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.
The Story Of Tina
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When tina was sweet seventeen.
The boy said he loved her and she gave a promise
The truest that ever has been.
And then came the wedding one morning in may
And still they are sweethearts
Though years roll away
As sweet as a love song can be
The story of tina and me
musical interlude
And then came the wedding one morning in may
And still they are sweethearts
Though years roll away
The story of tina is loves grand adventure
As sweet as a love song can beeeee
The story of tina and meeeeeeeeeeee
The lyrics of Al Martino's "The Story of Tina" tell the romantic tale of a young couple, Tina and her lover, who fell in love in the spring when she was only seventeen. He professed his love to her, and she made a promise to love him in return. They eventually got married, and even after many years, they are still deeply in love. The singer sings of their relationship as being a grand adventure and as sweet as a love song.
Although the lyrics may appear to be simplistic, they represent a deeply romantic sentiment that captures the essence of true love. The reference to the springtime in the first line of the song represents a time of renewal, growth, and new beginnings. The couple's love began during this period and has sustained them throughout the years. There is also a sense of timelessness in the lyrics as their love has persevered despite the passage of time.
In summary, "The Story of Tina" is a timeless love song that beautifully captures the essence of true love. The lyrics describe a love story that spans many years and represents the ultimate romantic journey.
Line by Line Meaning
The story of tina began in the spring time
Tina's tale started during the season of new beginnings.
When tina was sweet seventeen.
When Tina was a youthful 17-year-old.
The boy said he loved her and she gave a promise
A promise of love was made between Tina and her beloved.
The truest that ever has been.
This promise was the purest expression of love ever witnessed.
And then came the wedding one morning in may
Their special day arrived in the month of May.
And still they are sweethearts
Even after years have gone by, they remain lovers.
Though years roll away
Although time has passed since their wedding day.
The story of tina is loves grand adventure
Tina's story is a grand love filled journey.
As sweet as a love song can be
It is as sweet and romantic as any love song.
The story of tina and me
This is the story of Tina and the singer, who are intertwined in this tale of love.
Lyrics © A.E.P.I.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER V, KATRIVANOS DIMITRIOS KIOUSSIS, KONSTANDINOS HASSALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ian Smith
It is nice to hear this melody after all these years. It is fortuitous that it should have been uploaded a few months before Martino's death. In 1960 it used to herald Horace Finch rising on the WurliTzer athe Empress Ballroom Blackpool when he continued the walttz seamlessly from Charles Barlow and his orchestra for his half hour session. Ah! Nostalgia - it's not what it was!
Steven Parry
I once danced a waltz to this amazing tune as a professional dancer giving a demonstration, such a fantastic waltz, with equally amazing vocals
Tom Gilsenan
Terrific voice, much missed.
Cathleen Berreie
I love this song....makes me sigh listening to his voice!
ronald marks
this song has been played by my wife from the age of 10 she is now 83 she remembers her dad writing this song ,he gave it to a R A F navigator who said he would get one of his friends to write it out properly for him ,after this he went on one more raid on Germany but never came back and the next time she herd it was on the radio and her dad said that is my song
John Shakespeare
I have had this record since the 1950s on a 78rpm. Nice song.
Janet M
Al Martino was simply the best
Tom Gilsenan
Superb voice
lefteris
this is a greek song composed just before ww2 ... .(which started for greece in 28 of October 1940.... )... kaiti paritsi first sang it
thrippleton
If only today's writers could compose lyrics like this.