Death of the original Euro star
RIPShe was half-French, half-Italian, spoke six languages and sang in twice as many.
The mega-hits of Caterina Valente, who has died in Switzerland at 93, came mostly in the 1950s.
She made her breakthrough in Germany with such German Schlagers as ‘Ganz Paris träumt von der Liebe’ and ‘Spiel noch einmal für mich, Hababero’. She topped those with a German version of Ernesto Lecuona’s ‘Malagueña’.
Perry Como booked her on his TV show. Sinatra was a fan. She had a decade in the sun.
RIP Caterina! She was indeed remarkable, a testament to talent and professionalism.
She really was one of a kind, started with five years dancing a Gavotte in the act of her parents, who were famous artists themselves, and kept in the business for unbelievable 68 years. I also want to remember her skills as Guitar-player, her exploration of the Latin-American canon of songs and her recordings and touring with the Count Basie Orchestra in the Mid-Eighties.
Her vast multi-lingual discography was re-released on CD mainly by a German and an English Label in the last twenty years.
As far, as I concern, Caterina Valente was a true artist, and I know personally, that even classical musicians around the globe cherish her high professional and very energetic performance style.
Charming, talented lady. Here she is with Dean Martin, 1966: https://youtu.be/AuEv942wOZs?si=BNccDpBmlfr9i6up