Ornella Vanoni, the celebrated Italian singer whose timeless voice captivated audiences worldwide, has died at the age of 91. Known for her emotional depth and versatility, Vanoni’s career spanned over seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. Her passing was confirmed by Italian media outlets, including Corriere della Sera and AGI, citing cardiac arrest as the cause of death at her Milan home. Vanoni’s journey to stardom began in the 1950s when she overcame crippling stage fright to perform at Milan’s Piccolo Teatro, a moment she later described as her true ‘birth date.’ Her breakthrough came in the 1960s through televised song festivals, and she went on to sell over 55 million records and release approximately 40 studio albums. Among her most iconic works is ‘L’appuntamento’ (1970), which gained global recognition after featuring in the soundtrack of Steven Soderbergh’s 2004 film ‘Ocean’s Twelve.’ Vanoni’s music explored themes of love, loss, and social issues, earning her the nickname ‘Cantante della mala’ (underworld singer) for her early folk songs about Milan’s criminal underworld. Beyond music, she was a muse for fashion icons like Giorgio Armani and Valentino and maintained a vibrant public presence through talk shows and collaborations with younger artists. In her memoir, Vanoni reflected on her multifaceted personality, describing herself as ‘desperate and happy, alone and celebrated, furious and delicate.’ Her legacy as a trailblazer in Italian music and a symbol of emotional authenticity will endure for generations.
Ornella Vanoni, Italian singer made world-famous by ‘Ocean’s Twelve’, dies at 91
