finetune artist: Al Martino

b. Alfred Cini, 7 October 1927, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The son of Italian immigrants, a fact that was evident in his style and manner, Martino worked as bricklayer in his father's construction business before being encouraged to become a singer by his friend Mario Lanza. After singing in local clubs, and winning Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, he recorded "Here In My Heart" for the small BBS record label. It shot to number 1 in the US chart, and reputedly sold over a million copies. This disc was also the first ever record to top the New Musical Express UK listings, inaugurated in 1952. Martino's success led to a contract with Capitol Records, and more hits in 1953 with "Take My Heart", "Rachel" and "When You're Mine". For several years after that, the US record buyers apparently tired of Martino's soulful ballads, although he remained popular in Europe for a time - particularly in the UK, where he made the Top 20 with "Now", "Wanted", "The Story Of Tina" and "The Man From Laramie". After some telling performances on US television, he made his recording comeback in 1963 with country singer Leon Payne's "I Love You Because", followed by "Painted, Tainted Rose", "Living A Lie", "I Love You More And More Every Day", "Tears And Roses", "Always Together", "Think I'll Go And Cry Myself To Sleep" and "Mary In The Morning".

Listen to Al Martino at Finetune.

(2008) A Merry Christmas
(1998) Great Gentlemen Of Song / Spotlight On Al Martino
(1998) Capitol Collectors Series

Spanish Eyes (1992 Digital Remaster)
Speak Softly Love (1992 Digital Remaster)
Here in My Heart
Volare (Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu) (1992 Digital Remaster)
I Love You Because (1992 Digital Remaster)