Ralph Marterie facts for kids
Ralph Marterie (born December 24, 1914 – died October 10, 1978) was a famous Italian big-band leader. He was born in Acerra, a town near Naples, Italy. He became well-known for his exciting trumpet playing and for leading popular music groups.
Contents
Ralph Marterie's Musical Journey
Ralph Marterie started playing music professionally when he was just 14 years old in Chicago. In the 1940s, he played the trumpet for many different bands. His first chance to lead his own band came during World War II while he was in the U.S. Navy.
Becoming a Star
After his time in the Navy, Ralph Marterie was hired by the ABC Radio network. His performances on the radio made him very popular. This led to a special recording contract with Mercury Records in 1949.
Hit Songs and Gold Records
Ralph Marterie had many successful songs in the U.S. music charts. His biggest hit was a cover of "Skokiaan" in 1954. In 1953, he recorded a version of Bill Haley's "Crazy, Man, Crazy." Many people consider this one of the first rock and roll songs.
His version of "Crazy, Man, Crazy" reached number 13 on the Billboard jockey chart. It also reached number 11 on Cashbox in June 1953. His recordings of "Pretend" and "Caravan" also made it into the Top 10 hits. "Caravan" sold over one million copies. This earned him a special award called a gold disc.
In 1957, his song "Tricky" reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Later that year, "Shish-Kebab" reached number 10. Ralph Marterie also wrote some of his own songs. These included "Dancing Trumpet," "Dry Marterie," and "Carla."
Ralph Marterie passed away on October 10, 1978, in Dayton, Ohio.
Partial Discography
Albums
- Ralph Marterie (1955)
- Music for a Private Eye (1959)
- Marvelous Marterie (1959)
- Dance Band In Town - Esquire Mercury MG20066 Australia
