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.
Rachel
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I should have known you were never my own but I love you
Oh how I love you
Rachel oh Rachel
Hang something white
For soul black as night
Yet I love you
You took the heart of a man
When he's a slave to your charms
Laugh and enjoy him
Slowly destroy him
And dance dance dance right out of his arms
Oh Rachel
Oh Rachel
What evil star lead you here from afar
To love me only to leave me
Leave me alone
backing Rachel oh Rachel
Oh Rachel
I should have known you were never known but I love you
How I love you
Backing Rachel oh Rachel
Oh Rachel
Hang something white
For soul black as night
Yet I love you
How I love you
You take the heart of a man
When he's a slave to your charms
Laugh and enjoy him
Slowly destroy him
And dance dance dance right out of his arms
Oh Rachel
Oh Rachel
What evil star lead you here from afar
To love me only to leave me
Leave me alone
Rachel
The song "Rachel" by Al Martino is a dramatic and emotional ballad that tells the story of a man who is hopelessly in love with a woman named Rachel, despite her dark and destructive ways. The lyrics are full of heartache and longing, as the man struggles to understand why Rachel has such a hold over him, even as she breaks his heart time and time again.
The first verse sets the stage for the rest of the song, as the man confesses his love for Rachel even though he knows she was never truly his own. He describes her as having a soul "black as night," yet he is unable to resist her charms. The second verse goes on to describe how Rachel has taken the man's heart and is slowly destroying him, all while dancing out of his reach.
The chorus of the song repeats the name "Rachel" over and over, almost as a plea for her to return the man's love. He wonders what "evil star" brought her into his life, only to leave him alone and heartbroken. The backing vocals of the song reinforce the sense of despair and unrequited love that the man is feeling.
Overall, "Rachel" is a powerful and emotional song that tells a story of love and heartbreak that is all too familiar to many people.
Line by Line Meaning
Rachel oh Rachel
The singer addresses the woman named Rachel twice, emphasizing his emotions towards her.
I should have known you were never my own but I love you
The singer admits that he was aware he didn't have a hold on Rachel, but despite that, he continues to love her deeply.
Oh how I love you
The singer expresses the intensity of his love for Rachel.
Hang something white For a soul black as night Yet I love you Oh how I love you
The artist is comparing Rachel's dark inner self with an outward symbol of purity, but still confesses his love for her remains strong.
You took the heart of a man When he's a slave to your charms Laugh and enjoy him Slowly destroy him And dance dance dance right out of his arms Oh Rachel
The artist depicts Rachel as a manipulative woman who takes advantage of men's vulnerable, lovestruck hearts to satisfy her cruel desires, which ultimately results in their downfall.
What evil star lead you here from afar To love me only to leave me Leave me alone
The singer believes that Rachel's arrival cursed him with love, only to abandon him eventually, making him feel lonely and abandoned.
Backing Rachel oh Rachel
The vocalists repeat Rachel's name, creating a haunting, melancholic atmosphere.
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@richardfisher671
I love this song by Al. He was so great.
@sstavsky
Very much in the tradition of Frankie Laine's "Jezebel" (or Ricky Ricardo's?).
@the_mike_essen_show2484
A 4/4 star song
@alanfox7312
Al Martino goes Frankie Laine
@davidpresler7605
Yes, in the '60s, he recorded a great deal of garbage -- everyone needs to earn a living -- LOL. But, he's channelling his inner Tony Martin here and doing a great job!