Matt Monro Forum

This morning it was the 20th Anniversary of Dewi Griffiths programme "A String Of Pearls " on Radio Wales. It began in October 1988
He played all the music that he played on that very first programme.
One of the songs included Al Martino's "Here In My Heart"
Dewi spoke of how Al was very much part of that influx of new exciting performers who came along in the early Fifties, He was born as Alfred Cini into an italian imigrant family in Pillidelphia in 1927, and later this week will be celebrating his 81st Birthday.
Dewi went on to say how Al was part of the WW2 Iwo Jima landings and on returning home he took up singing and in 1952 hit the jackpot with his million seller Number One,
It opened up a career that led to Al appearing as the singer Johnny Fontaine in The Godfather " Dewi mentioned how his adoring fans still demand to hear Spanish Eyes as he still performs around the world, so Happy Birthday Al Martino. for Tuesday the 7th October.

A very happy birthday to Al on Tuesday.

Listening to String of Pearls at the moment -in between Russell Davies and David Jacobs- just listened to Jo Stafford singing Autumn in New York

It is just amazing that Al is still touring and singing in his eighties---not too many around like that. I think Tony Bennett is one, but I cannot think of any others at the moment.

A Very Happy Birthday to Al for tomorrow.
Marian

Andy Williams still does his shows in the U.S. as well.

I think he's still touring here too John, but I'm not so sure he should.
Marian

I agree Marian, he isn't like he was.

Is Andy over 80 ?

Andy Williams is 80 and will be 81 in two months.

Buddy Greco is 82 and did a mini-UK tour this summer. He still performs at his nightclub in Palm Springs.

Well, there you go---a few more octogenarians than I thought !!

How time flies

just came across this post lena and harry!. i enjoy dewi griffiths show, there are not many like it now (john hellings has a similar show worth listening to on radio hereford)
i actually did the string of pearls 20th anniversary concert in October at st davids hall cardiff, with some welsh pals stan stennett, wyn calvin, and dewi took part too (playing a stride piano inthe process) pity they didnt record it.

I got Wyn Calvin's autograph outside a theatre in Cardiff in the late Fifties Mark, and I still have it, a very flamboyant signature. I had no idea who he was at the time, we were there to see Terry Dene who was appearing in a theatre nearby.
Marian

Terry Dene has had a few mentions lately Marian

He has indeed Robert
Marian