Nino Tempo: The Versatile Force of American Pop and Rock

Nino Tempo is an American saxophonist, singer, and actor whose career spans the evolution of 20th-century pop music. His most enduring success came through a dynamic partnership with his sister April Stevens, resulting in a chart-topping classic that cemented his place in music history.

Early career

Born in Niagara Falls, New York, in 1935, Nino Tempo (born Antonino LoTempio) was a child actor and musical prodigy. He signed with Epic Records as a teenager in the 1950s, releasing early singles that showcased his saxophone skills and vocal talents, while also working as a session musician for famed producer Phil Spector.

Breakthrough

The year 1963 marked Nino Tempo's commercial peak with the release of "Deep Purple," a lush, saxophone-driven revival of the 1930s standard performed as a duet with April Stevens. Released on Atco Records, the single soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning a gold record and the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Rock & Roll Recording.

Key tracks

Deep Purple — This Grammy-winning No. 1 duet with April Stevens is his signature hit and a defining moment of early 1960s pop.

Whispering — Another successful Atco single from 1963, this follow-up hit the Top 20, capitalizing on the duo's distinctive harmonic style.

All Strung Out — A later, gritty 1966 solo single for A&M Records that showcased a tougher, blue-eyed soul sound.

Sister James — A notable 1973 track for the Chelsea label that blended his rock sensibilities with spiritual themes.

The River — A 1977 single highlighting his continued relevance in the adult contemporary and pop fields.

Following the success of "Deep Purple," Nino Tempo & April Stevens continued to record for Atco and later labels like White Whale and A&M, producing a string of albums including Deep Purple and All Strung Out. Tempo also maintained a prolific career as a session saxophonist and arranger, working with artists from Elvis Presley to Sonny & Cher, and later focusing on jazz and instrumental projects.

Artists with a similar blend of vocal harmony, pop craftsmanship, and rock energy from the same era include The Everly Brothers who mastered close-harmony duets in rock and country. Duane Eddy shares Tempo's instrumental focus, defining a twangy guitar sound that parallels Tempo's saxophone work. Johnny Rivers delivered a similar mix of rock energy and polished pop covers. Herb Alpert built a parallel career as a successful instrumentalist and label executive in the pop and jazz fields.

Nino Tempo's catalog, from the classic pop of "Deep Purple" to his soulful rock sides, earns regular spins on classic hits FM stations, oldies radio formats, and dedicated online streams focusing on 1960s and 70s pop history.

The music of Nino Tempo, a versatile icon of American pop and rock, continues to be featured on radio stations across our network. Listeners can explore his enduring hits and deep cuts by tuning into the classic pop and rock radio stations available on onairium.com.