Marisa Gatti (2)

Dr. Marisa Gatti-Taylor, a native of San Marino, was educated in Detroit, USA, after her family emigrated in 1954 and worked as a soloist for many Italian-American churches in that city while pursuing her doctorate. She observed that classic hymns like "Ave Maria" were essential to the liturgical lifeblood of these churches. Marissa started singing professionally at age 15 with various combos and orchestras. She cut her only record in 1966, at age 20. While it was not officially released, it was played in various venues. It was not uncommon for it to be played in restaurants, bowling alleys and clubs in Greater Detroit. Many jukeboxes contained it. Promotion of music came second to her academic future, however, Gatti-Taylor performs for and with her students in class and at recitals around the area and works as a translator and teacher of Italian. She even composed a national anthem for San Marino, with her daughter.