More than a hundred albums were published, more than fifty-five million copies sold, dozens of songs that have entered the history of Italian music. With death Ornella Vanoni – who died last night at the age of 91 – the legend of pop music is gone, the free-spirited artist who accumulated success after success until his last days, as evidenced by his recent duets with Elodie and ditonellapiaga or from the sentimental diary “Vincente o perdente” made with Pacifico.
The list of claims of “mistress of Italian song” is quite long. Present in eight editions of the Sanremo Festival, Vanoni took second place in 1968 with “White House” and fourth place on three occasions. She was also the first – and only female – artist to earn two Tenco Awards, a result equaled only by Francesco Guccini.
In these hours, messages of condolences and tributes are increasing, while his songs are storming social networks. A repertoire that crosses different genres, from mala songs to bossa nova, from jazz to pop. Let’s find out what it is ten of Ornella Vanoni’s most famous songs.
Without End (1961)
Written by her great love, Gino Paoli, it is one of the cornerstones of the Genoese school. Vanoni’s version remains one of his most famous and contributed to his success in the Italian singer-songwriter world and beyond.
I’ll Give You More (1966)
Presented at the Sanremo Sanremo Festival, it was one of his first popular statements. Radio and recording success contributed to strengthening his presence in the ever-present Italian musical panorama.
Tomorrow is Another Day (1967)
An important work of his first artistic maturity, with which he defined an intimate but highly communicative style of interpretation. Still considered one of his best songs to date.
One More Reason (1969)
An intense and dramatic ballad, it consolidates Vanoni’s image as an interpreter of the most complex feelings. It is often cited as one of his most successful vocal efforts.
Sadness (1970)
The Italian version of the famous Brazilian song, has achieved transversal popularity and remains one of its most recognized interpretations due to its immediacy and warmth.
Rapture (1970)
Considered his masterpiece: it definitely marks Vanoni’s image as a sophisticated and melancholic translator. It is one of the most frequently played songs on TV, cinema and commercials.
I’ll Leave You A Song (1971)
A song that remains strong in the collection, it represents both his bittersweet poetry and a transitional phase in his musical evolution.
The Will to Be Crazy (1976)
The duet with Toquinho brought Vanoni into Brazilian music, becoming a classic of Italian-tropical contamination and becoming a staple of his live performances.
Lipstick and Chocolate (1977)
It became a classic of the seventies repertoire, known for its light text and more modern style, which brought Vanoni closer to a different audience.
Learning to Love Yourself (2018)
The song gently raises the theme of self-acceptance.
It focuses on the need to recognize fragility and limitations as part of one’s emotional journey. This is considered important because it puts forward the idea of mature and authentic love, starting first from self-care, which is reinforced by the sensitivity of Vanoni’s interpretation.
