Domenico Modugno belts out a Eurovision classic

Italy's 1958 Eurovision entry remains wonderful (even if most people think it's called Volare).

☞ by Allen Therisa in Eurovision

Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu

Domenico Modugno, Italy

1958

13 points (third)

WHAT ABOUT THE CONTEST?

From the olden days, when Eurovision was more of an event than an actual television programme; contestants walked to the microphone, belted out their song and the audience applauded in a gentile, dignified fashion. Actually quite enjoyable, in a stiff-backed, bow-tied, black and white sort of way - though then again it would be: only nine countries entered.

The evening literally flew by.

AND THE GROUP (OR ARTISTE)?

Domenico Modugno was tall and brawny and used his large hands to great gesturing effect. 'Come into my great big arms and sing along with me,' those hands seemed to be encouraging the audience. On the night, he had a little moustache and slicked back hair and the kind of booming vocal needed to belt out a song to row 52 as well as the far reaches of Europe (which at this point meant Sweden).

WHAT ABOUT THE SONG?

One of the great popular music standards, rather unbelievably, came from Eurovision, and this is it. Sing a couple of lines from the chorus to most people, mostly anywhere, and that person will in all probability sing the rest of the chorus back to you, no further prompting required. The song's title Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu will however have most people scratching their heads, though that's only because they think this song is called Volare (whoo, ah, ah, oh).

ANY GOOD?

A work of rousing genius.

AND IT CAME WHERE?

Third, with 13 points.

AND WHO WAS THE REAL WINNER?

French snoozer Dors, Mon Amour. Dors, Mon Amour.

SO, IN SUMMARY

We (i.e. Italy, and associated music lovers everywhere) were robbed.

Recent articles: