Ornella Vanoni, one of Italy’s most beloved and enduring singers, has passed away at the age of 91 at her home in Milan due to cardiac arrest, according to Italian media reports. With a career spanning more than seven decades, Vanoni became a symbol of emotional authenticity in Italian music and gained international recognition after her song appeared in the 2004 film “Ocean’s Twelve.”

Early Life and Career

Born in Milan in 1934 into a well-to-do family, Vanoni was educated in Switzerland, Britain, and France, mastering German, English, and French. Initially pursuing acting, she trained under theatre director Giorgio Strehler at Milan’s Piccolo Teatro, before transitioning to music in the early 1960s. Her debut on televised song festivals marked the start of a career that would span folk, pop, jazz, and Brazilian-inspired music.

Musical Legacy

Vanoni’s voice became synonymous with passion, elegance, and authenticity, captivating audiences across generations. She sold more than 55 million records and released approximately 40 studio albums. Her hits include:

• “Senza fine” (1961) – her breakthrough single
• “Domani è un altro giorno” (1971)
• “L’appuntamento” (1970) – the Italian adaptation of “Sentado à beira do caminho”, which gained renewed international fame through Ocean’s Twelve

Vanoni’s early work, which often explored crime, poverty, and social issues, earned her the nickname “Cantante della mala” (underworld singer). She collaborated with Brazilian artists Toquinho and Vinicius de Moraes, as well as prominent jazz musicians, showcasing her versatility and artistic curiosity.

Personal Life and Public Persona

Elegant, independent, and fiercely creative, Vanoni maintained a strong public presence well into her later years. She had a son, Cristiano, with her former husband Lucio Ardenzi, and had relationships with theatre director Strehler and singer-songwriter Gino Paoli. She was close friends with fashion designer Gianni Versace and inspired leading designers such as Giorgio Armani and Valentino.

Vanoni’s memoir, Vincente o perdente (“Winner or Loser”), reflected her candid reflections on life, aging, love, and creativity. She described herself as:

“One of those women. Women on fire, fragile and full of tenderness, sheltered behind nervous outbursts, elegant detachment, and sarcasm.”

International Recognition

Although Vanoni was celebrated across Italy for decades, her music reached a global audience when her song “L’appuntamento” was featured in Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Twelve, introducing her artistry to new fans worldwide.

Legacy

Ornella Vanoni leaves behind a rich musical legacy, influencing generations of Italian and international artists. Her combination of storytelling, emotional depth, and fearless creativity ensures she will remain a pillar of Italian music history.

Vanoni had previously shared her wishes for her funeral, stating she wanted a simple coffin, cremation, and to be scattered at sea, possibly in Venice, dressed in Dior.

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Key Takeaways

• Ornella Vanoni, 91, passes away in Milan of cardiac arrest.
• Career spanned more than seven decades, selling 55 million records.
• Known for hits like “Senza fine,” “Domani è un altro giorno,” and “L’appuntamento”.
• Gained international fame after Ocean’s Twelve featured her music.
• Collaborated with Brazilian artists, jazz musicians, and Italian songwriters.
• Celebrated for her emotional authenticity, elegance, and artistic versatility.