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Who Is Andrea Bocelli?
Andrea Bocelli is a renowned Italian tenor, known for his unique blend of classical and pop music. He developed a passion for music early in life, learning to play the piano, flute, and saxophone. Despite being visually impaired from birth, Bocelli lost his sight completely at the age of 12 due to a soccer injury. His career took off after a demo tape caught the attention of legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti. Bocelli’s debut album, Bocelli (1995), achieved significant commercial success in Europe, and his 1999 album, Sogno, solidified his status as an international star. Today, he remains one of the most popular and influential singers worldwide.
Early Years
Born on September 22, 1958, in Lajatico, Italy, Andrea Bocelli’s musical journey began at the tender age of six when he started studying the piano. His early exposure to music also included learning the flute and saxophone, and he often showcased his vocal talents at family gatherings and school events. Despite his visual challenges, Bocelli participated in a singing competition in 1970, marking his first taste of success. He honed his vocal skills under the guidance of Luciano Bettarini. Although Bocelli’s parents encouraged him to pursue a legal career, he studied law at the University of Pisa and became a court-appointed lawyer. Throughout this time, he continued to develop his musical abilities by studying with Franco Corelli and performing in bars to fund his lessons.
Famed Italian Tenor
Bocelli’s big break came in 1992 when he recorded a demo of “Miserere,” a song co-written by U2’s Bono, for Zucchero Fornaciari. Luciano Pavarotti, for whom the song was originally written, heard the recording and urged Fornaciari to feature Bocelli. Their subsequent performance of “Miserere” became a massive hit in Europe.
In 1994, Bocelli competed in the prestigious Sanremo Festival and won the top honors in the newcomers’ category. That same year, he released his debut album in Italy, Il Mare Calmo Della Sera. He achieved further success with the release of Bocelli in 1995, which included the iconic song “Con te Partiro.” This track later gained international acclaim as a duet with Sarah Brightman, titled “Time to Say Goodbye,” featured on his 1997 album Romanza.
Bocelli’s album Sogno (1999) solidified his position as a global musical sensation, showcasing his duet with Celine Dion on “The Prayer.” His subsequent albums, such as Cieli di Toscana (2001) and Amore (2006), received critical acclaim and commercial success. He earned Grammy nominations in 1999 for Best New Artist and in 2000 for both Sogno (Best Male Pop Vocal Performance) and “The Prayer” (Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals).
Albums and Collaborations
Throughout his career, Bocelli has released a remarkable number of studio and live albums, including Viaggio Italiano (1995), Aria: The Opera Album (1998), Sacred Arias (1999), Verdi (2000), Sentimento (2002), Andrea (2004), My Christmas (2009), and Concerto: One Night in Central Park (2011).
In 2013, he collaborated with Jennifer Lopez and Nelly Furtado on his album Passione and joined forces with Placido Domingo and Ana Maria Martinez for the 2014 opera Manon Lescaut.
Bocelli’s 2015 release, Cinema, is a collection of beloved movie songs, featuring renditions of classics like “Maria” from West Side Story and “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Notable collaborations include duets with Ariana Grande and Nicole Scherzinger. During the same year, he had the honor of singing “The Lord’s Prayer” before Pope Francis in Philadelphia, reflecting on the experience as a profound moment of prayer and devotion.
Bocelli continued his collaborations, recording “Perfect Symphony” with Ed Sheeran in late 2017, and performing at the royal wedding of Princess Eugenie. His performance during a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping further showcased his global influence.
On Easter Sunday 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Bocelli held a live-streamed concert titled Andrea Bocelli: Music for Hope from the Duomo cathedral of Milan, performing traditional favorites to uplift audiences around the world.
Personal Life
Bocelli married his first wife, Enrica, in 1992, with whom he had two sons, Amos and Matteo, before their separation in 2002. That same year, he met Veronica Berti, who would later become his manager. The couple welcomed a daughter, Virginia, in 2012 and married in March 2014 in Livorno, Italy. Together, they continue to inspire audiences with Bocelli’s music and philanthropic efforts.