Showing posts with label Al Martino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Al Martino. Show all posts
Thursday, 27 June 2024
Al Martino.
Friday, 28 May 2021
Al Martino
Al Martino (born Jasper Cini; October 7, 1927 – October 13, 2009) was an American singer and actor. He had his greatest success as a singer between the early 1950s and mid-1970s, being described as "one of the great Italian American pop crooners", and also became known as an actor, particularly for his role as singer Johnny Fontane in The Godfather.
He aspired to become a singer, emulating artists such as Al Jolson and Perry Como, and by the success of a family friend, Alfredo Cocozza, who had changed his name to Mario Lanza.
Encouraged by Lanza, he adopted the stage name Al Martino.
He won a recording contract with the Philadelphia-based independent record label BBS, where he recorded "Here in My Heart". Lanza's label, RCA Victor, had asked Lanza to record the song, but Martino called Lanza and pleaded with him to let his version have a clear chance. The song spent three weeks at No. 1 on the US pop charts in June 1952, earning Martino a gold disc, and later in the year, also reached the top of the UK charts. It was number one in the first UK Singles chart, published by the New Musical Express on November 14, 1952, putting him into the Guinness Book of World Records. "Here in My Heart" remained in the top position for nine weeks in the UK.
The record's success led to a deal with Capitol Records, and he released three more singles: "Take My Heart", "Rachel", and "When You're Mine" through 1953, all of which hit the U.S. top 40. However, his success also attracted the attention of the Mafia, which bought out Martino's management contract and ordered him to pay $75,000 as a safeguard for their investment. After making a down-payment to appease them, he moved to Britain. His popularity allowed him to continue to perform and record successfully in the UK, headlining at the London Palladium and having six further British chart hits in the period up to 1955, including "Now" and "Wanted". However, his work received no exposure back in the US. In 1958, thanks to the intervention of a family friend, Martino was allowed to return to the U.S. and resume his recording career, but he faced difficulties in re-establishing himself, especially with the arrival of rock and roll. In 1959, Martino signed with 20th Fox Records.
He aspired to become a singer, emulating artists such as Al Jolson and Perry Como, and by the success of a family friend, Alfredo Cocozza, who had changed his name to Mario Lanza.
Encouraged by Lanza, he adopted the stage name Al Martino.
He won a recording contract with the Philadelphia-based independent record label BBS, where he recorded "Here in My Heart". Lanza's label, RCA Victor, had asked Lanza to record the song, but Martino called Lanza and pleaded with him to let his version have a clear chance. The song spent three weeks at No. 1 on the US pop charts in June 1952, earning Martino a gold disc, and later in the year, also reached the top of the UK charts. It was number one in the first UK Singles chart, published by the New Musical Express on November 14, 1952, putting him into the Guinness Book of World Records. "Here in My Heart" remained in the top position for nine weeks in the UK.
The record's success led to a deal with Capitol Records, and he released three more singles: "Take My Heart", "Rachel", and "When You're Mine" through 1953, all of which hit the U.S. top 40. However, his success also attracted the attention of the Mafia, which bought out Martino's management contract and ordered him to pay $75,000 as a safeguard for their investment. After making a down-payment to appease them, he moved to Britain. His popularity allowed him to continue to perform and record successfully in the UK, headlining at the London Palladium and having six further British chart hits in the period up to 1955, including "Now" and "Wanted". However, his work received no exposure back in the US. In 1958, thanks to the intervention of a family friend, Martino was allowed to return to the U.S. and resume his recording career, but he faced difficulties in re-establishing himself, especially with the arrival of rock and roll. In 1959, Martino signed with 20th Fox Records.
1. La Strada del Bosco
2. Maria Mari
3. Fenesta Che Lucive
4. Torna
5. Don't Leave Me Now
6. Senza Nisciuno
1. Chitarra Romana
2. Rondine Al Nido
3. Cuore Di Mamma
4. Vurria
5. Al Di La
6. Torna A Surriento
Friday, 8 May 2020
Al Martino...320 Kbps
Everyone who likes music from the 50's and 60's should be aware of "Frank Sinatra's" L/P
"Songs For Swinging Lovers" which is just about the best Sinatra made....This one comes a close second to it !!!...having said that I don't think anyone will ever beat "SFSL"....I've always liked Al Martino and he has recorded some good "pop" singles at the start of his singing career in the 50's who could forget "Here In My Heart"which incidentally was the first No 1 record when the UK started there "Top Charts"...then there was "Rachael"..."Story Of Tina" Ect...best track on this L/P is "Summertime"....different !!
P.S. I've said it once before and I'll say it again the "Arrangement's & Orchestrations can make a hell of a difference in the making of a excellent L/P or CD.... and this Orchestra that is backing Al Martino is first class....must say I have never heard of "Stanley Applebaum
1. Baby Wont You Please Come Home
2. All Of Me
4. Why Do I Love You
5. Three Little Words
6. I've Got You Under My Skin
7. When Your Lover has Gone
1. All Or Nothing At All
2. Without A Word Of Warning
3. Makin' Whoopee
4. Sunday
5. That Old Feeling
6. Summertime
6. Summertime.
Thursday, 15 June 2017
Al Martino
07 Granada.mp3
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