Gino Paoli can be considered one of the "classic" Italian performers of our time. He was born in 1934 (Monfalcone, Italy). He is both the author and performer of his songs. Paoli is 86 years old and still has a clear, lively mind and physical activity.
Young years, the beginning of the musical career of Gino Paoli
The hometown of Gino Paoli is located in the northeast of Italy, not far from Trieste. Even at a young age, the future artist moves to Genoa.
The first, amateur recordings were created by Paoli together with the friends of his youth - Luigi Tenco and Bruno Lausi. Then, the musician signed a contract with the recording studio Ricordi. The first major success was the track "La Gatta" (1961). The single turned out to be so successful and characteristically "Italian" that it began to be used in foreign language classes in middle and high schools in American schools.
Probably, this first, productive experience determined the direction of Gino's further creativity. The performer chose for himself the pop genre in Italian music.
Further creative development of Gino Paoli, the most famous works
Gino Paoli is not only a performer of his own songs, but also a lyricist for other famous artists. Example: "Il cielo in una stanza" (1959). The work was created for Mina Mazzini, a well-known performer in Italy and a TV presenter. The single took first place in the annual national song rankings. Later he entered the top 100 according to the Billboard Hot 100 (a US magazine that publishes a weekly music hit parade).
Paoli's first full length album bore the author's name and was released on Dischi Ricordi. The debut took place in October 1961.
An interesting fact: one of the most famous songs of Enio Marikone is the work of Paoli. The track is called "Il cielo in una stanza" and was born in 1963. Shortly before Marikone's suicide attempt.
Other famous creations of Gino Paoli include his studio album "I semafori rossi non sono Dio" (1974, the playlist here was small). In 1977, no less popular, full-length "Il mio mestiere" was released.
A characteristic feature of the author's work in the period of the 70s is the "maturity", "completeness" of the tracks. Compared to the Paoli singles of the 60s, these works were distinguished by more "adult" inspiration.
In the next 10 years, the artist releases 7 more collections of his songs. 1985 was the year of the big Italian tour of Gino Paoli and Ornella Vanoni (one of the most famous Italian pop singers).
Personal life and experience in politics Gino Paoli
In the period of the 60s - 80s of the last century, left-wing parties enjoyed considerable popularity in a number of European countries. Gino Paoli was a supporter of Eurocommunism and a member of the Italian Communist Party. In 1987 he was elected to the country's parliament (chamber of deputies). In 1991, the party split (into the "Democratic Party of the Left" and the more radical "Communist Revival"). Paoli does not support either side and retires from politics, despite his active age (57 in total). He returns to the stage, devotes his free time to his family.
The performer is in a long-term relationship with the famous actress of the Italian comedy genre - Stephanie Sandrelli (not officially married). The common child - Amanda Sandrelli, also starred in several films.
Gino Paoli has been under investigation for several years on allegations of tax evasion and money laundering. The police came to search his house. The essence of the accusations was to conceal from the tax authorities the fact of transferring two million euros abroad. Currently, the case is closed due to the expiration of the attraction period.
Gino Paoli's film career
The artist starred or participated in the creation of 10 films by Italian authors, from 1962 to 2008. The debut film "Crazy Desire", directed by Luciano Salce (genre - comedy, with a fairly meaningful plot). The following year, the film "Urlo contro melodia nel Cantagiro" (from Arturo Gemmiti) is released. The last premiere took place in 2008: "Adius, Piero Ciampi and others history" directed by Etsio Alovizi.
Quite famous is the film "American Bride" in 1986. The film score was composed by Gino Paoli and Romano Al'bani.
Our days
The artist did not leave show business, despite his advanced age. His texts are still popular with performers on the Italian stage. In 2013, a joint compilation by Gino Paoli and Danilo Reo was released: "Napoli con amore" on Parco della Musica Records. Four years later (2017), Gino's personal works are created, the albums "Cosa farò da grande" and "Amori Dispari" (published by "Sony BMG Music Entertainment").
Conclusion
Italy is rich in talented singers with a good voice and music/songwriters. Gino Paoli can rightly be considered one of the key figures in the development of pop music in this country. Light motifs, meaningful text are the hallmarks of the pop direction, well known all over the world. The genre was formed precisely under the influence of such luminaries as Paoli.
