Posthumously, a new version of Benny Mardones’ biggest hit, “Into the Night”, has been released. Mardones, who was from Syracuse, recorded a duet version “Into the Night” together with Julio Iglesias Jr. shortly before Mardones’ passing in 2020. Iglesias released the song last week. It reimagines the 1980s song with a mixture of swing and big band elements, as well as a touch of reggae soul.

Inspiration for “Into the Night”

According to a press release the song will feature on Iglesias’ upcoming album “Under the Covers”, due out February 7, 2023. Other tracks include “Careless Whisper”, “I’m Too Sexy”, and a Steve Wonder medley. There will also be covers of Marvin Gaye (“What’s going on”), Tears for Fears (“Everybody Wants to Rule the World”), Billy Joel (“Just the way you are”), and Ed Sheeran (“Shape Of You”). Iglesias, Jr., the 49 year-old son of Julio Iglesias, the legendary Spanish crooner, and older brother to Latin pop star Enrique Iglesias, believes “Into the Night” has a special meaning for him.

Initial Struggle in United States

“I moved to the U.S. when I was nine years of age from Spain. I didn’t speak any English at all, but I did listen to radio a lot, and it helped me learn English.” Julio Iglesias Jr. said that while driving to school, Julio Iglesias would always turn on the radio, and this song was always playing. It was always playing. It was so wonderful to be able revisit the song and share my memories with it. To sing this song alongside Benny Mardones is also very special.” Mardones, also known by the nickname “The Voice”, died in California in 2020. He had been suffering from Parkinson’s for nearly two decades. He was 73.

Ups and Downs in Syracuse

Mardones was a drug and alcohol addict for nine years. He quit performing after the 1981 album failed. He moved to Syracuse in 1985 to get clean after his son was born. He was able to kick his drug addiction and started performing with The Hurricanes in Central New York. They attracted large audiences of 15,000 at Long Branch Park, and 24,000 at Weedsport Speedway. He said that Syracuse was his first stop when he was addicted to drugs. It gave me my life back. They never gave up. My songs were played on radio stations.”

Other Remakes “Into the Night”

Mardones isn’t the only one to remake “Into the Night”. He has previously released a reissue in 1989, a acoustic version 2002, and a hip-hop remake in 2006. There were also dance remixes by Eric Kupper, Dirty Werk, and a 2019 orchestral version. It has been covered by a few artists, including Junior Tucker (a Jamaican reggae singer) and Usher on his 2010 single “Making Love(Into the Night).