Ornella Vanoni, ‘The Lady of Italian Song,’ Dies at 91
Milan, Italy – ornella Vanoni, a celebrated Italian singer whose career spanned over seven decades and earned her the title “the Lady of Italian Song,” has died. She was 91 years old.
Vanoni passed away from cardiac arrest at her home in Milan, according to Italian newspaper La Stampa.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia meloni expressed her deep sorrow, stating on X Saturday, ”Italy loses a unique artist who leaves us with an unrepeatable artistic heritage.”
Born in Milan in 1937, Vanoni initially pursued a career in theater, performing on Broadway in 1964. She soon transitioned to music, developing a “highly personal and refined performing style” that allowed her to collaborate with prominent songwriters both in Italy and internationally.
Vanoni recorded more than 100 albums, selling over 55 million copies. She rose to international prominence in 1961 with “Senza Fine” (Without End),a hit co-written with and performed alongside Gino Paoli,with whom she also shared a romantic relationship.
Throughout her career, Vanoni collaborated with artists including Gil Evans, Herbie Hancock, and George Benson. She participated eight times in the Sanremo Music Festival,achieving second place in 1968 with “Casa Bianca.”
Vanoni was also a recognized songwriter,twice winning the prestigious Tenco Award - the only Italian singer to receive the award for songwriting and the only woman to win it twice.
In her later years, Vanoni became a popular television guest known for her candidness and storytelling, described by ANSA news agency as possessing “complete indifference to political correctness.”
