Ralph Marterie

Ralph Marterie (born as Ralph Martire in Naples, Italy) was a trumpet player. As a child he came to the USA and got his first job in a band in Ohio. In 1937 he played for the radio and in 1949 he created his own big band. His hits were "Crazy Man", "Pretend", "Caravan", "Lili Marlene" and "Skokiaan", recorded for Mercury Records, Musico and United Artists. Some of his lead singers were Vic Damone, Rusty Draper and the Harmonicats. Marterie and his band was very active up till the 60s. He also had bit parts as a musician in some movies.