49ers was an Italian house and Eurodance act that gained international recognition in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The group was led by producers and DJs Gianfranco Bortolotti, Luca Cittadini, Diego Leoni, and Pieradis Rossini, with vocalist Ann-Marie Smith providing the signature soulful voice behind their biggest hits. The name 49ers was inspired by the San Francisco 49ers American football team.
The group made a strong debut with the hit single “Touch Me” in 1989, which became a major success in Europe, the UK, and the US dance charts. It blended house beats with powerful vocals, earning the group a spot among the pioneers of early Eurodance. Following this, singles like “Don’t You Love Me” and “How Longer” continued their success, solidifying their presence in the dance music scene.
49ers’ self-titled album, released in 1990, featured a mix of house and Eurodance, reflecting the evolving club sound of the era. Their energetic beats and uplifting melodies made them a staple in nightclubs worldwide. Although the group’s mainstream success declined in the mid-1990s, 49ers remain an influential name in early European dance music history.