Hull's Musical Heritage - David Whitfield Version 2 - David Whitfield | Page 8

1954, saw David increase
his profile in the UK, with
further appearances in
Variety Theatre, this saw
him fly to Belfast to appear
in the Songwriters Guild
Concert, performing with
the orchestra and company
of London’s Victoria Palace
Theatre.
The year would also see
David record his most
successful track in terms
of sales, and the track
that would become his
trademark signature tune,
Cara Mia.

Cara Mia, released on Decca Records in July
1954, and sold 2.5 million copies.

In addition to vinyl sales, Cara Mia was also
available to buy in sheet music form.

It was first performed
on 26 June 1954, in
Blackpool, and at each of
the performances, it was
received with acclaim and a
standing ovation. It was put
on general sale by Decca on
1 July.
Cara Mia, reached Number
1 by the middle of July, and
sold 300,000 copies by the
end of July. It stayed at
Number 1 position for 10
consecutive weeks, the first
track to ever achieve this,
and it is a feat that has only
been equalled or bettered
on 5 other occasions since
the UK singles chart started
in 1952.