Ornella Vanoni, ‘Mob Singer’ and Italian Music Icon, Dies at 91
Milan – Ornella Vanoni, a celebrated Italian singer and actress whose career spanned seven decades, has died at the age of 91. Known for her distinctive voice,elegant stage presence,and candid personal life,Vanoni passed away on November 25,2023,leaving behind a rich musical legacy and a lasting impact on Italian popular culture.
Vanoni rose to prominence in the 1960s, initially gaining the moniker “mob singer” for her early songs depicting the criminal underworld of Milan. She later broadened her repertoire to encompass jazz, bossa nova, and pop, achieving hits with songs like Endless and What is it, both penned by her longtime love, Gino Pauli. Throughout her career, she was a frequent participant in prestigious Italian music competitions, including winning the Festival di Napoli in 1964 and appearing multiple times in the San Remo Eurovision Song Contest.
Born in Milan, Vanoni received her artistic training in both the United Kingdom and France, culminating in studies at the College of Drama arts in Milan. She began her career as a theater actress while simultaneously pursuing her passion for singing. Beyond music, Vanoni continued to act, performing on stage and appearing in films during the 1960s and 70s, including Dangerous Loves.
Described by Corriere della Sera as “a refined icon, with an unmistakable voice and an elegant, sensual way of singing,” Vanoni was also known for her openness about her personal life, frequently discussing her relationships in Italian magazines. She had a notable affair with married theater director Giorgio Strehler during her early career, and later married businessman Lucio Ardenzi, with whom she had a son, Cristiano. The marriage ultimately ended, reportedly due to her enduring feelings for Pauli, with whom she later reunited musically in 1985 for a collaborative album and tour.
In her final years, Vanoni maintained her characteristic wit, reportedly joking to Corriere della Sera about her funeral arrangements: “I already have the dress, it is from the Dior brand. The coffin has to be cheap because I want it to be burned,” and expressing a desire to have her ashes scattered in the sea, preferably in Venice.