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.
Ramona
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I press you, caress you, and bless the day you taught me to care
To always remember the rambling rose you ware in your hare
Ramona, when day is done, you'll hear my call
Ramona, we'll meet beside the waterfall
I dread the dawn when I awake to find you gone
Ramona, I need you, my own.
Ramona, they're ringing out our song of love
I press you, caress you, and bless the day you taught me to care
To always remember the rambling rose you ware in your hare
Ramona, when day is done, you'll hear my call
Ramona, we'll meet beside the waterfall
I dread the dawn when I awake to find you gone
Ramona,
I need you my own
The lyrics to Al Martino's Ramona depict a man deeply in love with a woman named Ramona. The song talks about how they have a song of love that they share, which is ringing out through the mission bells. He talks about how he presses, caresses, and blesses her every day, and how he always remembers the rambling rose she wore in her hair. The lyrics suggest that she taught him how to care, and he's always grateful for that.
The chorus of the song talks about how they'll meet by the waterfall when the day is done, and how much he needs her as his own. He dreads the thought of waking up to find her gone, which shows just how much he cherishes their relationship. The song's romantic, dreamy vibe and Martino's smooth, sonorous voice make it a timeless classic that continues to be beloved even decades after its release.
Line by Line Meaning
Ramona, they're ringing out our song of love
The bells of the mission are ringing, symbolizing the love between Ramona and the singer
I press you, caress you, and bless the day you taught me to care
I hold you close, touch you gently, and thank you for showing me how to love
To always remember the rambling rose you ware in your hare
I will never forget the rose you wore in your hair as a symbol of your beauty and love
Ramona, when day is done, you'll hear my call
At the end of the day, I will call for you, and you will come to me
Ramona, we'll meet beside the waterfall
We will meet in a romantic spot by the waterfall
I dread the dawn when I awake to find you gone
I fear the morning when I wake up and you are not there
Ramona, I need you, my own.
I need you, Ramona, to be mine and to share my love with me
Writer(s): Wayne Mabel, Gilbert L Wolfe
Contributed by Bentley V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.