It's easy to understand why Claudio Villa is called "King Of The Italian Popular Song". His voice is at one moment a velvet curtain and then in the next instant, of glass shattering power. This magnificent voice is so beautifully controlled it's at home perfectly in any kind of song. Villa is one of the world's truly great artists.

Born in Rome January 1, 1926, Claudio Villa remembers with particular attachment the famous street of the popular quarter of Trastevere, Via della Lungara, where he first felt the joy of singing. His father wished him to go into business but the business of singing was all that Glaudio wanted. The family put up with this desire trusting that it was just a youthful fad. It was not, of course, and after obtaining a contract with a small variety company Villa was on his way. His stature grew when his work became available on recordings and in 1947 he made his Italian Radio bow. The rest of the Villa story is a succession of hit records, tours, festivals, prizes and applause.

One of the hardest workers in the entertainment world, Claudio Villa in recent years was not content to merely sing the world's popular songs. He wanted to write them as well. In this area of his fantastic career he again received international recognition. His "Binario", written in 1960 was what the trade publications like to call "a smash". In 1961 he composed the prize winner "Vico e notte". In 1962 the famous San Remo Festival gave him frist prize with Domenico Modugno for the hit "Addio Addio". Recently he again took prize honors at San Remo in the 1963 Festival with his beautiful "Amor, mon Amour, My Love". It seems that no matter what Claudio Villa sets out to do in the difficult land of talent, he more than succeeds.

In listening to the group of Italian favorites recorded here, those who have studied voice will be fascinated by the brilliance of the Villa technique. Those who know nothing of the art will be compelled by the emotion delivered in every meaningful phrase. This is a man's voice, strong, full, open, and still sometimes surprisingly soft and sensitive. His command of voice and song is a joy to hear. In this collection the attitude is of diversification and delightfully so. Not only is the variety of moods charming but it's an impressive showcase for an impressive talent.

Repeating, it's easy to understand why Claudio Villa is called "The King Of The Italian Popular Song".