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Andrea Bocelli Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Singer

Andrea Bocelli

Birthday :

September 22, 1958

Also Known For :

Pianist, Opera Singer

Birth Place :

Lajatico, Pisa, Italy

Zodiac Sign :

Virgo

Chinese Zodiac :

Dog

Birth Element :

Earth


Andrea Bocelli is an Italian singer.  His interpretation of classical music has promoted its popularity to a younger generation.

Childhood And Early Life

Andrea Bocelli was born on September 22, 1958, in Lajatico, Italy.  His interest in music started when Andrea Bocelli was six years old. 

That was when Andrea Bocelli started learning how to play instruments such as the piano, flute, guitar, and others. 

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Diseases/Disabilities

Since birth, Andrea Bocelli had poor eyesight due to congenital glaucoma.  Andrea Bocelli lost all vision at the age of 12 because of an accident during a sporting game.  Despite losing one of his senses, it made his other senses more alert.  It did not take away from his musicality, but rather enhanced it.

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Education

Andrea Bocelli graduated from school in 1980.  Andrea Bocelli attended the University of Pisa to study law.  Andrea Bocelli graduated and became a court appointed lawyer.

His musical education included voice lessons with singer and conductor Luciano Bettarini and Italian opera tenor Franco Corelli.

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Rise To Stardom

Music was how Bocelli earned money while in college.  There were nights that he played at piano bars for some extra cash, often to pay for his music lessons. 

In 1992, his demo tape of Miserere” to fellow Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti impressed the famed singer.  He displayed a powerful voice that was touched with sensitivity.  They performed together with great reviews.

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Career

Andrea Bocelli was a classical singer, but he did not focus on singing in operas or strictly classical works.  He toured with Zucchero, an Italian rock starAndrea Bocelli would sing duets or solos for the concert attendees. With appearances at music festivals and competitions, he gains even more recognition in his country.  His first album Il Mare Calmo Della was released in Italy in 1994 following his successful wins.

His international acclaim came in 1999 with his album Songo.  It became the number one pop album around the world and sold more than ten million copies.  He was honored with awards and recognition that year. A more traditional album Sacred Arias also reached top rankings in his country of Italy as well as Canada and the Netherlands. The year 2002 was another record year for Bocelli.  The award-winning album Sentimento was produced along with the London Symphony Orchestra.  

Andrea Bocelli has also been successful with holiday-themed albums.  Amore was released in time for the 2006 Valentine's Day. Fellow singer Christina Aguilera joined him for the duet “Somos Novios (It's Impossible).” My Christmas in 2009 was his first Christmas album and one of the top-selling albums of the year.  Love songs work in Bocelli's favor.  In 2013, he released an album of Mediterranean love songs in four languages. Passione included duets with Nelly Furtado and Jennifer Lopez.

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Personal Life And Legacy

In 1992 Andrea Bocelli married Enrica Cenzatti.  Together they had two children.  Andrea Bocelli and his wife were together for ten years before they separated in 2002. 

Andrea Bocelli met Veronica Berti that same year.  They have a daughter together.  Veronica, who is also his manager, and Bocelli married in 2014.

Religion

Andrea Bocelli was born and raised in the Roman Catholic faithAndrea Bocelli was honored to perform before Pope Francis when the pontiff visited Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2015.  Bocelli has referred to St. Augustine who notes that singing is a form of prayer.

Philanthropic Works / Humanitarian Work

Andrea Bocelli has lent his voice to help charitable causes.  He has performed at benefit concerts around the world include the Memorial Concert at Ground Zero and the Music of Asia festival for the Indian tsunami appeal.

Awards And Achievements

•    Sold more than 80 million records worldwide
•    World Music Award for Best Italian Singer, 1998
•    World Music Award for Best Classical Interpretation, 1998
•    Grammy nominee for Best New Artist, 1999
•    Academy Award nominee for Best Original Song, "The Prayer" duet with Celine Dion, 1999
•    Classical BRIT Award for Best selling classical album, 2000
•    Classical BRIT Award for Album of the year, 2000
•    World Music Award for World best selling classical artist, 2002
•    World Music Award for Best selling Italian artist, 2002
•    Classical BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, 2003
•    World Music Award for Best Italian Artist, 2006
•    World Music Award for World's Best-selling Classical Artist, 2010
•    America Award from Italy-USA Foundation, 2012

Summary Of Major Works

Albums:

•    Bocelli (1995)
•    Songo (1999)
•    Sacred Arias (1999)
•    Sentimento (2002)
•    Amore (2006)
•    My Christmas (2009)
•    One Night in Central Park (2011)
•    Passione (2013)


September 22 Horoscope

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