Special to The Herald

World War II veteran John Provini, of Newington, has released a music CD, “Just for the Love of It.”

The CD features 15 of Provini’s favorite songs, spanning musical history — from “You Are my Sunshine,” recorded in 1939 on an RCA wax cylinder recording machine, to Billie Holiday‘s “Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone” and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Wher’m I Gonna Live?”

“Over the years, music has always been a part of my life,” Provini said. “During my years in the Navy, my guitar was my constant companion.”

While serving on the USS LST 515, Provini became popular as the ship’s entertainer. His ship was one of eight involved in “Exercise Tiger,” an ill-fated training operation launched in preparation for the D-Day invasion. The incident is the subject of Nigel Lewis’ book, “Exercise Tiger,” released in 1990.

During his Navy years, from 1943 to 1946, Provini joined a group of musicians at a naval base in Southampton, England, entertaining at the Officers Club and winning second place in a competition for the “best small band” in England.

Born in Hartford in 1923 and a Newington resident for the past 51 years, Provini sings and plays guitar on “Just for the Love of It” and is joined by son John C. Provini of Newington on bass, grandson Jason Provini of New Britain on guitars and friend Rich Johnson of Marlborough on various instruments.

The release of the CD also honors the legacy of Provini’s father, who encouraged him to pursue music. Provini recalled his father, Joe, coming home one night during the Great Depression with a banjo mandolin he had procured in exchange for a bottle of homemade grappa.

“He presented the instrument to me and said, ‘Gioco,’ which means ‘play,’” Provini said. “It wasn’t long before I found myself strumming the banjo mandolin, accompanying my father on harmonica and my mother Carolina with her beautiful singing voice.” After learning to play banjo, he mastered the guitar.

Provini has also been a square-dance caller for more than 30 years, a member of the Newington Square Dance Club and a Meals on Wheels delivery volunteer.

through the Newington Senior and Disabled Center and a volunteer lector at St. Mary’s Church in Newington.

“Just for the Love of It” can be previewed and bought at jasonprovini.com.