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.
Summertime
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is fine
Oh your Daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'
So hush little baby, don't you cry
One of these mornings
You're goin' to rise up singing
Then you'll spread your wings
And you'll take the sky
There's a nothin' can harm you
With daddy and mammy standin' by
Al Martino's song Summertime is an ode to the carefree days of summer when fish are jumping and the cotton is fine. The song begins with the singer acknowledging the abundance of nature during the summer months and how easy it is to live during this time. The following lines of the song talk about how the baby's father is rich and the mother is good-looking, creating a sense of comfort and security.
As the song continues, the singer comforts the baby by telling it that it has nothing to fear as long as its parents are standing by. The lyrics suggest that the baby is destined for great things and will rise up singing and take flight when the time is right. The song's theme ultimately revolves around the ideal of summer and how it represents a time of abundance, security, and unlimited possibility.
Line by Line Meaning
Summertime and the livin' is easy
It's summer and life is carefree and enjoyable.
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is fine
Nature is at its best with active fish and flourishing crops.
Oh your Daddy's rich and your ma is good lookin'
You come from a family with wealth and good looks.
So hush little baby, don't you cry
There is no need to worry or be upset, everything is okay.
One of these mornings
At some point in the future.
You're goin' to rise up singing
You will wake up feeling happy and full of positive energy.
Then you'll spread your wings
You will be free to pursue your dreams and aspirations.
And you'll take the sky
You will soar to new heights and achieve great things.
But till that morning
Until that future time comes.
There's a nothin' can harm you
You are protected from harm and danger.
With daddy and mammy standin' by
Your parents are there to support and care for you.
Lyrics © SONGS MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: DOROTHY HEYWARD, DU BOSE HEYWARD, GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind