Mantovani

Mantovani, born Annunzio Paolo Mantovani (November 15, 1905 – March 29, 1980) was a popular conductor and entertainer in the "easy listening" style.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He was born in Venice, Italy, and his father was the concertmaster of the La Scala orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. His family moved to England in 1912, where he studied at Trinity College. After graduation, he formed his own orchestra, which played in and around Birmingham. By the time World War II broke out, his orchestra was one of the most popular in England, both on the BBC and in live performances.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He was also musical director for a large number of musicals and other plays, including ones by Noel Coward. After the war, he concentrated on recording, and eventually gave up live performance altogether. He worked with arranger Ronnie Binge, who developed the cascading string sound that became his hallmark in such hits as "Charmaine."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He recorded for Decca until the mid-1950s, at which time he switched to London. He recorded over 50 albums on that label, many of which were top-40 hits.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

1905: 1905 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar)....

March 29: March 29 is the 88th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (89th in Leap years). There are 277 days remaining....

1980: 1980 is a leap year starting on Tuesday....