It is impossible to speak of Italian songs with whistling without mentioning Ennio Morricone. He is the creator of one of the most famous soundtracks that have whistlings. In my humble opinion, is the best of all, even that “Twisted Nerve”. Ma tutti i gusti sono gusti! Right? Bene, with you, the story behind “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”.
Ennio Morricone had already done the soundtrack for two films in the western trilogy of Sergio Leone, namely “The Fisful of Dollars” (1964) and “For a Few Dollars More” (1965). As might be expected, he made the soundtrack of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” too. And in the main theme Morricone has put various sounds of wind instruments: trumpet, ocarina, harmonica, flute and... whistling. By the way, I know the name of the guy who whistles! His name is John O’Neill, he is a musician and at the time was known to be a great whistler. Here. And here.
In 1968 the film’s soundtrack reached #4 on the Billboard 200 Chart.
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Moreover, there is a well-known version of this song which became a hit in the U.S. and Europe re-recorded in 1968 by Hugo Montenegro. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on UK Single Charts, remaining for four weeks. Below there is the Montenegro version. At this time the whistler was Muzzy Marcellino. =)
Because I haven’t found on Youtube the movie’s scene where this song is played, I put the video of a Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain’s exhibition. Now enjoy it!
Ennio Morricone had already done the soundtrack for two films in the western trilogy of Sergio Leone, namely “The Fisful of Dollars” (1964) and “For a Few Dollars More” (1965). As might be expected, he made the soundtrack of “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” too. And in the main theme Morricone has put various sounds of wind instruments: trumpet, ocarina, harmonica, flute and... whistling. By the way, I know the name of the guy who whistles! His name is John O’Neill, he is a musician and at the time was known to be a great whistler. Here. And here.
In 1968 the film’s soundtrack reached #4 on the Billboard 200 Chart.
- -
Moreover, there is a well-known version of this song which became a hit in the U.S. and Europe re-recorded in 1968 by Hugo Montenegro. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on UK Single Charts, remaining for four weeks. Below there is the Montenegro version. At this time the whistler was Muzzy Marcellino. =)
Because I haven’t found on Youtube the movie’s scene where this song is played, I put the video of a Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain’s exhibition. Now enjoy it!
I was Kaiser Bills Batman
ReplyDeleteWhustler John ONeill. My father some other idiot was given credit. Exposed by News of The World.
The Good the Bad and the Ugly. Whistler John O'Neill. Credit given to Alessandra.