Who Are Those Composers? ~ Augusto Martelli

Augusto Martelli was born in Genoa, Liguria, Italy on March 15, 1940. He was the son of conductor and composer Giordano Bruno Martelli and the brother of opera singer Edith Martelli [1937- ] Augusto is probably best known for the song Djamballà, theme song of the 1970 film “Il dio serpent”, which reached number one in the Italian hit parade. He is also well known for having had a sentimental engagement with the singer Mina, with whom he also collaborated as a composer and an arranger and with whom he co-founded the recording company PDU. After having been a conductor in a number of RAI variety shows, starting from late seventies Martelli was also host of a number of TV programs, mainly for Canale 5. He also composed songs and scores for a large number of Fininvest TV programs.

Martelli's was interrupted with a jail sentence which became final in 2007. He was sentenced to eighteen months in prison for having child pornography photos on his computer. A indictment he vehemently denied claiming he loaned the computer and his credit card to a friend to use.

Augusto died after a long battle with cancer on November 3, 2014 in Milan, Italy.

MARTELLI, Augusto (aka Peter Martell, Bob Mitchell) [3/15/1940, Genoa, Liguria, Italy – 11/3/2014, Milan, Lombardy, Italy (cancer)] – producer, composer, arranger, conductor, singer, great-grandson of actor Martelli, son of composer Giordano Bruno Martelli, brother of opera singer Edith Martelli [1937-    ], founded the Ri-Fi record company, co-founded PDU Recording Company.

Another Dollar for the McGregors* – 1970

     Song “Still Water” sung by Augusto Martell

Ballad of Death Bounty* – 1970 [as Peter Martell]

     Song: ““A King for a Day” sung by Betsy Bell

*available on CD