This 24 chapter book tells the story of Mantovani's quest for musical perfection and how he achieved it. Written with the enthusiastic endorsement of his family, his record producer, several former musicians, Decca luminaries and Mantovani fans, this is the 'real deal', a book that 'no Mantovani fan or anyone interested in light orchestral music can afford to be without.' 'Mantovani - a Lifetime in Music' tells his story as it has never been told before, getting behind the legend to examine: - his childhood - his views on music - his success as a dance band leader in the 1930s - his theatre activities with Noel Coward and Lupino Lane - Charmaine and Ronnie Binge - his phenomenal success in the 1950s when he became Britain's top record seller - his American and British tours, his recordings and film work

Author Biography

Colin MacKenzie is a retired civil servant who has collected Mantovani's recordings from all eras since 1959. Upon hearing 'Under Paris Skies' for the first time, he was completely 'hooked' and since then has sought out many rare items for his own collection. He contributes to the Mantovani fan website and corresponds with collectors all over the world. In conjunction with Alan Dixon, he has helped compile a listing of Mantovani's British musicians. His other interests are in art history, good music of all sorts, rambling and West Bromwich Albion FC, where he is a shareholder and season ticket holder.