The Phoenix Love Theme (Senza Fine)

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.

Brass Ring

In the June 4, 1966 edition of Billboard magazine, the album (Dunhill 50008) was listed among the “Breakout Albums:”

BB 6-4-66

Album Cover

Album Label

In alphabetical order, here are the other versions of the song known to have been released.

Frank Chacksfield (London 9803)

F. Chacksfielf

Mitch Miller and the Gang (Decca 31934)

Phoenix Love Theme.Mitch Miller

Anna Moffo (RCA Victor 47-8728)

Anna Moffo

Pancho Purcell and his Bambuco Players (Columbia 4-43708)

Scanned Photos 00000

The Serendipity Singers (Philips 40356)

NEW

Flight of the Phoenix.Serendipity

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)

Trombones Unlimited

Ornella Vanoni (Monument 45-917)

Ornella Vanoni

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:

Ornella Vanoni - back of italian sleeve

Billboard magazine January 22, 1966) predicted that her single would reach the Hot 100 charts, but it failed to do so:

BB 1-22-66