The actual soundtrack from The Flight of the Phoenix was discussed in a previous blog entry. This time we’ll be looking at the single versions of The Phoenix Love Theme (Senza Fine) released in 1966 and carrying the statement – “From the film ‘The Flight of the Phoenix’.”
We’ll begin with the hit version of the song released by the Brass Ring. The Brass Ring was a studio band headed by Phil Bodner (producer, arranger, and saxophonist). Both the single and the album featuring the song charted. The single (Dunhill 4023) entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart on March 12, 1966. It remained on the chart for nine weeks, rising to the #36 spot.
In the June 4, 1966 edition of Billboard magazine, the album (Dunhill 50008) was listed among the “Breakout Albums:”
In alphabetical order, here are the other versions of the song known to have been released.
Frank Chacksfield (London 9803)
Mitch Miller and the Gang (Decca 31934)
Anna Moffo (RCA Victor 47-8728)
Pancho Purcell and his Bambuco Players (Columbia 4-43708)
The Serendipity Singers (Philips 40356)
The members of the Serendipity Singers changed quite often, but at this point in time were most likely: Bryan Sennett, Mike Brovsky, Bob Young, Jon Arbenz, Jo Ann Carney, Gamble Rogers, J.B. Perry, Tony Perry and Lena Shaw.
Trombones Unlimited (Liberty 55874)
Ornella Vanoni (Monument 45-917)
The B-side of the single features Vanoni’s original Italian version of The Phoenix Love Theme. Her recording was also issued in Italy with the picture sleeve. On the backside of that sleeve was a photo of some of the cast of the film, including Stewart:
Billboard magazine January 22, 1966) predicted that her single would reach the Hot 100 charts, but it failed to do so:
