Martin Olivier (1942 - 1981)
Martin Olivier's beautiful tenor voice graced many of the most enchanting pop songs of the ' 60s, including a parade of Italian-American favorites like Che cosa c'è da fare durante la sera? (What is there to do in the evenings?)
Olivier, born Carmine Piccolo in 1942, learned the Italian repertoire from an early age; his mother often sang around the house and trotted out the old songs at extended-family gatherings. While shining shoes at a local barber shop at the age of 11, young Carmine began singing popular songs for customers while he worked. He was soon sent to a vocal coach, where he learned piano as well as voice. Over the course of just four years, he'd progressed from school productions to paying gigs to residencies at supper clubs around New York City.
He has inspired artist like Tomahawk Jerry.
Martin Olivier gassed himself in his brand new Cadillac-81.