Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare) by Domenico Modugno

OK, boys and girls, back to the 50s:  This Italian performer is considered to be his country's first singer/songwriter (cantautore).  In 1958 he co-wrote this worldwide hit with Franco Magliacci inspired by a Chagall painting.  It was one of his two global best-sellers.   He also had successful stage and movie acting careers and in 1987 became a member of the Italian Parliament.  Considered to be the most popular Italian performer in history.  He left us in '94.  

His massive '58 hit was the first Italian song to top the U.S. charts.  It is considered to be the biggest hit of '58.  Grammy Awards for Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year.  It won the '58 Sanremo Music Festival and came in third at the Eurovision Song Contest that same year.  THE most popular Italian song since "O Sole Mio".  Covered by, among many others, Pavarotti, Dean Martin and Al Martino.  Performer?  Hit?  For extra credit, name his other hit (summer of '59).

Answer:  Performer: Domenico Modugno.  Hit:  "Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu" ("Volare").  Other hit: "Piove" ("Ciao, Ciao, Bambina").  Fond memories of my Dad playing "Volare" on the ol' Bogen hi-fi with big-a** Universal speakers.  

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