His single "Here in My Heart" was number one in the first UK Singles Chart, published by the New Musical Express in 1952, putting him into the Guinness Book of World Records. The song stayed there for nine weeks. Al Martino has stated that Mario Lanza dropped his plans to record this song after he called Lanza in Los Angeles and explained that his own recording would be neglected if he did so.
One of the most successful Martino hits was "Spanish Eyes", achieving several gold and platinum discs for sales. Recorded in 1965, the song reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart when re-issued in 1973. Even today, this classic by composer Bert Kaempfert (his original title for the song was "Moon Over Naples") is among the 50 most-played songs worldwide. Another hit was "Volare", (also known as "Nel blu, Dipinto di Blu"). In 1976, it reached number one on the Italian and Flemish charts, and was in the Top Ten in Spain, The Netherlands and France, as well as in many other European countries.
In the U.S., Martino had eleven top 40 hits in the Billboard pop singles chart in the 1960s and 1970s, with 1963's "I Love You Because" (#3) and 1964's "I Love You More and More Every Day" (#9) both reaching the Top Ten. He also sang the title song for the film, "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (1964), and is credited in the end titles of the film.
Apart from singing, Martino played the role of Johnny Fontane in the 1972 film The Godfather, as well as singing the film's theme, "Speak Softly Love". He played the same role in The Godfather Part III and The Godfather Trilogy: 1901-1980. He recently returned to acting, playing aging crooner Sal Stevens in the short film "Cutout", appearing in film festivals around the world in 2006.
When an artist is able to combine several important elements -- numerous international hit records, personal charisma, and a unique vocal style -- it inevitably leads to success. Known for such hits as "Spanish Eyes" and "Can't Help Falling in Love" in the 60's, Al Martino was in the midst of beginning his second career, which had already taken off with great momentum in the European market. Since the fall of 1993, Al Martino's songs had flooded the radio and television airwaves in Germany, and he consistently had sold-out concerts throughout the continent.
He continued to play to audiences in his later years around venues in the USA. Sadly he died on the 14th October 2009.
Little Boy Little Girl
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're daddy's little girl to have and hold.
A precious gem is what you are,
You're mommy's bright and shining star.
You're the spirit of Christmas, my star on the tree,
You're the Easter bunny to mommy and me.
You're sugar you're spice, you're everything nice,
You're the end of the rainbow, my pot of gold,
You're daddy's little girl to have and hold.
A precious gem is what you are,
You're mommy's bright and shining star.
You're the treasure I cherish so sparkling and bright,
You were touched by the holy and beautiful light.
Like angels that sing a heavenly thing,
And you're daddy's little girl.
The lyrics to Al Martino's song Daddy's Little Girl is a touching tribute to the love a father feels for his daughter. The opening line "You're the end of the rainbow, my pot of gold" suggests that the daughter is the pinnacle of the father’s joy and happiness. The father sees his daughter as a precious gem and the light of his wife’s life. The father references Christmas and Easter, two major holidays in Christianity, as the daughter has a similar importance in his life. The simile "Like angels that sing a heavenly thing" demonstrates the purity and innocence of the daughter.
The song highlights the importance of family and the bond between a father and daughter. The father sees his daughter as a treasure that is priceless and irreplaceable. The daughter is seen as a physical embodiment of love and innocence. The song is emotional and heart-warming, as it is a tribute to the lasting bond between a father and daughter.
Line by Line Meaning
You're the end of the rainbow, my pot of gold,
You are the treasure that I have been looking for my entire life. You are my most valuable possession and I will always cherish you like gold.
You're daddy's little girl to have and hold.
You will always be my daughter, and I will always be here to love and support you. I will hold you close and protect you from anything that may harm you.
A precious gem is what you are,
You are priceless and irreplaceable. You possess qualities that are rare and valuable, making you a treasure to me and to those around you.
You're mommy's bright and shining star.
Your mother loves you dearly and sees you as her guiding light. You bring joy and happiness to her life, and she is proud to call you her daughter.
You're the spirit of Christmas, my star on the tree,
You embody the essence of what Christmas represents - love, joy, and hope. You shine brightly like the star on top of the Christmas tree, bringing warmth and happiness to all those around you.
You're the Easter bunny to mommy and me.
You remind us of the Easter bunny, who brings new life and new beginnings. You bring joy and happiness to us just like the Easter bunny brings Easter eggs and treats.
You're sugar you're spice, you're everything nice,
You are the epitome of sweetness and goodness. You possess qualities that are desirable and admirable, making you a joy to be around and a delight to everyone you meet.
And you're daddy's little girl.
Above all, you will always be my little girl, no matter how old you get. I will always love you, protect you, and support you, and cherish every moment we have together.
You're the treasure I cherish so sparkling and bright,
You are my greatest treasure, sparkling and shining brightly like a precious diamond. I value and appreciate all that you are, and you bring light and happiness to my life.
You were touched by the holy and beautiful light.
You are blessed with goodness and purity, touched by a divine light that shines within you. You possess qualities of beauty and holiness, making you a special and unique individual.
Like angels that sing a heavenly thing,
You are like an angel who sings a heavenly tune, with a voice that is pure and divine. You possess qualities that are angelic, making you a blessing to everyone who knows you.
And you're daddy's little girl.
Once again, you will always be my little girl, and I will always love you and cherish you. You are a gift to me, and I will always be grateful for you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EDWARD MADDEN, THEODORE MORSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
harlen53
Love it. Wonderful rendition by Al
Manuel Sbarglia
I REMEMBER THIS A LONG TIME AGO .........ANY SONG AL SANG WAS ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL
Eugene M Forbes
Never thought I would ever hear this song on You Tube. Have heard it for many years from my collection but thought it was an abscure song by AL that never even made daylight. Great song. Thank you for bringing this on you tube.
shaycoiee
my deacesed father left this album behind and i listened to it when i was 6 yrs old....havent heard it since....thank you
Whiterose Orfelly
Love , love , love it sooooo much :)
Ed Keefe
What a beautiful song! Remember this well when I was much younger and times were more "civilized". What happened to those days?? Thanks for posting...
Alan Fox
al martino had the first british number 1 on the uk charts in 1952.
jim mellen
BEAUTIFUL . It really makes me sad to see the way things are now.
countrypaul
This was a one-off (I think) on 20th Century Fox Records in 1961; his hits were on Capitol. It did receive airplay in NYC and I have a commercial copy of the 45. I've seen the title listed on a 1963 LP, but am not sure if it was or wasn't a re-cut. The original has magic; sure, it's a tearjerker, but what a wonderful one; I still get a lump in my throat listening to it. Thanks for posting, #ejdav.
nickellodeon55
The song reached #89 in the Music Vendor survey, March-April 1961.