Sergio Franchi

Not in the same class as "Mario Lanza" but a good tenor from the 60's....it says on the back sleeve that his appearance on British TV namely "Sunday Night At The London Palladium" started his career...its a good nostalgic walk or stroll down the "Italian Streets" !!!

P.S. Just a quick note !..the year is 1962 ! so when the "Italy's Brilliant New Tenor" that is on the front its 62 Years ago !!!!......Cor' don't time Fly !!!!

Sergio Franchi (April 6, 1926 – May 1, 1990), born Sergio Franci Galli, was an Italian-American tenor and actor who enjoyed success in the United States and internationally after gaining notice in Britain in the early 1960s. In 1962, RCA Victor signed him to a seven-year contract and in October of that year Franchi appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and performed at Carnegie Hall. Sol Hurok managed Franchi's initial American concert tour.

Franchi became a headliner in Las Vegas, and starred in concerts and cabarets on several continents. His earliest ambitions and studies had been directed toward an operatic career, but he instead found his niche in popular and romantic music. Franchi performed musical comedies on stage, appeared on numerous television variety shows, and starred in a major motion picture. He became an American citizen in 1972. During 1959 Franchi made an important contact with an English agent, James Gilmore, who encouraged Franchi to meet with him if he came to London. Early in 1960 Franchi had played the role of Janni in the short-lived London production of The Golden Touch. His singing performance received favourable reviews. His London agent, James Gilmore, arranged several TV appearances for Franchi.

Franchi made several appearances on ATV's Startime.  And then, during a two-week engagement at the London Palladium, Franchi made two TV appearances on Sunday Night at the London Palladium; a show that launched the career of many performers, and the most popular TV show in Britain. Franchi's second Palladium TV show was a breakthrough performance, in that it led to a cascade of events which catapulted Sergio Franchi into American stardom. Viewing his performance that night was Norman Luboff, who called RCA Victor about the Italian tenor.

With RCA approval, Luboff facilitated Franchi's signature on an exclusive seven-year recording contract. RCA Victor issued his records on the prestigious Red Seal label. Sol Hurok was engaged to provide bookings and direction for an American tour, and (while in London) Franchi recorded his first RCA Victor album-- Romantic Italian Songs, to be released concurrent with his American debut.......( Info Edited From  a very long "Info" Page on "Wikipedia")

1. Core 'ngrato

2. Funniculi Funicula

3. O Sole Mio

4. Mattinata

5. Mamma Mia Che Vo' Sape

6. La Vilanella

1. Marechiare

2. A Vucchella

3. Come facette Mammeta

4. Fenesta Che Lucive

5. Torna a Surriento

6. O Surdato Namorato 

          02. Funniculi Funnicula