and featured in movies, TV
programs and series, and commercials, Santo & Johnny earned a Gold
Record for their song "Sleep Walk" in 1959; the composition has been
recently credited with over four million BMI certified airplays since
its release; "Sleep Walk" was recognized again in 1999 with a Grammy
Award for the Best Pop Instrumental Performance, as recorded the year
before by The Brian Setzer Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, Seeing great success, Santo & Johnny had a TV show in
Italy; they were also inducted into the Italian Music Hall of Fame for
their instrumental version of "The Godfather Theme," which remained at
the top of the Italian music charts for 26 weeks in 1973 and also earned
a Gold Record; and

WHEREAS, In 2002, Santo & Johnny were inducted into the Steel Guitar
Hall of Fame in St. Louis, to recognize their outstanding work on the
unique instrument over the years; and

WHEREAS, Johnny Farina has been recognized for his work as a solo
artist by publications such as The Daily News; and

WHEREAS, As a testament to his artistic ability, Johnny Farina was
awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 for his work on "Sleep
Walk" and to acknowledge the song's repeated use in full length feature
films at the Long Island Film Festival; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Johnny Farina upon the occasion of his designation as the 2024
Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of Italian
American State Legislators; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Johnny Farina.