Which artist won Record of the Year at the 1959 Grammys for “Nel blu, dipinto di blu”?

Domenico Modugno won Record of the Year at the 1959 Grammys for “Nel blu, dipinto di blu.”

Modugno co-wrote and performed the song, which became famous worldwide under the informal title “Volare.” The recording was a major international hit and represented Italy at the 1958 Eurovision Song Contest.

The first Grammy Awards recognized achievements in several fields, including pop, classical, jazz, and country music. Modugno’s victory was especially notable because it brought an Italian-language recording the ceremony’s top recording honor.

Record of the Year is awarded to the artist and production team responsible for a recording. It is different from Song of the Year, which goes to the songwriters. Modugno’s song won both categories at the inaugural ceremony.