Roberto Cardinali ~ Does anyone know him?

[mystress]

Hi there,

I have just bought two CD's of the Italian singer Roberto Cardinali (1930~1997), but apart from a very brief Biography on the CD Notes, I know nothing more of him.He lived a good deal of his life in the UK,and even appeared on the BBC Programme "Parliamo Italiano".

I have Googled for him,but with little success.Can anyone tell me more about him,or point me in the right direction to find out?

Thanks AB'ers,I know how clever you are!

[Narolines]

Not a lot of help, I'm afraid, but I do remember him; he was for a time a singer with Geraldo's orchestra, so that might be a track to follow, and he also appeared in the West End in musicals, light opera and operetta.  I clearly remember Parliamo Italiano, co-presented by RC and Italian actress Marla Landi (funny what sticks in your mind, isn't it?), in which each lesson ended with a simple Italian song accompanied by RC on guitar. Best of luck!

[mystress]

Hi Narolines,

Thanks ever so for the information.Now I don't feel I am heading down a one way cul de sac,and thanks to you I have more avenues of information to explore!

PS Welcome to the Weird,Wonderdful & Wacky World that is AB! LOL

[mpinter]

Hello! I'm looking for information on him too, researching family history. My father tells me, whenever he casts his mind back, that his ensamble played on a BBC show that starred Roberto Cardinali and featured "continental" music, covering for his outfit on alternate weeks so that R.C. could attend to other gigs. I can't remember how long this lasted or when it was exactly. My father left England for Spain in 1966, but he left the BBC before that. Something to do with a guy making a pass at him and being sent flying down the hall with a punch...

[mpinter]

Further to my previous post, you might have some luck contacting the BBC and getting through to their archival section. I think the show ran for a year, maybe longer. I think R. C. may have sung in Switzerland too, because I think that is where he heard my father playing. The music scene in the 60's was surprisingly well travelled!

[cantwr]

Yes - I knew Roberto. He was the father of my brother in law Rick Cardinali ( a top London composer & arranger ). Roberto was married to an english balerina and had three children. They lived for many years in Walton - on - Thames before moving back to the Rimani area of Italy for retirement. He was a popular cabaret performer across Europe and played an extended season at the famous Cafe Royal in London's west end. Amongst his regular charity golf partners were the actors Glyn Houston & Lance Percival. Hope this bit of info helps.