Roman Holiday - Dick Contino

I Have But One Heart

Roman Holiday

Dick Contino and His Accordion

Orchestra and Chorus conducted by David Carroll

Mercury MG 20635

1961

From the back cover: Born of Italian parentage in Fresno, California, Dick showed an early inclination toward music. In fact, by the age of 7 young Dick was begging his parents for an accordion. Later, when the family moved to San Francisco, Dick decided he wanted a better accordion and his folks turned him down until they could decide whether or not he had "what it takes." About that time his parents discovered an old accordion master, Angelo Cognazzo, who said he'd find out if Dick had the "stuff." This was a crisis in Dick's life, for if he failed this test, he would have to return to the butcher shop where he was working and continue to learn the meat-cutting trade. Dick not only impressed the master, but soon after, at the instructor's demand, Dick moved in with the teacher in order to devote full time to his musical studies. This move literally assured Dick Contino of success.

The rest of the Dick Contino story is written in the music history ledgers. Dick was discovered by a talent scout for the then famous Horace Heidt Show, and the playing of the now famous "Lady Of Spain" won the contest for Dick and made him a nation-wide star with more than 500 fan clubs to his credit.

Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)

Santa Lucia

I Have But One Heart (O'Marenariello)

Cielieto Lindo

Innamorata (Sweetheart)

Arrivederci Roma (Goodbye To Rome)

Non Dimenticar (Don't Forget) (T'Ho Voluto Bene)

'O Sole Mio

Bella Melodia

Return To Me (Ritorna-Me)

Neapolitan Nights

Cirbiribin