Italy’s iconic singer Ornella Vanoni, whose illustrious career spanned six decades, passed away on Friday at the age of 91, Italian media reported. She died at her home in Milan following a cardiac arrest, according to Corriere della Sera and the Agi news agency.
Vanoni was a defining voice of “musica leggera”, Italy’s popular music tradition from the 1960s onward. Known for her striking red curls and versatile voice—ranging from a smoky alto to clear, penetrating highs—she sold over 50 million records and collaborated with renowned artists such as George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Franco Califano, and Gino Paoli, the latter being both a long-term artistic partner and romantic companion.
Her greatest commercial successes came in the late 1960s and 1970s with timeless hits including “La Musica è Finita” (“The Music is Over”), “Eternità” (“Eternity”), “L’Appuntamento” (“The Date”), and “Una Ragione di Più” (“One More Reason”).
Born on September 22, 1934, in Milan, Vanoni began her career on stage before transitioning to singing songs reflecting the Milanese underworld under the mentorship of theatre director and lover Giorgio Strehler.
In 1964, she won the Festival di Napoli and went on to participate eight times at the Sanremo Festival, achieving second place in 1968 with “Casa Bianca” (“White House”). In 1999, she became the first Sanremo artist to receive a career achievement award.
Italy’s Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, paid tribute to Vanoni, calling her “one of our most original and refined artists.” He added:
“Thanks to her unique voice and unparalleled talent as a performer, she has left an indelible mark on Italian song, theatre, and entertainment.”
In later years, the outspoken Vanoni remained in the public eye, often sharing candid stories of her personal life in gossip magazines. She continued to record and perform, with her final studio album, “Unica” (“Unparalleled”), released in 2021.
Vanoni’s passing marks the end of an era for Italian music, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.
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