Celso Valli, Legendary Italian Music Maestro, Dies at 75
A force behind hits for Vasco Rossi, Eros Ramazzotti, and Laura Pausini
The Italian music industry mourns the loss of Celso Valli, a celebrated composer, arranger, and producer who passed away at the age of 75. His extensive career shaped the sound of numerous iconic Italian artists.
A Prolific Career in Sound
Born in Bologna on May 14, 1950, Valli displayed musical talent from a young age, entering the Giovanni Battista Martini Conservatory of Bologna at fifteen. His early career spanned jazz, progressive rock, and Italian disco before he transitioned into his influential roles as an arranger and producer.
During the late 1970s, Valli collaborated with prominent artists including Drupi, Bruno Tavernese, Gianni Bella, and Mango. He also produced Let’s Start Again, a hit that revitalized Adriano Pappalardo‘s career, and worked with legendary singer Mina on the track Also a Man.
Collaborations with Music Titans
The 1980s saw a significant surge in Valli‘s career, marked by his work with Gianni Morandi, Marcella Bella, Raf, Matia Bazar, Fabio Concato, Fiorella Mannoia, Mogol Battisti, Ivan Graziani, and Miguel Bosé. This era also included international projects in the United States and England.
It was during this period that Valli began a prolific, years-long partnership with Eros Ramazzotti, following the singer’s 1984 Sanremo Festival victory with Promised Land. Together, they crafted hits such as Now You, An Important Story, Music Is, If a Song Was Enough, Things of Life, More Beautiful Thing, and An Emotion Forever.
Celso, mi mancherai Maestro.
Un abbraccio fortissimo alla famiglia.
Eros 🙏
#CelsoValli pic.twitter.com/9w2XzXmYmG
— Eros Ramazzotti (@erosramazzotti) October 13, 2021
Eros Ramazzotti took to social media to express his grief, stating, Celso, I will miss you, Maestro.
A Lasting Impact on Italian Pop Music
The late 1980s brought another significant collaboration for Valli with Vasco Rossi. He produced key tracks such as Look Where You Go, Speechless, Sally, and The Sea, solidifying a lasting creative partnership.
Valli‘s diverse portfolio extended to include work with Laura Pausini, Renato Zero, Adriano Celentano, Jovanotti, Biagio Antonacci, and Alessandra Amoroso. His contributions earned him multiple gold and platinum records, as well as a Latin Grammy Award for Laura Pausini‘s album Early Spring.
Sanremo Festival Presence
Valli was a consistent presence at the Sanremo Music Festival for decades, often directing the orchestra and contributing to numerous victories. His final appearance at the festival was in 2023, joining Lazza and Eros Ramazzotti for a tribute medley of Ramazzotti‘s hits.
In 2022, Italian music industry revenues reached approximately €2.2 billion, highlighting the enduring economic and cultural significance of the artists and producers like Valli who have shaped the landscape (Italian Chamber of Commerce, 2024).
