Donato LaTorre

 

Donato LaTorre (July 2, 1945 – August 17, 1992) was an American singer. He was noted for being one of the founding members of the Philadelphia group The Mifflins. Along with Vance Porter, his childhood chum and later fellow South Philadelphian, Giano Cupizio. The three of them were the final line up of what became Vance Porter and The Mifflins. Failing health forced LaTorre to retire from his involvement in Vance Porter’s career in 1990. He passed away two years later as the result of AIDS related complications with bronchial pneumonia.

 

The MIFFLINS

Although LaTorre shared leads during the group’s formative years by 1965 with the intervention of Al Sabatini, the group’s manager, his role had been eclipsed by Vance Porter. Donato gladly stepped back for his best friend.

Donato remained an integral part of the group and stayed as a background singer and production for Porter along with Cupizio

Drama: LaTorre began an affair with Giano Cupizio, while being involved with Vance Porter. Ostensibly Porter was married to Vanessa Benedict. When it was later revealed that Donato was the true father of Rajah Emmanuel, the circumstances of the backstage shenanigans could well be imagined, especially after the revelation of the lifelong relationship of Donato and Vance.

In the fall of 1969, LaTorre organized and started Southwark Productions with the aid of Cupizio. The independent company benefited both Vance Porter and Vanessa Benedict. Al Sabatini was still involved but was basically a deal maker for Porter.  

In 1986, LaTorre was found to be HIV positive. His health did not begin to deteriorate until years later. He was no longer the pillar and strength of the group. In the meantime Sabatini died of AIDS and Porter backed away remaining silent. Cupizio became  LaTorre’s caretaker.

 

 

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