Italy is mourning the loss of one of its most famous singers. Ornella Vanoni, known for her strong voice and long music career, has died at the age of 91. Reports say she passed away at her home in Milan after a cardiac arrest.
Vanoni was born in Milan in 1934 and came from a well-known family. She first studied acting at the Piccolo Teatro under respected director Giorgio Strehler.
Her work in theatre helped her enter the world of music, and by the early 1960s she was gaining attention through music festivals on Italian television.
During her career, which lasted more than 70 years, Vanoni recorded around 40 albums and sold over 55 million records. Her songs often explored love, heartbreak, and social issues, including life in poor neighborhoods and crime. Many Italians loved her for the emotion she brought to every performance.
Her song “L’appuntamento” became famous around the world after it was featured in the Hollywood movie Ocean’s Twelve in 2004. The film helped introduce her music to new listeners outside Italy. Early in her career, she was also called the “singer of the underworld” because she performed songs about Milan’s rougher areas.
Vanoni was known not only for her voice, but also for her elegant and independent personality. She continued to appear on television and remained active in public life well into her older years. She had close friendships with major fashion designers, including Gianni Versace and Giorgio Armani, who admired her style.
Before her death, Vanoni had spoken about her funeral wishes. She said she preferred to be cremated and wanted her ashes scattered at sea, possibly in Venice. She also said she hoped to be dressed in a Dior gown for the ceremony.
Ornella Vanoni leaves behind a long legacy in Italian music. Her songs, her unique voice, and her influence on generations of artists will continue to be remembered.
