There are several things in life that Franco Valentino appreciates, singing, laughter, good wine .. .
Born 28th of April in Andria (Bari), Italy, Franco, after finishing a course of classical studies at High School, went to University for two years and studied law (his father's wish) but succumbed to his desires for the stage. He entered the "Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica" in Rome, one of Europe's best schools for developing cultural subjects (producing such stars as Vittorio Gassman).

At this early stage Franco attained a great' love for classical playwrights such as Shakespeare, Chekov, Ibsen etc., as well as for music and athletics, then graduated second in his year at the Academy and joined a professional acting troupe in Rome. After travelling and performing around Italy on television, stage and radio Vaticana, he made quite a few guest appearances as a singer in nightclubs. This was the actual start of Franco's career. A career that was to take him first to Germany to appear at the "Cabaret Italica" in Munich and the "Tivoli Bar" in Frankfurt.

From Germany via North Africa to Spain, where he worked non-stop to achieve his aim of becoming a top entertainer Franco Valentino then first formed his own band, performing in night clubs, live stage shows, radio and television. Following these successful performances he had his own radio shows on "Voz de Cataluna", "Radio Espana de Barcelona" and "Radio Madrid", plus numerous television appearances. Franco spent several years travelling throughout Spain, perfecting his knowledge of the Spanish language and customs, becoming in the process, a well-known personality as singer, actor and compere.

In 1968 Franco set his sights on Australia. Arriving firstly in New Zealand he made a successful appearance for a six week season in the exclusive "Logan Park Hotel" Auckland, followed by four weeks in the "Beefeater Arms" nightclub, Wellington.
Finally to his new home Australia and the Chevron Hotel, Sydney as a singer guitarist; to Parramatta Leagues Club supporting Winifred Atwell, and other clubs on the Australian Club circuit.

Television appearances followed via the Don Lane and Bob Rogers shows, and on the highly rated "No. 96" as an actor. His face has become very familiar to TV viewers, for his appearances in popular commercials. A second successful New Zealand tour put him on the country's TV screen and on radio.

Franco's appeal is to all types of audiences and to all music tastes, singing as he does just as happily in Italian, Spanish, French or English.

For the L.P. M7 Records selected Tommy Tycho to arrange and lead a selected group of Sydney musicians.
TOMMY TYCHO is Australia's foremost arranger of continental songs and even 'old favourites' featured on this album sparkle with new vitality under the Tycho baton.

Production, musical arrangements and direction by Thomas Tycho  - Cover Design: Snape & Gallaher Graphics