Born in Venice 0n 15th November, 1905 and named Annunzio Paolo Mantovani. His father was a professional violinist. Father travelled to London before outbreak of World War 1 and remained in country with his family thereafter. Mantovani's first big success was with his recording of Red Sails in the Sunset, reaching No.2 in the U.S. charts. Mantovani with his orchestra developed a unique sound with the use of a large section of violins. Mantovani lived in London with his family as well as at a house on the south coast of England.