1: Here in My Heart by Al Martino (14/11/52)

The Context

Whilst the Official Charts Company wasn't founded until 1969, versions of the chart existed from 1952 onwards and these are considred 'canon' by the company. The very first chart was founded in 1952 by Percy Dickins of the magazine New Musical Express (NME). He phoned twenty record shops and asked them what their top ten selling singles were that week. He then aggregated the results into a top 12 hit parade which was published each week in NME. 

The Artist

Al Martino was an Italian-American singer born in Philadelphia with the name Jasper Cini. His parents were immigrants from the Italian town of Abruzzo and ran a construction business. While growing up Cini worked alongside his brothers as a bricklayer. He aspied to become a singer with his inspirations being the likes of Al Jolson and Perry Como and family friend Mario Lanza who was a Hollywood star. 

His career as Martino took off when he came first place TV show Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts in 1952, getting him a record deal with independent label BBS. He recorded 'Here in My Heart' to great success. Subsesquent songs didn't do quite so well and this was his only UK number one but he still had a very successful career. His success got him caught up with the Mafia who bought out his contract and Martino had little choice but to move to the UK where he continued to have a successful career, though with little US exposure. He was eventually able to return to the US and after a few false starts continued to have a successful recording career. 

He is perhaps best known these days for playing the role of Johnny Fontane, the singer in The Godfather as well as performing the film's theme 'Speak Softly Love'. He was offered the role by the producer but dropped when director Francis Ford Coppola came on board. Martino went to Mafia boss Russell Bufalino and it's not entirely clear what happened but Martino's replacement Vic Damone pulled out and Martino was re-instated. He later reprised the role in The Godfather Part III. 

The Song

'Here in My Heart' was written by Pat Genaro, Lou Levinson and Bill Borrelli and recorded by Martino on 17th April 1952. It's a classic crooner hit.

The song was hugely successful, remaining at the top of the charts for nine weeks, immediately setting a record for the longest consectutive run at number one. As of 2023, only eight songs have beaten this record.

Martino re-recorded the song several times to little success- as a rockaballad version in 1958 and then as a straight re-record in 1961.