How Italian Singers Have Influenced The Music Scene Worldwide

Over the centuries, Italians have held an important role and position within the music industry.

 This can be witnessed in the 18th century for example with the introduction of the world’s first typology of piano, then known as “fortepiano”, invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori. Without such a creation, would we still have the privilege today to listen to compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven or Amadeus Mozart?

 

The Italian influence continues with the use of Italian in opera, known also as Italian opera with Vincenzo Bellini, Giuseppe Verdi, Gioacchino Rossini, and Giacomo Puccini being the maximum exponents. One can immediately think of ‘Casta Diva’ and its interpretation performed by Maria Callas, or the famous “La Donna è Mobile” performed by the late Luciano Pavarotti.

Therefore, already by the 18th century Italians have been influencing the music scene and providing us with precious testimony of their presence by an early age.

 

By the 20th century, Italy has continued producing music artists that have achieved international achievements such as: Elisa, Antonello Venditti, Mango, Lucio Dalla, Eros Ramazzotti, Andrea Bocelli, Adriano Celentano, Luciano Pavarotti, Mina and many more.

 

For example, Andrea Bocelli collaborated with Canadian singer Celine Dion and relased “The Prayer”, originally divided into two distinct versions of the song where one version was sung by Bocelli in Italian and Dion sang the English version. Nonetheless, it won the Best Original Song category at the Golden Globe Awards and nominated as Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. Chart wise, the song reached #22.

 

Zucchero Fornaciari collaborated with Paul Young on the song “Senza Una Donna”, which in English means “Without A Woman”. Released in 1990, it features Italian artist Zucchero interpreting the song mostly in English, with the refrain of the song being in Italian. The single performed well in European charts, reaching top 10. It is also important to mention that Zucchero has also collaborated with influential rock and jazz artists such as Eric Clapton and Joe Cocker.

Another exemplary duo is Tiziano Ferro and Mary J. Blige with “Each Tear” with a rap piece written and performed by Ferro securing the number 1 spot in Italy.

 

It would be unfair to not recognise and mention the talents of Italians born outside of the country such as Frank Sinatra, his daughter Nancy Sinatra, Dean Martin (born Dino Paul Crocetti), Liza Minelli, Bruce Springsteen (Italian mother), Jon Bon Jovi (born John Francis Bongiovi), Sonny Bono (born Salvatore Phillip Bono), Michael Bublè, Lady Gaga (born Stefani Germanotta), Gwen Stefani, Frank Zappa, and many more.

 

Lastly, a special mention should go to the Italians that have made it their mission to embrace the DJ profession and make the world dance. Benny Benassi, originally from Emilia Romagna, is a world famous DJ that has released “Satisfaction”, peaking charts across the world, and has worked with David Bowie and Madonna. Another act that has taken the world by storm is the The Bloody Beetroots with singles “Romborama” and “WARP 1.9”, featuring Steve Aoki, the band has also collaborated with former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney. Last, but certainly not least, Giorgio Moroder has revolutionised the disco genre alone with megahit “I Feel Love” topping the charts globally with the help of the iconic Donna Summer.

Popnable /Popnable Media