"April in Portugal" is a popularsong, also named "The Whisp'ring Serenade." The music was written by Raul Ferrão with Portuguese lyrics by José Galhardo as a fado named "Coimbra", about the city of that namein1947. English lyrics written by Jimmy Kennedy were set to the music, though many of the most popular versions of the song were instrumentals. It is one of the signature songs of Portuguese singer and fadistaAmália Rodrigues. It was also recorded in French by the tenor Luís Piçarra.
The Richard Hayman recording was released by Mercury Records as catalog number 70114. It first reached the Billboard magazine charts on April 25, 1953, and lasted 11 weeks on the chart, peaking at #12.[2]
The Freddy Martin recording was released by RCA Victor as catalog number 20-5052. It first reached the Billboard magazine charts on May 9, 1953, and lasted 3 weeks on the chart, peaking at #15.[2]
The Vic Damone recording was released by Mercury Records as catalog number 70128. It first reached the Billboard magazine charts on May 30, 1953, and lasted 3 weeks on the chart, peaking at #16.[2]
OnCash Box magazine's chart, where all versions were combined, the song reached a peak position of #2.
Mantovani and his Orchestra, recorded on October 14, 1959, on the album Continental Encores for Decca, SKL 4044.
Bing Crosby with Malcolm Lockyer & His Orchestra, recorded on May 8, 1961, for the "Holiday in Europe" album - produced by Project Records and leased to US Decca.
Don Costa, released in 1961 on the album The Sound Of The Million Sellers, United Artists WWS 8513.
