April Stevens: The Velvet Voice of Pop and Novelty
April Stevens is an American pop 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 achieved her greatest commercial success with the chart-topping 1963 single "Deep Purple," a dreamy ballad that earned the duo a Grammy Award for Best Rock & Roll Recording.
Early career
Born Carol LoTempio in 1936, she began performing as a child and adopted the stage name April Stevens early on. Her first major break came in 1951 when she signed with Capitol Records, releasing singles like "I Want a Boyfriend" and "Gimme a Little Kiss" which showcased her distinctive, whispery vocal style.
Breakthrough
The pivotal moment arrived in 1963 when April Stevens reunited professionally with her saxophonist brother Nino Tempo. Signed to Atco Records, their reinterpretation of the 1930s standard "Deep Purple" became a surprise smash. The single spent one week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold, selling over one million copies.
Key tracks
Deep Purple — This Grammy-winning duet with Nino Tempo defined her career and remains a classic of early 1960s pop.
Sweet and Lovely — Another successful 1963 duet with Tempo that reached the Top 40, capitalizing on their newfound fame.
I Want a Boyfriend — Her 1951 solo debut on Capitol Records that first introduced her unique vocal tone to a national audience.
Teach Me Tiger — A provocative 1959 solo single that became a cult favorite and highlighted her more sensual delivery.
Whispering — A 1964 follow-up duet with Nino Tempo that continued their successful formula of intimate, harmony-driven pop.
Following the success of "Deep Purple," April Stevens and Nino Tempo continued to record as a duo throughout the mid-1960s, releasing albums like "Deep Purple" and "All Strung Out." While they never replicated the massive chart peak of their signature hit, they remained consistent hitmakers on the pop charts. Stevens also pursued solo work and later recorded for labels like White Whale and A&M.
Fans of April Stevens's intimate vocal style and classic American pop sound should also explore the work of similar artists. Connie Francis shares a mastery of emotive pop ballads from the same era. The Carpenters later perfected a similarly smooth, harmony-rich sound in the 1970s. For the sibling duo harmony aspect, The Everly Brothers offer a foundational influence. Lesley Gore provides a comparable snapshot of early 1960s pop from a female perspective.
The music of April Stevens maintains a cherished place on the playlists of classic pop and oldies radio stations. Her recordings, particularly the timeless "Deep Purple," are staples on formats dedicated to the golden age of early 1960s music, ensuring her velvet voice continues to reach new generations of listeners.
You can hear the classic pop of April Stevens on radio stations featured across our network. Discover her dreamy vocals and iconic duets by tuning into the classic hits and nostalgia stations available on onairium.com.
