Domenico Modugno (Image courtesy of Last.fm)

The renowned Italian classic "Nel blu dipinto di blu," commonly known as "Volare" or "To Fly," reached the top spot of the US charts, becoming Italy's first No. 1 song, in September 1958.

"Nel blu dipinto di blu" was written in the latter half of the 1950s by Domenico Modugno and Franco Migliacci in response to an era of creative revolution. The song's powerful title, "In the Blue Painted Blue," conveyed a yearning for endless vistas. Its widely understandable message of romance and striving cut over linguistic and cultural barriers, striking a chord with audiences all across the world.

Marc Chagall's paintings, notably 'Le Coq Rouge,' inspired Modugno to write lyrics about a man dreaming in blue while floating over the sky. They collaborated on a song called 'Song in Blu' (or 'Dream in Blue') with Migliacci. 

The chorus was eventually changed to incorporate the famous phrase 'Volare,' resulting in the song being renamed 'Nel blu dipinto di blu.' It was accepted into the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy.

Franco Migliacci and Domenico Modugno (Fare Music)

Domenico Modugno represented Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1958, and his performance piqued the interest of American vocalist Dean Martin. Despite failing to win Eurovision, the song became a major hit and remains one of the most famous songs linked with the competition.

The year 1958 was an important turning point for 'Nel blu dipinto di blu.' It was named Billboard's Song of the Year, and its appeal transcended boundaries. The single sold extremely well in Italy, causing it to be released in Europe, the United States, and Australia.

In August of 1958, the song debuted at No. 54 on the first Billboard Hot 100 list. Within two weeks, it had risen to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 list, being only the second single to do so. It held this rank for five consecutive weeks.

Modugno's influence extended across continents, leading to appearances on iconic shows like the Ed Sullivan Show. He enthralled audiences in Los Angeles and New York, drawing massive crowds eager to experience the live rendition of 'Nel blu dipinto di blu.' In 1958 alone, a staggering two million copies were sold in the US.

Domenico Modugno (Aussie Vison)

Dean Martin's rendition of the song paralleled Modugno's success, even reaching No. 1 in Australia on Oct. 4, 1958. It secured a notable spot at No. 3 on the list of best-selling singles for 1958, and remarkably, it stands as the first Eurovision song to achieve chart-topping status in Australia.

Modugno's performance had a global effect, earning him distinction at the 1st Annual Grammy Awards. For 'Nel blu dipinto di blu,' he got nominations, namely Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Modugno won in these categories, beating out renowned competitors such as Perry Como and Frank Sinatra.

The ascension of "Nel blu dipinto di blu" to No. 1 on Sept. 3, 1958, represented a watershed point in music history. The song transcended boundaries with its engaging melody, cross-cultural collaboration, and emotional resonance, serving as a symbol of common human experiences. (Mondrein Mikolei Lizarte/OJT/UST)