Joe Grech

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Joseph “Joe” Grech, (born 9 February 1934) is a Maltese singer, who was born in Cospicua, Malta.

He is best known for introducing Maltese language singing to an international audience, especially through his participation in Eurovision Song Contest 1971, the first appearance from Malta on this pan-European television event.

Early years

At a very early stage in his life, Joe started to play the trumpet with the Zejtun Band Club. However, he soon switched to singing.

He was the first singer to win the first Malta Song Festival in 1960, a festival which was organized by the Żgħażagħ Ħaddiema Nsara, the local section of the Young Christian Workers. The festival was held at the Radio City Opera House in Hamrun, Malta. Ten songs were presented in the semi final of 3 November and another ten songs on the semi-final of 4 November. Out of these twenty songs, ten made it to the final night of 5 November 1960. The winning song was Grech's own composition "Vola Uccellino".

The festival was also transmitted on Rediffusion Malta, then a cable radio service provider in Malta since September 1935. Victor Aquilina and Marlene Lauri were the comperes of this festival. Two orchestras conducted by Prof. Giorlando Valente and Mro. Dominic Vella respectively, accompanied the ten songs. Eight of these songs were sung in Italian, one in English and one in Maltese, the latter being "L-Għada tal-Festa Ma' Vitorin". This song was sung by Frans Fenech and Terry L. Bencini. Incidentally Terry was also awarded the Best Singer Trophy of this festival.

Again in 1962, Grech was classified as the winner of the Malta Song Festival with the song "Żgħażagħ Rebbieħa" written and composed by Ivo Galea B.A. Hons L.P. This was also interpreted by Carmen Schembri, later Gusman. Carmelo Abela was responsible for the orchestration.

Grech married Josephine née' Buttigieg on 24 September 1961. They have a daughter Marcelle, also a versatile singer.

In 1965, the "Impresa Valente" chose Grech to represent Malta in the Italian Festival of Martina Franca. Another Maltese singer, Tony Agius, also participated in this festival. In those days, it was very rare for a Maltese singer to participate in an Italian festival, let alone win a trophy as the Best Foreign Singer of this Italian festival. The then Italian High Commissioner of Italy for Malta, Antonio Spada, presented a trophy to Joe Grech

In 1967, Joe managed to establish himself as one of Malta's most popular pop singers. His 45 rpm entitled " Il-Kaċċatur", The Hunter, published on Maltadisk APL 1005 B, and recorded by Audiovision Productions, with their studios then located in Zachary Street, Valletta, and now at Mile End in Hamrun, started selling like pastizzi in Malta. It also made a tremendous success in countries where the Maltese had a diaspora, especially Australia. "Il-Kaċċatur" was composed by Mro. Joseph Ciappara with lyrics by Dr. George Zammit. Incidentally "Il-Kaċċatur" was designated as the "B" side of the record, with Carmen Schembri singing "L-Għanja tal-Emigranti", The Emigrants' Song, being the "A" side. This success prompted Audiovision Productions to issue another follow-up record for Joe still as a "B" side entitled "Il-Festa Tagħna", (Our Feast). This was another composition by Mro. Joseph Ciappara with lyrics by J.B.Cassar.(Maltadisk APL 1006). Joe's first "A" side was entitled "Ku Klu Ku Klu" (Cock-a doodle-doo) with lyrics by Albert M. Cassola and music by F.X. Pisani.(Maltadisk APL 1007). In 1968, two other "A" sides were published: "Il-Lejl Tal-Vitorja" (Victory Night) (Maltadisk APL 1015) and "Nhar San Girgor" (St. Gregory's Day) (Maltadisk APL 1016). The lyrics of these two songs were written by Dr. George Zammit whilst Mro. Guzeppi Ciappara composed the music. In those days, in Malta, it was a landmark for a Maltese singer to record four consecutive 45 rpm in less than two years. These records continued to increase the popularity of Grech both in Malta and in the Maltese diaspora. In these four recordings, Grech was always accompanied by the orchestra of Mro. Spiro Zammit.

Again in 1967, Rediffusion Malta, published the first 33 RPM long playing album of Maltese compositions, entitled "Malta Song Festival 1967". Joe Grech, together with Mary Rose Darmanin, won this festival with the song "Serenata". Roger Moore was the guest of honour in the 8th Malta Song Festival, which was also held at the Radio City Opera House in Hamrun on Saturday 8 December 1967. In this same festival, Grech also sang "O Carina Madalena". The song was composed by Arthur Desira. It is included as the 2nd track on Side 1 of this album. Joe Grima and Victor Aquilina, then Head of Programmes and Assistant Head of Programmes respectively of Rediffusion Malta, were the producers of this first 33 rpm of Maltese songs.

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