This was followed by leading roles in box office musical film hits such as “Liebe, Tanz und 1000 Schlager” (1955) with Peter Alexander and “Casino de Paris “(1957) with Vittorio de Sica and her childhood friend Gilbert Bécaud Her debut as a film actress was in 1954 with a small role as a singer in the thriller “They Were So Young”. But the record gets a successful spin on American radio and low and behold becomes a major hit. The third recording, Cole Porter’s “I love Paris” in German (Ganz Paris träumt von der Liebe) becomes a mega hit in German speaking countries, with more than 500’000 copies sold, which for 1954 is unheard of.Ĭaterina Valente – Ganz Paris träumt von der Liebe (I Love Paris) 1954Īt the same time she records Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona’s Malaguena, again in German with an unsuccessful release in central Europe. Her Second recording: A novelty song in a Latin Style imitation arrangement sung in German called “O mama O mamajo” seemed to be liked by German Audiences. Hence the first record: a Jazz/Swing version of Istanbul in English. Caterina’s husband sent the tapes to all the major Radio Stations in Germany which got Caterina an audition at the Radio in Baden Baden for Jazz Band Leader Kurt Edelhagen, who after the audition claimed- he had found the most musical woman in the world.Ĭaterina declined the invitation to become the band’s singer but gladly accepted to collaborate on various projects. Successful it was, to the point that the Director of Radio Zurich invited her to a recording session where Caterina recorded a handful of songs accompanying her self on all instruments. After initial misgivings (who had ever seen a Singer/Dancer as a circus act?), Caterina gave in with the condition that if it wasn’t a success she would stop immediately. The famous Clown Grock, who was a close friend of the Valente Family, had asked Caterina to perform her act and be part of the program. In 1953 the Juggling Drummer was part of the bill of the Circus Grock Swiss Tour. By 1952 Caterina had left the Family act, got married and toured the USO Clubs in Europe and North Africa with her Juggler/Drummer husband.
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