Al Martino Daddy’s Little Girl -1967- Jazz Vocal (Rare Vinyl)

Al Martino Daddy’s Little Girl -1967- Jazz Vocal (Rare Vinyl)

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After serving with the United States Navy in World War II, during which he was part of, and injured in, theIwo Jimainvasion, Cini began his singing career.[3]Encouraged by Lanza, he adopted the stage name Al Martinobased on the name of his good friend Lorraine Cianfrani’s (ne Losavio) husband Alfred Martin Cianfraniand began singing in localnightclubs. In 1948, he moved to New York City, recorded some sides for theJubileelabel,[4][5]and in 1952, won first place onArthur Godfrey’s Talent Scoutstelevision program with a performance of Como’s hit “If”.[6]

Martino in 1952 when “Here in My Heart” topped the music charts

As a result, he won a recording contract with the Philadelphia-based independent record label BBS, where he recorded “Here in My Heart”. Lanza’s labelRCA Victorhad asked him to record the song, but Martino called and pleaded with him to let Martino’s version have a clear run.[1][2]The song spent three weeks at No.1 on theUS pop chartsin June 1952, earning Martino agold disc,[7]and later in the year, also reached the top of the UK charts. It was number one in the firstUK Singles chart, published by theNew Musical Expresson November 14, 1952, putting him into theGuinness Book of World Records.[8]”Here in My Heart” remained in the top position for nine weeks in the UK, a record for the longest consecutive run at number one, that has only since been beaten by five other songs.[9][10]

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.[1]However, his success also attracted the attention of theMafia, which bought out Martinos management contract and ordered him to pay $75,000 as a safeguard for their investment.[1]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 theLondon Palladiumand 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.[1]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 ofrock and roll. In 1959, Martino signed with20th Fox Records;[11]his deal scored him two albums,[12]and four singles released, none of which was a major hit. The success of his 1962 albumThe Exciting Voice of Al Martinosecured him a new contract with Capitol, and was followed by a mostly Italian-language album,The Italian Voice of Al Martino, which featured his version of the then internationally popular song “Al Di L”. He also made several high-profile television appearances, helping to re-establish his visibility.[1]

In 1963, he had his biggest U.S. chart success with “I Love You Because”, a cover ofLeon Payne’s 1950country musichit. Arranged byBelford Hendricks, Martino’s version went to number three on the U.S.BillboardHot 100chart, and number one on theEasy Listeningchart. The album of the same name went top 10 in theBillboard200. Martino had four other U.S. top 10 hits in 1963 and 1964 – “Painted, Tainted Rose” (1963), “I Love You More and More Every Day”, “Tears and Roses”, and “Silver Bells” (all 1964).[1]He also sang the title song for the 1964 film,Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte. One of his biggest hits was “Spanish Eyes”, achieving several gold and platinum discs for sales.[13]Recorded in 1965, the song reached number five on the UK Singles chart when reissued in 1973.[10]The song, with a tune byBert Kaempfertoriginally titled “Moon Over Naples”, is among the 50 most-played songs worldwide.[14]

In the mid- to late 1960s, the Martino familylived in this houseon the corner of Laurel Place and Belmont Drive in Cherry Hill Estates, New Jersey, just down the street fromFrankie Avalon.

Martino’s run of chart success faded after the mid-1960s, although many of his records continued to reach the U.S. Hot 100. Another later hit was a disco version of “Volare”, (also known as “Nel blu, Dipinto di Blu”). In 1976, it reached number one on the Italian and Flemish charts, and was in thetop 10in Spain, the Netherlands, and France, as well as in many other European countries. In 1993, Martino recorded a new studio album with German producerDieter Bohlen(former member of pop duoModern Talking, producer of international artists such asChris NormanofSmokie,Bonnie Tyler,Dionne Warwick,EngelbertorErrol BrownofHot Chocolate). The single “Spanish Ballerina” (written in Bohlen’s europop sound) reached number 93 in the German single charts.[15]

Apart from singing, Martino played the role of Johnny Fontane in the1972filmThe Godfather, as well as singing the film’s theme, “Speak Softly Love”. He played the same role inThe Godfather Part IIIandThe Godfather Trilogy: 19011980. He later returned to acting, playing agingcroonerSal Stevens in the short filmCutout, appearing in film festivals around the world in 2006.

Sleeve Condition (Out of 10) ~9-10 corner wear – slight
Label Condition (Out of 10) ~ 10
Vinyl Condition ~ (Out of 10)
Side # 1 -10
Side # 2 -10

bin # 146 / 183 both in great shape

Label:Capitol Records ST 2733Format:Vinyl, LP, AlbumCountry:UKReleased:1967Genre:PopStyle:Vocal

Tracklist