Four Aces

Born in Chester, Pennsylvania on August 10, 1922, Al Albertini graduated from South Philadelphia High School, whose alumni included many other singing stars of that era, including Mario Lanza, Al Martino, Buddy Greco & Eddie Fisher. Following graduation, Al attended Temple University and served in the United States Navy during World War II where he met Dave Mahoney. After discharge in 1946 they performed as a duo before inviting musicians Rosario (Sod) Voccaro and Lou Silvestri to join them as an instrumental combo.

Soon they would discover they harmonized beautifully and became the Four Aces, full-time vocalists as Al shortened his last name to Alberts and sang lead with Dave, Sod and Lou singing tenor, baritone and bass.

Their first hit was “It’s No Sin” in 1951 that stayed on the best selling charts for 22 weeks peaking at #4 nationally. It was followed by a two sided hit, “Tell Me Why” and “Garden In The Rain”. “Perfidia” reached the top ten in 1952 as did “Should I”. In 1953, “Stranger In Paradise” landed in the top five and in 1954 the Four Aces topped the Hit Parade with “Three Coins In The Fountain”. A year later their biggest hit, “Love Is A Many Splendored Thing,” from the motion picture of the same name, also hit #1 and was a best seller for 21 weeks straight. It also won the Academy Award for best song that year.

Among the more than 40 hits during the 1950s the Four Aces charted with “Should I,” “Heart And Soul,” “I’ll Never Smile Again,” “Heart Of My Heart,” “Wedding Bells Are Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine,” “Dream,” “It’s A Woman’s World,” “Mr. Sandman,” “Melody Of Love,” “Heart,” “A Woman In Love,” “Friendly Persuasion,” “Written On The Wind” and “Chapel In The Moonlight”.

The Four Aces are 2008 nominees at the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.