Italian music icon Peppino di Capri dies at 86

Peppino di Capri, an iconic Italian singer who brought the twist and rock 'n' roll to Italy and achieved widespread fame with hits like 'Champagne,' has died at the age of 86. His career, which began in the post-war era on the island of Capri, spanned nearly seven decades.

Born Giuseppe Faiella, Di Capri was a significant innovator in Italian music. He won the Sanremo Music Festival twice, in 1973 and 1976, and holds a record for 15 participations in the prestigious competition. His distinctive vocal timbre evoked the charm of the Blue Grotto and the romance of Capri summers.

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Every time I listen to it, I can't help but see him, his soul, in those words and that refrain with a melancholic melody.

His music provided the soundtrack to Italy's carefree post-war boom years, with songs like 'Don't Play that Song,' 'Nessuno al mondo,' and 'Roberta' becoming widely popular. His 1962 record 'Let's twist again' dominated the charts for 32 weeks. Legend has it that his name on concert posters was used to boost ticket sales for The Beatles' Italian concerts in 1965.

Di Capri also modernized traditional Neapolitan song, making it accessible and appealing to younger audiences. Even as musical trends evolved, his popularity with the public remained strong. The Minister of Culture noted that his long career was a testament to the vitality of Italian popular culture and its ability to convey emotions and identity globally.

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His long career represents a precious testimony of the vitality of Italian popular culture and the ability of our music to tell emotions, identity, and memory to the world.