“mambo italiano” is a popular song written by bob merrill in 1954 and recorded by rosemary clooney. merrill actually wrote it on deadline, scribbled hastily on a paper napkin in an italian restaurant in new york, united states using the wall pay-phone to dictate the melody, rhythm and lyrics to the recording studio pianist, under the aegis of conductor mitch miller. the song became a hit for rosemary, reaching #10 on the charts in the united states and number one in the uk singles chart early in 1955. [wikipedia]

albano carrisi (born 20 may 1943) is an italian singer, actor and winemaker. his stage name is al bano or al bano carrisi.

he was born in the town of cellino san marco (province of brindisi, puglia in southern italy), where he still lives. his mother named him albano because, when he was born, his father was fighting in albania for the italian army during world war ii.

he made his debut in 1966 both as a singer, at the festival delle rose, and on television. he won the disco per l’estate, an italian song contest, with “pensando a te” in 1968. he recorded some major hits such as “la siepe” and “nel sole” at that time. “nel sole” sold 600,000 copies in italy within three months of release, and eventually over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc in july 1968. soon afterwards, he started a musical collaboration with romina power (daughter of the american actor tyrone power), whom he married in 1970. [wikipedia]