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Andrea Bocelli Biography
Review The Artist (22)
Source: http://andreabocelli.com
THE EARLY YEARS
Born on September 22nd, 1958, Andrea grew up on the family farm in Lajatico, a close knit farming community set among the vineyards and olive groves of rural Tuscany. The farm includes a small vineyard, from which Andrea's father, Sandro, still produces a small quantity of "Chianti Bocelli." Displaying rare musical gifts from an early age, Andrea's parents nurtured and encouraged his talents with formal piano lessons from the age of six, later learning to play both flute and saxophone. Andrea's love of opera was also apparent from an early age, and he feels he was destined to sing. "I was one of those children who would always be asked to sing for my relatives. I don't think one really decides to be a singer - other people decide it for you by their reactions".
After school, Andrea studied law at the University of Pisa, and these years are fondly recalled as a highly enjoyable period in his life. Graduating as a Doctor of Law, Andrea spent a year acting as a court-appointed lawyer, before embarking on a make-or-break attempt at singing. He approached the legendary tenor, Franco Corelli, famous for working with some of the greatest voices in the world, who readily agreed to take Andrea as his pupil. To pay the fees Andrea performed at night in piano bars and clubs, and at one of these venues he met Enrica, his future wife. The couple have now been married for eight years, with two sons, Amos and Matteo.
THE DISCOVERY
In 1992 a chain of events accelerated Andrea from piano bar performer to international superstardom: Italian rock legend Zucchero held auditions for tenors to make a demo tape of the duet 'Miserere', the track co-written with U2's Bono, in attempt to persuade Luciano Pavarotti to record the song. Zucchero recalled: "Andrea was just unbelievable! He had something not one of the other tenors possessed. He had soul." When Pavarotti received the demo, he was extremely impressed with Andrea's voice, "Zucchero! Who is this guy?" Pavarotti demanded. "Thank you for writing such a wonderful song. Yet you do not need me to sing it - let Andrea sing 'Miserere' with you, for there is no one finer." Zucchero convinced Pavorotti to record 'Miserere' with him, and the duo scored a Europe-wide smash hit. When Zucchero embarked on his European tour, with the public crying out to hear the hit live, he invited Bocelli to perform the duet in place of Pavarotti. Bocelli was received tremendously, and a solo spot was incorporated into the concerts.
Pavarotti later arranged to meet with Andrea, and a friendship was formed. Andrea's fame and popularity increased with a high profile performance at Pavarotti's annual charity gala concert, which brings together the worlds of classical and popular music, and this saw Andrea performing not only with his host, but with stars of popular music including Bryan Adams. A 1995 pan-Europe tour, "Night Of The Proms" featuring Bocelli, Bryan Ferry, Al Jarreau and others, saw Andrea performing to a live audience totalling 500,000 with televised audiences numbering tens of millions.
SUGAR MUSIC AND THE SANREMO FESTIVAL
Andrea's recording career begun in earnest when in 1993 he signed to Inseieme/Sugar, the Milan-based music group founded in the 1930's who represent scores of famous Italian artists. Caterina Caselli, Sugar's President, heard Andrea sing 'Miserere' and 'Nessun Dorma' at Zucchero's birthday party and a deal was made immediately. In November 1993, Andrea entered the preliminary round of the prestigious Italian Sanremo Music Festival performing both parts of the duet 'Miserere.' Andrea won the preliminary competition with the highest marks ever recorded in the "New Entrants" category. In spring of 1994, Andrea entered the main competition with 'II Mare Calmo Della Sera,' and the victory was again awarded with a record score. His debut album was released and immediately entered the Italian Top Ten and went platinum in a matter of weeks.
As winner of the 1994 Sanremo Festival Andrea was invited, as in the tradition, to return the following year. Andrea entered with 'Con Te Partirò' taken from his second album "Bocelli" produced by another of Italy's leading record producers, Mauro Malavasi. The album went on to achieve double platinum sales in Italy.
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CHART SUCCESS WITH SINGLE AND ALBUM RELEASES
Bocelli's worldwide success has been phenomenal, scoring #1 singles and albums. The singles 'Con Te Partirò' and 'Time To Say Goodbye' have smashed sales records in several countries, while Andrea's albums have amassed sales awards across Europe. Bocelli's original solo version of the singe 'Con Te Partirò', featured on the album "Bocelli" was a massive hit; in France the single topped the charts for 6 weeks, earning a triple Gold sales award; in Belgium the single became the biggest hit of all time, spending 12 weeks at #1. The album "Bocelli" has been awarded Platinum status is all territories of releases, including sextuple platinum in Belgium, quadruple platinum in Germany (selling nearly two million copies), quadruple platinum in Holland and double platinum in Italy. In November 1996, Andrea and Sarah Brightman were invited to perform the duet 'Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partirò)' at the farewell contest of the German World Light-Heavyweight boxing champion, Henry Maske. A national hero held in unrivaled esteem, he is known for his love of selecting entrance themes to his bouts. Sarah Brightman, the internationally renowned soprano and friend of Henry Maske heard 'Con Te Partirò' in a restaurant while dining with her friends. Entranced by the singer and the song, Brightman made contact with Andrea. Andrea and Brightman re-recorded 'Con Te Partirò' as the duet 'Time To Say Goodbye' with members of the London Symphony Orchestra.
Maske, unfortunately was defeated on points by US champion Virgil Hill. As the German public paid tribute to their departing hero, the arena was filled with the glorious sound of 'Time To Say Goodbye'. The hearts and minds of the German nation were captured. The single was released and shot to #1 where it resided for 14 weeks. With sales nearing 3 million copies, and a sextuple platinum award. 'Time To Say Goodbye' has eclipsed the previous best-selling single by well over 1 million copies. However, it was "Romanza", Bocelli's international debut album released in 1997, which took him to even greater heights of success. Going multi-platinum in virtually all territories of release. With his release of "Sogno" selling in excess of 4 million copies in just a couple months, is a testament to the power of his unique voice and irresistible warmth in overcoming barriers of language and culture.
AMORE
Andrea Bocelli released the album, "Amore", in 2006. David Foster exclaims it is "one of the most beautiful records I have ever been part of." It includes the single 'Because We Believe.' The Italian version, 'Ama Credi E Vai', also appears on the album. He collaborated on the album with David Foster, and it has been embraced by fans worldwide. Andrea rendition of 'Can't Help Falling In Love' is also featured on the album. Once fans listen to "Amore," they will realize they "can't help falling in love" with Andrea Bocelli.
Thanks to Marissa for submitting the biography. |
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Review about Andrea Bocelli
Happiness/peace | Reviewer: Jennie Reed | 9/21/09
My mother, Alliso Mrabito, is a huge Bocelli fan. Unfortunately she has Congestive heart failure and COPD. This requires her to be on oxygen 24/7. My father passed away several years ago and she was devistated. Since the first time she hear Mr. Bocelli's voice. I see that old spark in her eyes. She own EVERY CD. She has even remarked if she was physically able to fly, she would attend his concerts. I want to personally thank him for bringing mom "back" to me. May God bless you, Mr. Bocelli.
Amore | Reviewer: Beth Burghoffer | 8/6/09
I play that DVD over and over. I love to hear him sing and would like the opportunity to go to a live concert if he ever comes close to the "farmland" (I live in a small town in Iowa)Wish I had known about his concert in Las Vegas. I most certainly would have tried to get tickets. I felt bad about his divorce. It's always sad for the children. I hope they are all happy now that he has found love again with Veronica Berti. I wish them much happiness. What a wonderful life lies ahead for them both. She is a beautiful woman. Did they meet while making the Amore DVD? Does anyone know why he and his first wife divorced. I know that it isn't any of my business so just forget that question. How can I get an autographed picture of Andrea suitable for framing? Would love to have one. At concerts does he ever have his picture taken with a fan?
Mom's Last Outing | Reviewer: L. A. Silver | 6/21/09
When our mother was in a nursing home and cancer was invading her body unbeknownst to her family, my sister bought tickets to take her to an Andrea Bocelli concert. At first my mother was reluctant to go, but my sister insisted. Mom was in a wheelchair and blinded by macular degeneration; so, she and my sister sat in one of the front rows at the concert. That night turned out to be one of the highlights of my mother's life---she couldn't exclaim enough over how wonderful Andrea Bocelli's voice was!
A few month's later, the call came from the nursing home that it was time to come say "goodbye" to our mother. We went and sat for hours by her side. Suddenly, my sister got the "Romanza" CD and put it in Mom's player. We played "Time to Say Goodbye" a few times, and then Mom passed.
At her funeral, the priest allowed us to bring a Bose CD player into the choir loft and play Mom's favorite song for her one last time. Believe me, there was not a dry eye in the church.
Thank you, Andrea Bocelli, for the joy and peace you gave to my mother.
heavenly voice | Reviewer: michaella | 1/11/09
the atmosphere in my home becomes the closest thing to heaven when I play "A Night In Tuscany" this man's gorgeous voice has been a blessing to countless people ! everything around him is beautiful: his wife, his kids, his home, his property, his horses. He's just bursting with Italian Soul !
wow | Reviewer: cornellius | 12/5/08
Andrea bocelli had a lot of good songs and one of the songs that he wrote he sold over 4 million copies of it. He has 2 sons and a wife named Enrica who he met at a piano club kinda thing. Andrea bocelli lived on a family farm. He was born on september 22,1958. He also took piano lessons when he was 6 years old. He studied law before he became an opera singer.
Bravisimo!!! | Reviewer: Barbara | 6/20/08
The music of Bocelli to evokes feelings of warmth, love for mankind, peace. The serenity and passion he displays when he performs, no matter whether is an area or a pop song is so fulfilling that makes one heart smile with joy and happiness. I am an artist and before I prepare to start painting a start listening to his music, espcially his piece with Chris Botti and then I start painting, thus creating some of the best pieces of work I have done. I am so glad that I have experienced such a wonderful voice during my life--is magical!!! Thank you.
Heavenly notes from Andrea Bocelli | Reviewer: Riitta | 3/8/08
My brother's name is David Foster and he has the same birthday as Andrea Bocelli....l0 yrs. earlier. I listen to Andrea's music every day and cannot imagine a day without it. How does he remember all of the lyrics and the music? He's the most warm and talented singer in this world. Please sing more dear Andrea. We need you to calm this crazy world!
Hooray Bocelli Rocks!!!! | Reviewer: Amarie Sophia of 15 Prince St. New Hyde Park | 3/1/08
I am a 10 year old, 5th grader who plays viola, part of my county's swimteam and school drama club, on my 4th theater dancing year, plays chess, a math olympiad student, and likes to hear rap and pop music. On Valentine's Day my Mom gave my Dad Andrea Bocelli's Viveve DVD/CD. While they were dancing to the tune of Andrea's songs my 3 1/2 year old brother called me impatiently to dance with him. Even though we don't understand the lyrics (except for my father) we were all moved and teary eyed as we danced and listened. From that time on everytime I study and play with my computer I play Mr. Bocelli's songs. My dream is to one day play viola or sing with him. If I'm good enough. I'm sure my parents and brother will be proud of.
Tears | Reviewer: Renee | 2/5/08
I have seen him on pbs and on other specials. Not until I heard Con te Partiro that music can move to tears. I have played this song so often I fear my neighbours will complain. I can close my eyes and feel and see the beauty in Andrea Bocelli voice. I cannot get enough of him and his music. He has touched me unlike any other artist. Thank you Mr. Bocelli.
Renee
A wisk come true for Mom 87 years | Reviewer: MariaLiptak | 1/21/08
What can I say, I saw in Italy and how He sing, and on 12/8/07 it was a program and He was going to sing in IZOD call my daugter Oh my God He will be in NJ, oh take Grandma she don't need anything We pay the ticket was 550$ oh my God 1,100 for the 2 of us, call IZOD tomorrow at 11 I told them My Mom will be 87 in a weel chair ok We need a note from Dr ok went to see Him She was so happy I have her picture I was so happy for her,I'm to old I will never see Him,come true Thanks Andrea,for making my Mommy happy.See U soon again Maria
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Review the Artist Andrea Bocelli
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