Mario was born in Florence, Italy, but his early life took an unexpected turn when his family fled to Chile after a devastating earthquake struck when he was just seven years old. Prior to his career as a singer, Mario made a name for himself in New York's musical circles as the trusted assistant to Gatti-Casazza, the renowned impresario of the Metropolitan Opera House. For five years, Mario worked closely with Gatti-Casazza, all the while secretly honing his vocal skills in preparation for his future as a singer.
Mario's big break came when he made his screen debut as a baritone, singing alongside notable talents such as Grace Moore and Lawrence Tibbett in several important sound films. He then made his operatic debut in Milan at La Scala, singing alongside the legendary Beniamino Gigli in a production of Andrea Chenier. Mario went on to perform in other esteemed opera houses throughout Italy, singing iconic roles in productions of Tosca, Carmen, Aida, and Cavalleria.
As a radio personality, Mario became one of the most beloved and popular artists of his time, entertaining audiences for many years during the golden age of early radio.
Mario's family was deeply rooted in the world of music, with his sister Fedora Cozzi married to the composer and pianist Miguel Sandoval. Fedora's daughter, Fiora Cozzi, would go on to become a renowned American artist, known for her stunning paintings. Mario's grandson, Loris Lamonte Cozzi, is a talented children's artist.
In his personal life, Mario was married twice, first to Fedora Cozzi, and then to Anna Gregoretti, the daughter of Adamo Gregoretti, a renowned baritone who had sung leading roles in opera houses across Italy and South America. Mario's second wife, Anna, was the daughter of Adamo Gregoretti, and the two had a daughter together, Fiora Cozzi.
Mario's vocal pedagogue career saw him teaching many students, including the baritone Alfredo Chigi and Princess Margareta Agreneva-Slaviansky, the daughter of Pince Dimitri Agreneva-Slaviansky, the Director of the first great Russian touring choral group. Mario's students went on to achieve great success in the world of opera and music.
