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Moon Over Naples
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Wikipedia article
"'Moon Over Naples'" is a 1965 instrumental composed and originally performed by German bandleader Bert Kaempfert and was the first track on his album, 'The Magic Music of Far Away Places' for Decca Records. In 1968, "Moon Over Naples" earned Kaempfert one of five BMI Awards that year; the other awards were for his compositions "Lady", "Sweet Maria", "Strangers in the Night" and "The World We Knew (Over and Over)" with a posthumous BMI Award given September 16, 2003.[http://www.kaempfert.de/en/awards/index.htm Official Bert Kaempfert page listing his awards]
Vocal versions of the song have been recorded as "'Spanish Eyes'". the most notable of which was released by Al Martino, which topped 'Billboard's Easy Listening chart for 4 weeks in 1966.
"Spanish Eyes"
The earliest vocal version was recorded by Freddy Quinn in 1965 titled as "Spanish Eyes"; soon after its release, the single was pulled from the market when Polydor (Quinn's label) and Decca (Kaempfert's label) threatened to sue, claiming ownership of the song.
Another version by Sergio Franchi with lyrics by Charles Singleton was recorded in late 1965 titled "Moon Over Naples", but did not chart.
Al Martino version
The song became a hit single in 1966 for Al Martino when a new set of lyrics were written by composer Eddie Snyder, now titled "Spanish Eyes". (All subsequent versions used this title, and now listed both Singleton and Snyder among the credits.) Released in late 1965 in the United States, this recording reached number 15 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100Whitburn, Joel (2004). 'The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits', 8th Edition (Billboard Publications), page 401. and spent four weeks atop the 'Billboard' Easy Listening chartHyatt, Wesley (1999). 'The Billboard Book of #1 Adult Contemporary Hits' (Billboard Publications), page 41. in early 1966. This vocal version was also a hit in Europe, where it sold an estimated 800,000 copies in Germany and made the UK Singles Chart twice, peaking at number 49 in 1970 and then reaching number five in August 1973.[https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Angel%20Face Official Charts Company info] OfficialCharts.com. Retrieved 9 September 2009.Charts
Other versions
*Andy Williams released a version in 1967 on his album, 'Born Free'.*A cover by Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias peaked at number 8 on the 'Billboard' Hot Country Singles chart in 1988.
* In 2003 the Italian accordionist Beppe Junior performs an instrumental version included in the album 'Liscioterapia' (Europlay, CD 0189).
*Little Willie Littlefield recorded a version for his 1990 album 'Singalong with Little Willie Littlefield'.
*In 2013, vocal group Il Divo recorded a duet with British singer Engelbert Humperdinck. Produced by Alberto Quintero, it was included in the album 'Engelbert Calling' released September 30, 2014.
*As "Spanish Eyes", the song would go on to be performed by diverse artists, among them: Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, Engelbert Humperdinck, Wayne Newton, Faith No More,[http://deesongs.homestead.com/spanisheyes.html Spanish Eyes lyrics and brief history at Deessongs.homestead.com]
Popular culture
*The song was sung by Homer Simpson in 'The Simpsons' episode "Homer vs. Dignity".
*The song was sung, initially by Geoffrey Hutchings and Sheila Reid as the characters of Mel and Madge in the finale to the third season of the British TV sitcom 'Benidorm'.
See also
*List of number-one adult contemporary singles of 1966 (U.S.)
References
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