April Stevens: The Velvet-Voiced Pop and Rock Vocalist

April Stevens is an American pop and rock singer best known for her sultry vocal delivery and her successful 1960s collaborations with her brother, Nino Tempo. Hailing from Niagara Falls, New York, she carved a unique niche in the early rock and roll era with her intimate, whisper-like singing style. Her career peak came with the chart-topping 1963 single "Deep Purple," a duet with Tempo that became a million-selling record and defined her legacy.

Early career

Born Carol LoTempio in 1929, she began performing as a child and adopted the stage name April Stevens early on. Her professional recording career started in the late 1940s, and she signed with various labels including Imperial Records, where she released singles like "I Want a Boy" and "Gimme a Little Kiss." Throughout the 1950s, she worked as a solo artist, developing her distinctive breathy vocal technique which set her apart from other pop singers of the era.

Breakthrough

The major turning point arrived in 1963 when she formally teamed with her saxophonist and arranger brother, Nino Tempo. Signed to Atco Records, a subsidiary of Atlantic, their first collaboration was a remake of the 1930s standard "Deep Purple." Their innovative, slow-rock arrangement featuring Stevens's spoken-word whispers and Tempo's smooth vocals became a surprise smash. The single soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1963, earning gold certification and winning the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Rock & Roll Recording.

Key tracks

Deep Purple — The 1963 Grammy-winning duet with Nino Tempo that became her signature No. 1 hit and a gold record.

Sweet and Lovely — A popular follow-up duet with Tempo that also charted in the Top 40, cementing their successful partnership.

I Want a Boy — An early solo single from her Imperial Records period that showcases her developing unique vocal style.

Teach Me Tiger — A provocative and memorable 1959 solo single that became a cult favorite and highlighted her sensual delivery.

Whispering — The title track from the successful 1964 "Deep Purple" follow-up album by Nino Tempo & April Stevens.

The success of "Deep Purple" launched the duo of Nino Tempo & April Stevens as a consistent chart act. They released several albums for Atco, including "Deep Purple" and "Whispering," and scored more hits like "Sweet and Lovely" and "Stardust." Stevens also continued occasional solo work, and the duo remained a popular live act for decades, their sound blending pop, rock, and jazz influences. Their recording career extended into the 1970s with releases on labels like A&M and White Whale.

Fans of April Stevens's blend of intimate pop vocals and early rock sensibilities should also explore the music of Connie Francis, another premier female vocalist of the early rock era. The Everly Brothers share that harmonic, family-based vocal magic central to Tempo and Stevens's work. Pat Boone represents the smooth, pop-oriented side of 1950s and 60s music that often shared chart space with Stevens. Lesley Gore offers a slightly later but similarly potent take on classic pop-rock sung with distinctive character.

The timeless quality of April Stevens's music ensures her songs remain in rotation on classic pop and oldies radio stations across the dial. Online radio streams dedicated to the golden age of rock and roll frequently feature her solo tracks and her iconic duets with Nino Tempo, introducing her voice to new generations of listeners.

You can hear the classic pop and rock sounds of April Stevens on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover her iconic hits and deep cuts as part of our curated music programming.