"Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu," popularly known as "Volare," is a classic Italian song originally recorded by singer-songwriter Domenico Modugno. Written in collaboration with Franco Migliacci, the song was released as a single on February 1, 1958. It achieved immense popularity, not just in Italy but around the globe, setting numerous records and winning prestigious awards.
Initial Success and Milestones
Sanremo Music Festival
The song first gained prominence by winning the eighth Sanremo Music Festival, an annual music competition in Italy. Its victory at Sanremo led it to be chosen as the Italian entry for the 1958 Eurovision Song Contest.
Eurovision Song Contest
At the Eurovision Song Contest in 1958, "Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu" secured third place out of ten competing songs. Despite not winning, the song gained international attention and helped to elevate the status of both the Sanremo Music Festival and Eurovision.
Billboard and Grammy Awards
The song’s international acclaim was further solidified when it spent five non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in August and September of 1958. It became Billboard's number-one single for the year. In 1959, at the 1st Annual Grammy Awards, the song made history by becoming the first-ever Grammy winner for both "Record of the Year" and "Song of the Year."
Global Impact and Translations
Sales Milestone
The combined sales of all versions of "Volare" exceed 18 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most popular songs to ever come out of the Sanremo Music Festival and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Language Translations
The song’s universal appeal was evident in its translation into multiple languages, allowing it to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. This helped to further broaden its global reach and impact.
Legacy and Cultural Influence
Iconic Status
The song has since achieved iconic status, becoming synonymous with Italian music and culture. It's often used in films, commercials, and television shows to evoke a sense of Italian nostalgia or romance.
Influence on Italian Music
"Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu" served as a benchmark for Italian music, influencing a generation of artists and shaping the direction of the Italian music industry.
"Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu" or "Volare" is not just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon that bridged geographical and linguistic divides. From winning at the Sanremo Music Festival to setting records on the Billboard charts and making history at the Grammy Awards, the song has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Its enduring appeal and widespread acclaim make it one of the most iconic and beloved songs to ever emerge from Italy.
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