Artist page

Ralph Marterie was an American trumpeter and bandleader of Italian origin, born on December 24, 1914, in Acerra, near Naples, Italy. He emigrated to the United States as a child with his parents, where his father joined the orchestra of the Chicago Civic Opera. As a teenager, Marterie began playing trumpet with Danny Russo’s Oriole Orchestra and performed in local theatres and various bands in Chicago. He later joined the NBC staff orchestra, playing under notable conductors such as Percy Faith and André Kostelanetz. During World War II, he led a US Navy band, and after the war, he returned to Chicago as a leader with ABC Radio. In 1949, Marterie started recording for Mercury Records with his own big band. His band achieved significant success in 1952, spending 10 weeks on the US charts with the hit "Caravan" and earning a second Gold Disc the following year with "Pretend." His music varied between swing standards, novelties, and pop instrumentals, often showcasing the unique combination of trumpet and guitar, particularly in collaboration with guitarist Al Caiola on a cover of "Acapulco 22." He also enjoyed moderate hits with songs like "Guaglione," "Skokiaan," and "Tequila." Marterie continued to tour with his band until his death on October 10, 1978, in Dayton, Ohio, shortly after performing a one-nighter.

For any edit requests, please reach out to info@rovr.live