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"Quando quando quando"
Song by Tony Renis and Emilio Pericoli
LanguageItalian (original)
English titleWhen, When, When?
Published1962
ComposerTony Renis
LyricistMogol-Testa (Italian original)

"Quando quando quando" (or "Quando, Quando, Quando", pronounced [ˈkwando ˈkwando ˈkwando]; "When, When, When") is an Italian pop song from 1962, in the bossa nova style, with music written by Tony Renis and lyrics by Alberto Testa. The song, originally recorded in two different versions by Tony Renis and Emilio Pericoli, competed in the Sanremo Music Festival in 1962, where it placed fourth, and later became a commercial success in Italy, topping the Musica e dischi singles chart.[1] American entertainer Pat Boone, who recorded the song in 1962, sang the English lyrics written by Ervin Drake.[2]

English-language versions

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The song has been used and remixed by many artists and in many different arrangements, including English pop singer Engelbert Humperdinck in 1968. In 2005, Michael Bublé performed the song as a duet with Nelly Furtado. There is an instrumental Latin version by Edgardo Cintron and The Tiempos Noventa Orchestra. The song was a 1962 Billboard Top 100 entry by Pat Boone.

Quando is the only Italian word normally retained in most English-language renditions of the song.

Pat Boone sang the starting piece in Italian but then carried on the rest of it in English, repeating every now and again some Italian words. The Italian words sung by Boone are:

Dimmi quando tu verrai,
dimmi quando... quando... quando...
l'anno, il giorno e l'ora in cui
forse tu mi bacerai...

Fergie and will.i.am covered the song for the soundtrack to the 2009 musical film Nine, based on the stage musical based on Federico Fellini's 8½.

Notable cover versions

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Quando quando quando

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from Grokipedia
"Quando, quando, quando" (English translation: "When, when, when") is a 1962 Italian pop song in the style, with music composed by and lyrics written by Alberto Testa. The song was first recorded and performed by with orchestra directed by E. Favilla on February 8, 1962, during the , where it was also presented in a duet version by Renis and Emilio Pericoli and placed fourth overall. Despite its modest festival showing, the track achieved significant commercial success in , topping the Musica e dischi singles chart. Internationally, the song gained widespread popularity through English-language adaptations, beginning with Pat Boone's 1962 version titled "Quando, Quando, Quando (Tell Me When)," which adapted the lyrics and reached number 95 on the Hot 100. It has since been covered over 246 times by artists across genres, including notable renditions by Engelbert Humperdinck (1968), , and . The enduring appeal of "Quando, quando, quando" has also led to its use in films, advertisements, and compilations, cementing its status as one of Italy's most recognized pop exports.

Background

Composition and songwriters

"Quando, quando, quando" is an Italian pop song composed in 1962, with music by and lyrics by Alberto Testa. The track draws on influences, evident in its rhythmic structure that combines syncopated beats with a smooth, swaying melody, while exploring a romantic theme of impatient love and anticipation. The original Italian lyrics feature poetic repetition of the word "quando" ("when"), which poetically conveys the speaker's deepening longing for the beloved to affirm their feelings and end the uncertainty. , a Milan-born singer and composer whose career began in the mid-1950s, brought his performing experience to the song's creation, resulting in an upbeat yet melancholic tone that balances lively rhythm with emotional yearning. It debuted as an entry in the .

Sanremo Music Festival participation

"Quando, quando, quando" was entered into the 12th edition of the , held at the Sanremo Casino from February 8 to 18, 1962, where it was performed in separate interpretations by and Emilio Pericoli. This adhered to the festival's rules for that year, mandating that each competing song be interpreted twice by different artists or groups to ensure broad representation. The live performance featured an orchestral arrangement directed by E. Favilla, emphasizing the song's influences with rhythmic strings and brass accents typical of early Italian pop orchestrations. Audience reception at was enthusiastic, as evidenced by the large crowds that gathered outside the during the nights, drawn by the excitement of the and the emerging stars. The song ultimately placed fourth in the final results on the fourth night, behind the winners "Addio, addio" by and , second-place "Tango italiano" by Sergio Bruni and , and third-place "Gondolì gondolà" by Sergio Bruni and Ernesto Bonino. During the early 1960s, the played a pivotal role in launching Italian pop songs internationally, acting as a showcase for the mainstream Italian canzone and facilitating its integration with global pop trends like Anglo-American influences. This exposure helped propel festival entries toward broader European and worldwide audiences through radio broadcasts and subsequent recordings.

Original release

Recording and performers

The original studio recording of "Quando quando quando" was released as a solo single by , the song's composer, in 1962 on the Italian label La Voce Del Padrone (catalog number 7 MQ 1689), featuring the track backed by a full to capture the bossa nova-influenced prevalent in early 1960s Italian music. Renis delivered the vocals with a smooth, emotive tenor that emphasized the lyrics' theme of romantic impatience, accompanied by lush string arrangements and subtle rhythmic elements typical of the era's Sanremo-inspired productions. A companion version was recorded solo by Emilio Pericoli the same year, in a similarly orchestral setting that highlighted harmonious phrasing and melodic flow. Both singles were issued in the standard 7-inch 45 RPM format and initially distributed exclusively within , reflecting the domestic focus of the post-Sanremo release strategy. Following the song's debut performance as a paired entry by Renis and Pericoli at the 1962 , these studio takes solidified its place in Italian pop repertoire.

Chart performance and reception

"Quando quando quando", performed by in collaboration with Emilio Pericoli, achieved major commercial success in following its presentation at the 1962 , where it placed fourth. The single topped the Italian charts upon release, reaching number one on March 3, 1962, for at least one week. It ranked fourth on the year-end Italian singles chart. Internationally, the original Italian version experienced modest chart success in , including peaking at number 4 on the Swedish singles chart. It also received airplay in other European markets, contributing to its early cross-border appeal amid the rising interest in Italian pop exports. Contemporary reception highlighted the song's infectious rhythm blended with Italian ballad elements, with music publications like noting its lively appeal in international talent spotlights during late 1962. Critics praised its catchy, repetitive chorus and melodic hooks as a fresh fusion that captured the era's emerging Latin influences in European music.

English-language adaptations

Lyrics translation

The English adaptation of "Quando Quando Quando" was penned by lyricist Ervin Drake in 1962, transforming the original Italian text into a bilingual structure that interweaves English verses with the retained Italian refrain "quando, quando, quando" to evoke the same sense of romantic urgency and impatience. Drake's version shifts the opening plea from the Italian "Dimmi quando tu verrai" (Tell me when you will come) to "Tell me when will you be mine," preserving the theme of longing for commitment while adapting the phrasing for natural English flow and melodic fit. Translating the song's repetitive "quando" structure presented linguistic hurdles, as direct English equivalents like "when, when, when" risked sounding monotonous or losing the exotic, rhythmic allure of the Italian original; Drake's solution of hybridizing the lyrics maintained the and essential to the song's lighthearted flirtation. This approach ensured the impatient lover's plea retained its playful essence, avoiding overly literal renditions that could disrupt the tune's infectious bounce. Beyond English, the song saw adaptations in other languages for international markets, such as Spanish versions that closely mirrored the structure with phrases like "Dime cuándo, cuándo, cuándo" (, when, when), directly substituting "cuándo" for "quando" to uphold the repetitive and flirtatious impatience without altering the bossa nova's breezy, seductive vibe. These translations, including minor variants in Portuguese-influenced markets, consistently prioritized rhythmic fidelity and emotional lightness to echo the original's romantic tease.

Pat Boone version

Pat Boone recorded an English adaptation of "Quando Quando Quando" under the title "Quando, Quando, Quando (Tell Me When)" for , releasing it as a single in May 1962 with "Willing and Eager" on the B-side. The recording, produced shortly after the original Italian version's 1962 debut, featured an arrangement in a /samba style backed by an orchestra conducted by Malcolm Lockyer. Boone's version employed English lyrics by , delivering the song with his characteristic smooth, wholesome vocal style that resonated with mainstream American pop listeners. Its promotion aligned with the rising popularity of Italian imports in the U.S. market. The track peaked at number 95 on the chart in , marking a modest but notable entry for Boone amid his established career in clean, accessible pop interpretations of international hits.

Notable cover versions

Pre-1980 covers

Following the original 1962 release by , "Quando quando quando" inspired a wave of international covers in the early 1960s, particularly in non-English languages that preserved the song's Italian essence while adapting it to local styles. In , recorded a vocal version in 1962, featuring her signature soft, intimate delivery over a light orchestral arrangement that emphasized the influences of the original. Similarly, Orlando released a French adaptation the same year, incorporating subtle elements for a chanson-like feel, while Pierre Lalonde's rendition added a youthful pop sensibility popular in . These versions contributed to the song's rapid spread across , often highlighting romantic longing through and string sections rather than the more upbeat rhythms of later interpretations. Instrumental covers proliferated in the , showcasing the melody's versatility for orchestral settings. Nino Impallomeni's 1962 recording, for instance, featured a swinging jazz-inflected with prominent leads, capturing the era's lounge aesthetic. Another notable example was Etienne Verchuren's accordion-driven instrumental from the same year, which infused a musette style suited to French halls, transforming the tune into an energetic waltz-like piece. These renditions, typically orchestral or big-band in nature, contrasted with vocal pop takes by stripping away lyrics to focus on the song's infectious hook, making it a staple in easy-listening compilations. In the late , English-language covers gained prominence among Western audiences, with Engelbert Humperdinck's 1968 version on standing out for its lush, romantic arrangement produced by . Backed by sweeping strings and a gentle , Humperdinck's interpretation received airplay in several European markets, where it resonated with the revival. also included the song on his 1966 album Kinda Latin, delivering a smooth, Latin-tinged vocal performance that blended grooves with rock undertones; he frequently performed it live during his tours, adapting it into medleys that showcased his versatile stage presence. By the 1970s, the song saw renewed interest in and beyond, with covers leaning toward pop-rock and formats. Raffaella Carrà's 1973 version incorporated upbeat percussion and brass for a lively, danceable vibe suitable for television performances, reflecting the era's shift toward more energetic arrangements. Gianni Morandi's 1978 recording maintained a straightforward pop style with acoustic elements, underscoring the tune's enduring appeal in its home country. Overall, pre-1980 covers varied from orchestral elegance to pop-infused energy, establishing "Quando quando quando" as a global standard adaptable across genres.

Post-1980 covers

In the late 1990s, "Quando Quando Quando" experienced a genre shift toward electronic and through remixes of Engelbert Humperdinck's 1968 version, including the 1998 "X-Tended Club Mix" and the 1999 remix, which adapted the song for club and house scenes. A prominent revival came in 2005 when recorded a with for his album It's Time, infusing the track with smooth jazz-pop vocals and contemporary production that highlighted its romantic roots. In 2009, Fergie featuring delivered a version blending pop and hip-hop elements for the soundtrack to the Nine, where contributed drum programming and the arrangement incorporated rhythmic beats alongside the original melody. The has seen diverse interpretations, including orchestral takes and indie covers, with the song gaining traction through on platforms like ; for instance, live performances by Matteo Bocelli from 2023 onward have showcased classical-crossover styles, while various amateur and indie viral videos from 2010 to 2024 have amassed significant views, often in acoustic or swing arrangements.

Legacy

The song "Quando Quando Quando" has been prominently featured in various films, enhancing scenes with its romantic rhythm. In the 2009 Nine, directed by , Fergie and will.i.am's cover version appears on the original motion picture soundtrack, accompanying a vibrant ensemble sequence that captures the film's Italian-inspired flair. Television appearances have further embedded the track in popular culture. The Engelbert Humperdinck version was used in season 3 of the series (2022), underscoring a nostalgic, time-travel narrative moment that draws on pop aesthetics. Additionally, a cover by Laura Jane is included in the soundtrack for the 2010 , playing during a lighthearted travel montage set in . In advertising, the song has been leveraged for its upbeat, evocative charm in commercials. ' rendition featured in a Michelob Ultra advertisement titled "Superior Beach," starring and , where it accompanies a humorous scenario to promote the beer's refreshing appeal. The track's influence extends to hip-hop and R&B productions through will.i.am's involvement. His production on Fergie and will.i.am's 2009 cover infuses the original with contemporary beats and vocal stylings, bridging classic pop with modern urban sounds while sampling elements of the melody for rhythmic emphasis. Overall, "Quando Quando Quando" continues to serve as a cultural touchstone for evoking in media through 2025, appearing in retro-themed series, films, and ads that highlight themes of , , and Italian glamour from that era.

Recent interpretations and influence

The song's bossa nova-infused style has contributed to revivals of the genre within contemporary , with Michael Bublé's 2005 duet version with credited for reintroducing its rhythmic appeal to modern audiences. In the late and , the track saw renewed live interpretations through high-profile performances, such as Engelbert Humperdinck's inclusion of it in his Las Vegas shows at The Orleans Showroom in August 2025 and November 2025. Humperdinck, whose 1968 cover remains a signature, continues to perform the song in residencies, maintaining its status as a live staple for romantic ballads. Additionally, post-2015 covers include Gisella Cozzo's bilingual English-Italian rendition from her 2015 album Double, marking a 10th release in 2025 that highlighted its cross-cultural adaptability. The song holds a prominent place in cultural legacy as a standard for receptions and lounge settings, often selected for its upbeat yet sentimental tone during hours or first dances. Italian planners frequently recommend it for aperitivo segments, evoking a festive, nostalgic atmosphere. In compilations, it appears alongside other classics for relaxed ambiance, underscoring its enduring role in sophisticated social events. Digital streaming has fueled a resurgence in the 2020s, with Humperdinck's version accumulating over 69 million plays on by late 2025 and Bublé's exceeding 82 million, collectively surpassing 150 million streams for major interpretations. This uptick reflects broader nostalgia-driven consumption on platforms, introducing the track to younger listeners through algorithmic playlists.

References

  1. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/46010
  2. https://musicbrainz.org/work/c7e769ca-ec88-391b-aa45-8ab42bf7d3c9
  3. https://eurovisionworld.com/national/italy/sanremo-1962/tony-renis-emilio-pericoli-quando-quando-quando
  4. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/pat-boone/quando-quando-quando-tell-me-when
  5. https://www.allmusic.com/song/quando-quando-quando-mt0005138514
  6. https://www.capitol.fm/world-radio-station/2024/07/14/engelbert-humperdincks-quando-quando-quando-a-timeless-hit-and-advertising-icon/
  7. https://marcomissinato.bandcamp.com/track/quando-quando-quando
  8. https://greatsong.charmingflowers.com.vn/pat-boon-quando-quando-quando
  9. https://billboard.it/english/essential-italian-songs-fifties-sixties/2023/06/27117622/
  10. https://www.scribd.com/document/835856657/Quando-Quando-Quando
  11. https://www.niaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Tony-Renis-Bio.pdf
  12. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/tony-renis-mn0000742994
  13. https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/martin-scorseses-music-an-a-to-z-guide-to-the-directors-soundtracks-20125/
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  18. https://www.discogs.com/master/1277448-Tony-Renis-With-The-Orchestra-Of-E-Favilla-Quando-Quando-Quando
  19. https://www.hitparadeitalia.it/hp_weeks/1962/hps19620224.html
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlVqz-Z66lc
  21. https://www.hitparadeitalia.it/hp_yends/hpe1962.htm
  22. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1962/Billboard%201962-12-22.pdf
  23. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/221142
  24. https://lyricstranslate.com/en/quando-quando-quando-cu%25C3%25A1ndo-cu%25C3%25A1ndo-cu%25C3%25A1ndo.html-0
  25. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Engelbert-Humperdinck/Quando-Quando-Quando/translation/spanish
  26. https://www.45cat.com/record/4516349
  27. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Disc/1962/DISC-1962-04-21.pdf
  28. https://www.secondhandsongs.com/work/221142
  29. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/46012/all
  30. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/46010/versions
  31. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/151147
  32. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/117272
  33. https://www.discogs.com/release/26978621-Cliff-Richard-Kinda-Latin
  34. https://www.allmusic.com/song/quando-quando-quando-mt0035478752
  35. https://music.apple.com/us/song/quando-quando-quando/1443148377
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpWKm95JC3Y
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4SSny5or_s
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0875034/soundtrack/
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0892318/soundtrack/
  40. https://www.umusicpub.com/us/FilmAndTv/2024/UMPG-syncs-for-Super-Bowl-2024.aspx
  41. https://www.whosampled.com/Fergie/Quando-Quando-Quando/
  42. https://music.funnyluffy.com/engelbert-humperdinck-quando-quando-quando
  43. https://orleans.boydgaming.com/entertain/entertainment-calendar/2025-november-engelbert-humperdinck
  44. https://www.eventticketscenter.com/engelbert-humperdinck-las-vegas-tickets/1185181/e
  45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTrm3pOLO6g
  46. https://www.italianweddingcircle.com/most-loved-italian-wedding-songs-to-play-at-your-wedding/
  47. https://amlive.com.au/formats/trio-bands/italian/
  48. https://music.stingray.com/en/SI/channels/MC0029/cocktail-lounge
  49. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/17XXKfRBMCWvLrqGoNkJXm_songs.html
  50. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/1GxkXlMwML1oSg5eLPiAz3_songs.html
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