Single:
It’s Now or Never entered the Australian singles chart* on 17 September 1960 and peaked at #1. It was #1 on the Top 100 of 1960.
Songwriters:
English lyrics: Wally Gold, Aaron Schroeder
O Sole Mio music composer: Eduardo di Capua
Record label of Australian release:
RCA
*Kent Music Report / Australian Chart Book. See About.
BONUS SONG BELOW: O Sole Mio by Mario Lanza
Songfacts:
This Elvis classic borrows the chord progression as well as the melody from the Italian song O Sole Mio, which was first recorded by Giuseppe Anselmi in 1907. Mario Lanza popularised the song, and Tony Martin released the first English translation as There’s No Tomorrow in 1949.
When Elvis was in the US army, he was stationed in Germany and heard O Sole Mio. When he was discharged, he asked his record company to write an English translation for him, a task that went to songwriters Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold who, according to Gold, did it in 30 minutes. It was a huge hit, knocking Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini from the top spot in America and staying for five weeks.
Read more: www.songfacts.com/facts/elvis-presley/its-now-or-never
Lyrics:
It’s now or never
Come hold me tight
Kiss me my darling
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late
It’s now or never
My love won’t wait
Click for full lyrics
Find more songs to enjoy: Bang a Gong song finder
BONUS SONG
O Sole Mio, recorded and popularised by Mario Lanza in 1948.
More about ‘O sole mio: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/’O_sole_mio
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