Musician. A guitarist, he was a much in demand sessions musician and recorded or contributed to some fifty albums during a six decade career. He will perhaps be remembered for his cover recording of the Elmer Bernstein theme for the film "The Magnificent Seven" (1960) and for the theme for the TV series "Bonanza" (1961). Born Alexander Emil Caiola, his father was a barber, Al enlisted with the United States Marines during World War II and prior to being a participant in the Iwo Jima Invasion, he acquired experience in The Bob Crosby Band. After the war, he was hired for a spot in the CBS orchestra. With his own orchestra, he recorded the albums "Deep in a Dream" and "Serenade in Blue", both in 1955. He followed this with what became an endless list of contributions to such artists hits as Johnny Mathis "Chances Are" (1957), Bobby Darin "Mack the Knife" (1958), Paul Anka "Diana" (1960) and Dion "Abraham, Martin and John" (1968). Caiola's cover of "The Magnificent Seven" reached thirty-five on the American Billboard Charts in 1961 and his version of "Bonanza" achieved a number nineteen placing also in 1961.
Musician. A guitarist, he was a much in demand sessions musician and recorded or contributed to some fifty albums during a six decade career. He will perhaps be remembered for his cover recording of the Elmer Bernstein theme for the film "The Magnificent Seven" (1960) and for the theme for the TV series "Bonanza" (1961). Born Alexander Emil Caiola, his father was a barber, Al enlisted with the United States Marines during World War II and prior to being a participant in the Iwo Jima Invasion, he acquired experience in The Bob Crosby Band. After the war, he was hired for a spot in the CBS orchestra. With his own orchestra, he recorded the albums "Deep in a Dream" and "Serenade in Blue", both in 1955. He followed this with what became an endless list of contributions to such artists hits as Johnny Mathis "Chances Are" (1957), Bobby Darin "Mack the Knife" (1958), Paul Anka "Diana" (1960) and Dion "Abraham, Martin and John" (1968). Caiola's cover of "The Magnificent Seven" reached thirty-five on the American Billboard Charts in 1961 and his version of "Bonanza" achieved a number nineteen placing also in 1961.
Bio by: C.S.
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