Romantic Italian Songs is the debut studio album by Italian singer Sergio Franchi, released in September 1962 by RCA Victor Red Seal mainly for the American market. The project was received well both critically and commercially.
Background, recording and content Franchi arrived in New York on September 25, 1962.Sergio Franchi. "Broadway – I Love You!" RCA Victor, 1963, LP, Liner Notes. Singing the full length of the concert without a microphone, a New York reviewer commented on Franchi's "big, healthy voice", his penchant for ad-libbing, and his ability to establish instant rapport with his audience.H.K. (October 22, 1962)."Franchi in debut with song concert." The New York Times, Carnegie Hall debut Romantic Italian Songs was cut in the United Kingdom under conductor Wally Stott. With RCA Victor ready for a promotion campaign, and Franchi already getting critical apraisal, the album was soon released. It contained a total of 12 tracks, with them being split evenly into six on side one, and six on side two. The album was made up entirely of Italian melodies, and Franchi is credited as the writer of "La vilanella" as well.
Critical reception
Romantic Italian Songs was given a positive critical response following its release, and Franchi was noted for his vocals. Billboard magazine stated that the "Romantic Italian tenor Sergio Franchi bursts upon the American musical scene with stirring, big-voiced readings of familiar Italian melodies, both folk and operatic." The magazine noted that "He has a voice that sells songs with warmth and excitement that will make him a big favorite... Lovely orchestral backings add much to the album." It was given a three-star rating by AllMusic as well.
Release and chart performance Romantic Italian Songs was released by RCA on their Red Seal label in September 1962 as Franchi's debut album. The album was offered as a vinyl LP. A single of two English songs was released alongside the album."Record Ramblings", (October 24, 1962). Cashbox, New York The label had begun a heavy promotional campaign to launch his American career, concurrent with the release of his album, and it was a major success.Dewar, Cameron (October 20, 1962). "Boston." Billboard, New York. (Intro party at Boston Sheraton)"Victor gives all in build-up of Sergio Franchi." (October 6, 1962). Billboard, New York.
It debuted on Billboard magazine's Top LP's chart in the issue dated November 24, 1962, peaking at No. 17 during an eighteen-week run on the chart. The album debuted on Cashbox magazine's Top 100 Albums chart in the issue dated November 24, 1962, being ranked lower at No. 37 during a six-week run on the Monaural chart. Romantic Italian Songs was also a success in the Classical music markets."Classical Music/Best Selling Classical Albums." (February 23, 1963). Billboard New York He would continue recording albums for RCA, with several reaching the charts, although none would spawn a charting single.
In 1998, the album was released on compact disc format for the first time, and returned sales momentum made the album reach No. 167 nationwide for one week in the fall of 1998.Billboard magazine September 5, 1998: Billboard 200. Page 125. Retrieved March 28, 2026 via worldradiohistory.com
Track listing
Chart performance
+Chart performance for Romantic Italian Songs Chart (1962–1963) Peakposition US Billboard Top LPs17 US Best-Selling Classical Albums4 US Cashbox Top 100 Albums (Monaural)37 Chart (1998) Peakposition US The Billboard 200167
Release history +Release history and formats for Romantic Italian Songs Region Date Format Label Ref. United States and Canada September 1962 Vinyl (LP) RCA Victor Red Seal United States 1998 Compact Disc RCA Victor Records
Personnel All credits are adapted from the liner notes of Romantic Italian Songs. Sergio Franchi – lead vocals Wally Stott – arranger, conductor Sean Walker – liner notes
References