Telly Savalas: The Actor with a Golden Voice

Telly Savalas was an American actor and singer who achieved unexpected chart success in the 1970s. His deep, spoken-word rendition of "If" became a surprise international hit, proving his appeal extended far beyond his iconic television role.

Early career

Aristotelis "Telly" Savalas was born in 1922 in Garden City, New York. While he built a formidable acting career in film and television, his foray into music began later, capitalizing on his distinctively gravelly voice and charismatic persona.

His first musical release was the 1972 album Telly Savalas on MGM Records. This venture into recording was initially seen as a novelty, blending his spoken delivery with orchestral pop arrangements.

Breakthrough

The breakthrough came in 1974 with the single "If," a cover of the 1951 Bread song. Released on the MCA label, Savalas's intimate, spoken interpretation struck a chord, transforming the actor into an unlikely pop star.

"If" soared to number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1975 and reached the Top 10 in several other countries. The single was certified gold in the UK for sales exceeding 500,000 copies, a remarkable feat for a recording actor.

Key tracks

If — This 1974 cover was his definitive smash hit, earning a UK gold certification and topping the charts.

Some Broken Hearts Never Mend — A follow-up single that continued his spoken-word style and found success on European charts.

What's a Woman — Featured on his self-titled album, this track further solidified his niche in vocal pop.

Seaside Shuffle — A later, more upbeat recording that demonstrated his range within the easy listening genre.

Capitalizing on the success of "If," Savalas released the album Who Loves Ya Baby in 1976 on MCA. The title referenced his famous catchphrase from the hit TV series Kojak, seamlessly blending his two public personas.

He continued to record and perform his unique style of music internationally throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. His recordings, while not always achieving the chart heights of "If," maintained a loyal following, particularly in Europe.

Fans of Telly Savalas's distinctive vocal style might also enjoy the work of similar American easy listening and spoken-word artists. Discover Frank Sinatra for timeless vocal jazz and swing. Explore Andy Williams for smooth, classic pop from the same era. Listen to Barry White for another iconic deep voice in soul and disco. Check out Richard Harris for another actor with a notable spoken-word hit in "MacArthur Park."

His music remains a staple on classic pop and nostalgia radio stations, often featured in segments celebrating the unique hits of the 1970s. Online radio streams dedicated to soft rock and easy listening frequently include his signature track in their rotations.

The music of Telly Savalas, from his chart-topping surprise to his later recordings, can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover his unique contribution to pop music through the classic hits and easy listening stations available on onairium.com.