In 1966, Dean Martin and Caterina Valente showcased their playful chemistry in a delightful performance of “One Note Samba.” The American baritone and the Italian-French singer shared the stage for a televised rendition of the bossa nova classic, kicking things off with charming comedic banter. Valente, known for her ability to sing in 11 languages, picked up an acoustic guitar and the two launched into a memorable duet.
Their performance featured a humorous vocal exchange that had the audience laughing, before Valente settled into a smooth bossa nova groove. Singing in Portuguese, her elegant and charming voice captivated viewers. Martin and Valente’s playful interaction and vocal antics made the performance thoroughly entertaining.
The combination of Valente’s exceptional musicianship and their undeniable chemistry made this segment a hit online, garnering 19.6 million views. Fans praised the performance in the comments, with one noting, “I am Brazilian and this video makes me feel proud of my country’s culture. Also, she is talented and her Portuguese is really good. Their chemistry gives me chills!” Another fan remarked, “This woman’s voice makes me melt – she could read the phone book and make it sound good.”
Recognizing their on-screen magic, Martin and Valente made several television appearances together. In another memorable segment, they performed a medley centered around Martin’s song “Rain,” originally recorded in 1950. The duo leaned into the romantic vibe of the song while adding their signature playful twist.
Valente later recorded her own version of “One Note Samba” for her 1968 album, *Caterina Valente Live*. The song, originally titled “Samba de uma Nota Só,” was composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim with Portuguese lyrics by Newton Mendonça. Jon Hendricks later wrote the English lyrics. The jazz standard was first recorded by João Gilberto for his 1960 album, *O Amor, o Sorriso e a Flor*. The song’s name refers to its melody, which repeats the same note over several measures. Over the years, it has been recorded by numerous jazz legends, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, and Duke Ellington.