Top 50 Most Popular Italian Singers Of All Time

Ennio Morricone was an iconic Italian composer, orchestrator, conductor, and trumpeter whose groundbreaking music left a profound mark on the world of film. Renowned for his innovative soundscapes, Morricone's work elevated countless movies across a wide range of genres.

Over his illustrious career, he created more than 400 scores for films and television, establishing himself as one of the most prolific and influential composers in global entertainment history.

Morricone's masterful Western film soundtracks, especially between 1960 and 1975, brought him worldwide fame. His legendary score for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) remains one of the most celebrated and recognizable pieces in cinematic history.

Known as the "Father of Disco," Giorgio Moroder is an acclaimed Italian composer, songwriter, and record producer. Renowned for pioneering euro disco and electronic dance music, Moroder founded the influential Musicland Studios in Munich and launched his own label, Oasis Records, in the early 1970s.

Throughout his career, Moroder has created hit songs for major artists like David Bowie, Falco, Kylie Minogue, Irene Cara, and Janet Jackson. His impressive achievements include four Grammy Awards, two People's Choice Awards, and induction into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Plácido Domingo stands as a legendary conductor and vocalist, earning acclaim as one of opera’s most influential figures. Catapulted to worldwide fame as a member of The Three Tenors, Domingo’s exceptional talent has cemented his status among the greatest opera singers in history.

Launching his career in the late 1950s, Domingo has been a cornerstone of esteemed organizations such as the Los Angeles Opera and Washington National Opera. Over his remarkable journey, he has appeared in leading roles in more than 150 operas, showcasing unmatched versatility and dedication.

A recipient of multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, Domingo further contributed to the art by founding Operalia, an annual international singing competition. Operalia has become famous for discovering and nurturing the world’s next generation of opera stars.

Måneskin, the electrifying rock band from Rome, has revolutionized the Italian music scene with their unapologetic style and visually captivating performances. The group consists of the dynamic Damiano David, bassist Victoria De Angelis, guitarist Thomas Raggi, and drummer Ethan Torchio.

After achieving national fame by winning X-Factor, Måneskin released two blockbuster albums. Their rise continued as they represented Italy at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest, seizing the world's attention with their unique energy.

They swiftly became only the third Italian act ever to win Eurovision, solidifying their place among Italy’s biggest musical stars. Today, Måneskin stands out for their bold innovation and authenticity, both defining traits of enduring success.

Baby K is a celebrated singer, songwriter, and rapper, best known for chart-topping hits such as "Killer" and the iconic "Roma-Bangkok." The latter became Italy's best-selling single in 2015 and marked her first video to earn the prestigious Vevo certification.

Over the years, Baby K has delivered a string of vibrant summer anthems. Her self-titled track, "Baby K," notably sold over one million copies and received a coveted diamond certification, underscoring her widespread appeal.

An MTV Italian Music Award winner, she is widely regarded as the undisputed queen of summer hits, capturing the hearts of fans across Italy and beyond.

Laura Pausini is a trailblazing Italian singer-songwriter and producer, renowned for being the first Italian female artist to win a Grammy. She rose to international fame in 1993 with her iconic hit, "La solitudine" (The Loneliness), firmly establishing her on the global music stage.

Pausini boasts a prolific discography of 25 albums, primarily released in Italian and Spanish, which has helped her become a leading figure in the Latin music scene. Though her English-language releases have been less prominent, her influence and popularity continue to resonate worldwide.

With over 75 million records sold, Pausini’s outstanding career extends beyond music. She has also made a name for herself as a charismatic host on several television shows, showcasing her versatile talents.

Continuing to expand her creative horizons, Pausini recently revealed she is working on a feature film, highlighting her enduring passion for artistic innovation.

Hailing from central Italy, Marco Mengoni began singing lessons at the young age of 14. His big break came in 2009, when he competed on the talent show X-Factor and won with his hit single "Dove si vola."

Following his victory, the song soared to the top of the Italian Top Digital Downloads chart. Mengoni then released his debut studio album, Solo 2.0, which became the first of five chart-topping albums for the artist.

In addition to his studio albums, two of his live albums have also achieved #1 status on the charts. Mengoni's impressive work has earned him numerous accolades and widespread recognition.

Among his many awards, Mengoni has been named Best Italian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards and Man of the Year at the TRL Awards, further solidifying his place among Italy's top music talents.

Luciano Pavarotti stands as one of the most celebrated opera singers of all time. Revered as the "King of the High C's," he mesmerized audiences worldwide with his remarkable vocal range and the emotional power he brought to every performance.

Pavarotti became synonymous with Italian opera, delivering unforgettable renditions in masterpieces like La Bohème, Madama Butterfly, Turandot, and Tosca. His commanding stage presence and star quality earned him acclaim across the globe.

As part of the iconic ensemble "The Three Tenors," he played a pivotal role in popularizing opera for new generations. His electrifying performances, especially during the 1990 World Cup final, and his sold-out concerts in cities like Los Angeles, helped solidify his legendary status in the world of music.

Andrea Bocelli is a world-famous Italian singer, songwriter, and record producer widely celebrated for his profound influence on opera and crossover music. With over 90 million records sold, Bocelli ranks among the best-selling opera artists of all time, enchanting listeners with his powerful and emotive voice.

Bocelli's illustrious career is decorated with numerous prestigious awards and honors, including a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His unwavering dedication and inspiring journey have motivated aspiring vocalists around the globe to pursue their dreams in classical and contemporary music.

Beyond studio albums, Bocelli's unforgettable live performances have left a lasting mark on international theatre and concert stages. His enduring contributions to music continue to define his legacy as a true maestro and a beloved icon in Italian culture.

Lucio Dalla, although no longer with us, continues to enchant listeners with his unforgettable music. He played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Italian music and was celebrated for writing his own lyrics as well as collaborating with other artists.

His most iconic songs include the timeless classics "Caruso" and "L'anno che verrà." Dalla's songwriting often delved into meaningful themes, and his remarkable artistry was enhanced by proficiency with various instruments and a strong foundation in jazz.

Dalla achieved significant success after the release of the "Banana Republic" album in 1979, further solidifying his status as one of Italy's greatest musical talents.

Raffaella Carrà was a beloved pop culture icon whose influence reached far beyond Italy, captivating audiences across Europe and Latin America. Over her extraordinary career, she released 25 studio albums and performed in 37 countries, dazzling fans with her vibrant energy and unforgettable style.

With worldwide record sales surpassing 60 million, Carrà broke new ground as a trailblazer for feminism and women’s sexual freedom in the 1970s and 1980s, inspiring generations with her boldness and charisma.

In addition to her musical achievements, Carrà became one of television's most prominent hosts, especially in Italy, Spain, and Argentina, solidifying her status as a cultural powerhouse.

An enduring inspiration for the LGBT community, Carrà also left her mark in fashion and design. Her talents extended to acting, including a contract with 20th Century Fox in Hollywood and numerous appearances in French and Spanish films.

Yves Montand was a remarkably versatile artist who left an indelible mark as a singer, actor, and song-and-dance performer. Although born in Italy, Montand's magnetic presence and artistic flair led him to become an emblematic figure in French culture.

His place on this list is well-deserved, not only because of his Italian heritage but also due to his towering global influence. Montand's smooth vocals and heartfelt tributes to Paris made his songs instant favorites among audiences worldwide.

Beyond his celebrated career in European films and on the music stage, Montand found critical and popular success in America and on Broadway. He also captivated audiences throughout the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, especially during his memorable concert tour of 1956–57.

Adriano Celentano is celebrated as one of Italy’s most illustrious artists, making his mark not only as a singer-songwriter and musician, but also as an actor and filmmaker. Strongly influenced by Elvis Presley, Celentano injected a fresh vitality into Italian music and reshaped the country's musical landscape.

He first captured national attention in the 1950s with his hit album "24.000 Baci" and dynamic collaborations with icons like Giorgio Gaber and Enzo Jannacci. Celentano soon branched into acting, delivering a memorable performance as a rock-and-roll singer in the legendary film "La Dolce Vita."

Over his decades-long career, Celentano has recorded more than 40 albums and directed multiple feature films, cementing his reputation as a true innovator and enduring legend in the world of Italian entertainment.

Cecilia Bartoli stands as one of the world's most acclaimed mezzo-sopranos, revered for her exquisite interpretations of Rossini's operas, including iconic roles in The Barber of Seville, Otello, and La Cenerentola. Born in Rome, she was introduced to the stage at just nine years old, marking the beginning of her extraordinary career.

Launching her professional opera journey at the age of 21, Bartoli quickly rose to prominence with a diverse repertoire that showcases her versatility—particularly in the masterpieces of Mozart. Her landmark performance as Cleopatra in Haydn's Giulio Cesare in 2005 earned universal acclaim and solidified her status as an operatic powerhouse.

A multi-award-winning artist, Bartoli is also the artistic director of the Salzburg Whitsun Festival. Throughout her career, her outstanding artistry has been recognized with five Grammy Awards for Best Classical Vocal Performance, highlighting her enduring impact on classical music.

Francesco De Gregori, affectionately known as "Il Principe dei cantautori" ("The Prince of the Singer-Songwriters"), is celebrated for the refined and elegant style he brings to his music. His lyrics are widely admired, though many find their depth and complexity challenging to interpret.

His career took off in 1974 with the release of the landmark album Rimmel, but he truly expanded his devoted following after unveiling "La Donna Cannone." Renowned as a poetic and introspective artist, De Gregori consistently uses his songwriting to inspire listeners to create positive change in society and find deeper meaning through their actions.

Domenico Modugno is widely recognized as a transformative figure in Italian music and is often credited as the country’s first cantautore, or singer-songwriter. Possessing remarkable versatility, he enjoyed a flourishing career not only as a singer and songwriter, but also as an accomplished guitarist, actor, and even served as a member of the Italian Parliament.

Modugno’s legendary 1958 hit, "Nel blu dipinto di blu" (also known as "Volare"), reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This iconic track earned him two Grammy Awards—Record of the Year and Song of the Year—and propelled him to international fame.

"Volare" inspired numerous English-language renditions by acclaimed artists such as Dean Martin, Bobby Rydell, Barry White, and Linda Ross. Its timeless charm ensures Modugno’s music remains influential across generations and cultures.

In addition to his musical achievements, Modugno showcased his acting talents in 44 feature films, further highlighting his extraordinary artistic versatility and lasting legacy in the performing arts.

Enrico Caruso remains one of the most legendary figures in the world of opera, celebrated for both his magnificent tenor voice and his groundbreaking embrace of early audio recording technology.

Hailing from Naples, Italy, Caruso began his professional opera journey at the age of 22. Over his career, he made nearly 250 recordings in the early 20th century, earning international acclaim for iconic roles like the Duke in "Rigoletto" and Canio in "Pagliacci." His artistry and charisma revolutionized the opera stage.

Caruso spent his final years in New York, where he became a central figure at the illustrious Metropolitan Opera. His prolific collaborations with the Victor Talking Machine Company ensured that his remarkable voice would captivate and inspire audiences for generations to come.

Vasco Rossi is a renowned singer-songwriter and poet who has released an impressive 30 official albums during his illustrious career. With over 250 songs to his name and more than 35 million records sold worldwide, he remains an influential figure in Italian music.

Known for calling himself a "provocautore"—a blend of the Italian words for "provocateur" and "author"—Rossi often attracts attention for both his lifestyle choices and the boldness found in his lyrics, both of which have sparked public debate and criticism.

Despite his openness about being an atheist, Rossi's popularity is undiminished, as evidenced by the massive turnout at his concerts. His 2017 Modena Park concert holds the record for the highest-attended ticketed concert ever, solidifying his legendary status.

Eros Ramazzotti's love for music was evident from an early age. Despite being rejected by the Music Conservatory, he remained undeterred, channeling his passion and ambition into forging a path in the music industry.

Ramazzotti dedicated himself to mastering the guitar and began performing at events such as the Castrocaro Music Festival. His determination bore fruit when he gained widespread acclaim with his debut album, Cuori agitati (Troubled Hearts).

The album's standout single, "Una storia importante" (An Important Story), resonated throughout Europe and helped launch his international career. Ramazzotti reached new heights in 1997 with the release of Eros – Greatest Hits, expanding his global appeal.

This compilation topped charts across several countries and earned him the prestigious Best International Male Artist of the Year award at the Echo Music Awards, firmly establishing Ramazzotti as an international superstar.

Franco Battiato, a Sicilian artist, is celebrated not only for his influential music career but also for his ventures into filmmaking and painting. Renowned for his profound lyrics, Battiato's work often reflects his personal passions and deep philosophical interests.

His music explores esoteric, philosophical, and religious themes, showcasing remarkable versatility across various genres. Among his most beloved romantic tracks is "E Ti Vengo a Cercare" ("And I’ve Come to Find You"). With a career spanning decades, Battiato has collaborated with numerous acclaimed Italian and international artists, earning his reputation as one of Italy’s most iconic singer-songwriters.

Most fans of Italian music would agree that Francesca Michielin is a musical star who has been shining bright of late. Even though she is in her late 20s, she has already turned out to be a favourite around the country.

One of her finest songs is "Chiamami per Nome", which was seen performing with Fedez; even at Sanremo 2021. The track earned them the second spot. That said, it is imperative to mention that Michielin rose to prominence after having won the 5th season of the Italian X-Factor.

Soon after her win, her song "Distratto" received double platinum, and she had multiple releases after that.

Michele Morrone is an Italian actor, model, singer, and fashion designer who is known to have appeared in both Italian and Polish feature films since the beginning of his career.

He went on to gain recognition after portraying Massimo Torricelli in the erotic romantic drama 365 Days, which was released in 2020. Morrone's acting career began by playing the role of Riccardo in Second Chance.

It was a three-episode web series, which was helmed by Piergiorgio Seidita. A professional guitarist and singer, he learned to play guitar at the age of 25 by watching YouTube videos.

Not long after that, he went on to release an album titled Dark Room.

Born Nicoletta Strambelli in Venice, Italy, Patty Pravo was at the height of her professional success during the '60s and '70s. She first tasted success in the true sense of the word with the release of her single "Ragazzo triste" (Sad Boy).

She followed the success of the aforementioned track with another hit single, "Se perdo te" (If I Lose You). However, her most popular song to date is "La bambola" (The Doll), which was released with her eponymous debut album in 1968.

Even though Pravo's popularity declined in 1980 after she posed for Playboy, she did her best to make a comeback in the late '90s.

Fabrizio de André is yet another renowned Italian artist who passed away more than two decades ago. However, his songs are indispensable and can be heard regularly either on the radio or being hummed by other artists.

His thoughtful composition was on full display in tracks such as "The fisherman" (the fisherman) and "Mouth of Rosa" (mouth of Roos). De André, who started singing in Genovese and Sardinian later in his life, is also known for his album Crêuza de mä, whose songs continue to be popular in Italy.

Renata Tebaldi stands among Italy’s most cherished opera singers, celebrated for her remarkable voice and passionate performances. Growing up immersed in the world of opera, it was clear from an early age that Tebaldi was destined for greatness on the stage.

She began performing professionally in her teens and early twenties, quickly earning recognition both in Italy and abroad, especially following the end of World War II.

Tebaldi's illustrious career included an impressive 20-year association with the Metropolitan Opera, where she gave 270 unforgettable performances. She made her illustrious American debut at the San Francisco Opera in 1950, starring in the title role of Aida.

Born in Verona, Italy, Gigliola Cinquetti is a singer-songwriter and TV personality who joined the 1964 Sanremo Music Festival at the young age of 16. She won the event with the song "Non ho l’età." She decided to sing the song again in that year's Eurovision Song Contest and went on to receive another remarkable win.

In fact, she was the the youngest artist to win the contest at the time. It is not surprising then that "Non ho l’età" became a commercial success internationally, with over 3 million sales.

Cinquetti, who competed again in Eurovision in 1974, went on to become a journalist and TV presenter later in her career. However, she was invited by Eurovision to perform her signature song as an interval act in 2022.

The Italian trio, best known as the Il Volo, started their careers together with complete success on their record of O Sole Mio when they were all just 14-16 years.

Now, over the past decade, they have gone on to win the appreciation of their listeners courtesy of their incredible voices and songs with a spice of opera style. The three artists ensure that their distinct voices blend beautifully to produce the finest music possible.

Together, they rose to fame at the Festival of Sanremo where they won in 2015. Additionally, the group represented Italy at the Eurovision Festival and finished in the 3rd position.

Their song, "Grande Amore", is quite popular among their fans, and, in a way, it has also helped them gain fame across the globe. It is not surprising then that most of their tours and concerts are outside of Italy today.

Credited as the "father of Italian blues", Zucchero Fornaciari is a singer-songwriter, whose stage name is the Italian word for "sugar." His music is primarily inspired by gospel, soul, blues, and rock music, and alternates between Italian ballads and more rhythmic R&B-boogie-like pieces.

One of the few European blues artists who still enjoys great international success, he has gone on to sell over 60 million records to date the world over. Fornaciari has been a recipient of four Festivalbar, nine Wind Music Awards, two World Music Awards, and six IFPI Europe Platinum Awards, respectively.

Born in Rome, Italy, Giorgia is known to have spent a good number of years performing jazz and soul in local bars. She made her official debut at the Sanremo Musical Festival in 1994 and was placed at number seven.

However, her undeniable stage presence ensured to open doors of opportunity that allowed her to perform with the likes of Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli in due course of time.

Giorgia has made eleven studio albums since her debut. Out of them, seven have gone on to become top-three hits in Italy and all are certified Platinum. Her soulful voice has prompted the media and her listeners to call her the Whitney Houston of Italy.

Federico Leonardo Lucia, better known as Fedez, began his music journey in Milan, releasing his self-produced debut album in 2011. By the time he dropped his second album, he had already appeared on the Italian charts, reaching a peak at #57.

Fedez's breakout moment came in 2013 with his third album, Sig. Brainwash – L’arte di accontentare, which marked his rise in the Italian music scene. Each of his next four albums achieved significant commercial success, solidifying his place among Italy's most popular artists.

His growing influence in the industry soon led to a role as a judge on the Italian edition of X Factor. Additionally, Fedez expanded his repertoire by hosting the hit comedy show LOL – Chi ride è fuori, further increasing his national fame.

Sfera Ebbasta is a highly influential singer and rapper who played a pivotal role in bringing trap music into the mainstream in Italy. He first gained recognition through YouTube, which led to the release of his debut album, XDVR, in 2015.

Known for his youthful energy, creativity, and unique sound, Sfera Ebbasta quickly developed a devoted fanbase. Nearly all of his albums after his debut have soared to the top of the Italian music charts, reflecting his immense popularity.

Most recently, alongside releasing his acclaimed album FAMO$O (FAMOU$), Ebbasta unveiled a documentary film of the same name on Prime Video. This documentary offers fans an intimate look into his personal journey and the story behind his success.

Francesco Guccinic's music is simply vocals and guitar, so in case you have been listening to him for quite some time without a break, it could get a tad monotonous.

However, it would be nothing less than soothing to the ears of his ardent listeners. Every Italian knows "Canzone per un'amica" and "Auschwitz." His music is a testament to the fact that he often sings about subjects that go far beyond the trite drama of love.

At one of Guccini's last concerts, many young people were present with a bottle of wine in their hands. This was a tribute of sorts from them to the artist who is known to have drunk quite a bit of red wine while on stage during his performances.

Also known as Spankox, Agostino Carollo is an Italian musician, disc jockey, singer, and producer who has been signed with EMI of late. Even though he started his career as a classical violinist, he specializes in pop and dance music, including remixes of popular songs.

Several of his songs have gone on to appear in the Dancemania compilation series and Dance Dance Revolution video game series under the name X-Treme. In fact, Carollo has used X-Treme to write and produce several successful tracks over time.

One of the most enchanting Italian singers to make it to our story is Filippo Neviani, whose stage name is Nek. Born in 1972, he tasted success for the first time after having participated at the Sanremo Festival in 1997.

One of his songs, "Laura Non C'e", became popular both in Italy and on international levels. Sooner than later, he recorded multiple albums and became famous in Europe and Latin America.

Nek decided to participate at Sanremo yet again in 2015 and earned the second spot, all thanks to the song "Fatti Avanti Amore."

Best known for his worldwide hit song, "L'Italiano", Toto Cutugno is an Italian pop singer-songwriter and musician, who is also remembered for having emerged victorious in the Eurovision Song Contest held in Zagreb, Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia in 1990.

He was able to win it with the song "Insieme: 1992", for which he wrote both lyrics and music. The artist began his musical career as a drummer and later went on to form an Italo disco band together with Lino Losito and Mario Limongelli, called Albatros.

Cutugno's early days as a songwriter saw him create music for French-American singer Joe Dassin.

Best known as one of the two vocalists of the gothic metal band Lacuna Coil, Cristina Scabbia is a singer who is also known to have penned an advice column in the popular rock magazine Revolver, alongside musician Vinnie Paul.

Over time, people have seen her getting featured in a Megadeth song "À Tout le Monde (Set Me Free)", the album "The Theory of Everything", the Apocalyptica song "S. O. S. (Anything But Love)", and another version of the Alter Bridge song "Watch Over You", respectively.

Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian violinist and composer whose concertos pieces for one or more instruments were widely known and influential across Europe. One of the most regarded Baroque composers of all time, his best-known work is a series of violin concertos known as the Four Seasons.

After almost two centuries of constant decline and obscurity, Vivaldi's musical reputation underwent a revival in the early 20th century, all thanks to the research conducted by scholars and music historians over the years.

Annalisa is certainly an Italian pop singer to look out for. A well-known name throughout Italy, she has also sung in one of the movies set in her country Tuscan Wedding.

A recipient of awards such as the World Music Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards, she has recorded 6 albums and 25 singles, thus far. Add to that the fact that she has 8 Platinum discs and 10 Golden discs.

The artist has also performed at the Sanremo Music Festival several times. However, the best she has been able to do was secure the third position there. Annalisa rose to fame after having participated in the tenth edition of the talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi in 2010–2011.

Marracash is a renowned rapper, singer, and songwriter who began his musical journey as a member of the influential rap group Dogo Gang. He quickly gained recognition after launching his solo career in the early 2010s, captivating audiences with his distinct voice and lyrical style.

Throughout his career, Marracash has released six studio albums, all of which have secured top 10 positions on the Italian Albums Chart. His ability to consistently produce chart-topping music highlights his impact on the Italian music scene.

In addition to his acclaimed albums, Marracash has delivered numerous successful singles, both as a solo artist and through collaborations with fellow musicians. Many of these tracks have achieved impressive rankings on the Italian Singles Chart.

With over five million records sold in Italy, Marracash stands as one of the best-selling Italian rappers of the 2010s, cementing his legacy in contemporary Italian music.

Lucio Battisti may have passed away at a young age, but his record sales exceed the 25 million mark. Many of his lyrics were written by or together with Mogol, who is known to have written for other popular artists and has even 'translated' a David Bowie song in the distant past.

Battisti's special, high-pitched voice helps him in conveying a range of emotions very well. It is not in the least bit surprising then that the man has helped change Italian music by using all kinds of other movements in his sound.

A song that almost everyone in Italy knows is "Io Vorrei… Non Vorrei… Ma Se Vuoi… (I would like….not want to…but if you will…)."

Italian rapper Federico Palana is best known by his stage name Fred De Palma. He hit the music scene in 2007 and gained fame by freestyling in Turin and Milan.

Eventually, it landed him a record deal as a member of the group Royal Rhymes in 2010. The year 2012 saw Fred De Palma going solo, following which he aimed to cement his fate as a renowned Italian singer.

Hits like "Una volta ancora/Se iluminaba" from his fifth album, Uebe only consolidated his position as a singer. The song was certified seven times Platinum and is one of his top-selling hits to date.

Dalida, an iconic Italian-French singer and actress, was born in Egypt. She began her career in 1955, appearing in the film A Glass and a Cigarette by Niazi Mustapha. By 1956, Dalida had signed with the prestigious Barclay record label, quickly gaining popularity with her breakthrough hit, "Bambino."

Dalida's rapid ascent continued, and between 1957 and 1961, she became France's leading record seller. Though she passed away in 1987, her musical legacy endures—over 140 million records have been sold globally, securing her place as one of the most successful Italian music artists of all time.

Among her timeless classics are "Le jour où la pluie viendra," "Gigi l'amoroso," "J'attendrai," and "Salama ya salama," songs that continue to enchant listeners around the world.

Unfortunately, not a lot of people know about Beniamino Gigli today, possibly because he did not record nearly as much as his compatriot and predecessor Enrico Caruso. However, opera historians would be well aware of the fact that he made his debut at opera houses throughout Italy, including Las Scala, Palermo, Naples, and Rome, between 1914 and 1920.

Rumoured to be Benito Mussolini's one true favourite, he also performed in Buenos Aires and New York City. Following the culmination of the Second World War, Gigli decided to face the microphone for concerts and operas once again.

Add to that the fact that he made appearances in more than 20 movies after the war.

A soprano singer from Lombardy, Mina commenced her musical journey as a part of the rock band Happy Boys. After she left the group, she ended up finding her own band called Solitari.

With her group, they went on to perform a syncopated and loud version of "Nessuno" (Nobody) at the very first rock festival in Milan. Her strong voice was on full display in her performance, which led to the birth of the "queen of scream." Known for her undeniable versatility and for fusing modern styles with traditional Italian melodies, Mina transformed herself into a pop icon.

It is imperative to mention that she is the only artist to stay at the top of the Italian charts in each of the six decades since her professional debut.

The next artist to make it to our list is Elisa, who hails from Trieste. One of the few Italian artists to write and record music in English, she harboured big dreams from a very tender age and was inspired by singers like Björk and Aretha Franklin.

Believe it or not, she started writing songs at the age of 11 and was soon seen appearing on television. She made her debut with the release of Pipes & Flowers in 1997, which went on to become an instant hit.

While her next four albums managed to make it to the top ten, some of her singles were also included in film soundtracks, like "Love Is Requited" in Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You and "Ancora qui" in Django Unchained.

For those of you who aren't aware, Elisa was also the voice of Nala in the Italian version of The Lion King.

Anna Tatangelo burst onto the scene at the age of 15 when she became the youngest person to win the Sanremo Music Festival. So, she decided to participate in the event seven more times from 2003 to 2019.

The song, "Essere una donna", landed her another win in 2006. While not all of her songs during the period ensured that she ended up emerging victorious in each season, some of them did go on to become hugely popular.

One of them was "Il mio amico" from 2008, which went to #2 in the Italian charts and, eventually, became certified Platinum. Tatangelo is still active and released her latest single, "Guapo," in 2020, which has garnered over 21 million views on YouTube so far.

Rapper Coez, who hails from Nocera Inferiore, Italy, started his career by producing mixtapes. Sooner than later, he went on to become part of a group called Brokenspeakers with other members such as Lucci and Bruno Cannavicci.

The artist decided to collaborate with other singers and released a solo album called Figlio di nessuno in 2009. While it may not have been hugely successful, it did end up helping him gain some listeners.

However, commercial success soon found the man following the release of his third and fourth albums, namely Niente che non va and Faccio un casino. While both were #2 on Italian charts, the latter went on to be certified two times Platinum.

Ghali is a modern icon in Italian music, rising from humble beginnings as the son of Tunisian immigrants in a disadvantaged area of Milan. Despite limited details about his personal life, he is widely celebrated as one of Italy’s foremost rappers.

He is renowned for his distinctive sound, skillfully blending hip-hop with influences from his Italian and Tunisian heritage. His breakthrough single, "Ninna Nanna," not only topped the Italian charts but also achieved four-times Platinum status.

Major Italian publications, including La Repubblica, have showered Ghali with praise, even describing him as "a blessing" to the country’s music scene.

Anyone familiar with Italian music will recognize Alessandra Amoroso as a powerhouse singer-songwriter and producer. She began her career by participating in local singing competitions from a young age, showcasing her talent early on.

Despite facing setbacks along the way, Amoroso's perseverance paid off when she became the first female Italian artist to win the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Italian Act—an impressive milestone in her career.

With eight chart-topping albums to her name, Amoroso is not only a respected figure in the Italian music scene but also a notable television personality. She has extended her talents to acting, appearing in the romantic comedy film Io che amo solo te.

Like a few other artists on our list, Umberto Tozzi kick-started his career after having joined a band called Off Sound in 1968. They mostly used to perform around his hometown of Turin, Italy.

The artist found great success in both singing and songwriting from 1976 to 1978, and "Ti Amo" managed to top the chart big time. In fact, it reached #1 and stayed there for about seven months.

Tozzi continued to rise with a song like "Gloria", which went on to become a smash hit on the Italian and Latin American music charts. Not long after that, it was covered by American singer Laura Branigan and added to the soundtrack of Martin Scorsese's critically and commercially successful film The Wolf of Wall Street.