Edoardo Bennato

by Drago BonacichItalian Edoardo Bennato got involved in music in the early '70s after moving from Naples to Milan to study architecture at the age of 18. In 1973, his debut album, called Non Farti Cadere Le Braccia, was produced by Sandro Colombini, followed by 1974's I Buoni E I Cattivi and 1975's Lo Che Non Sono L'imperatore. In 1977, Edoardo Bennato became the first Italian artist to make video clips, debuting with "Il Grillo Parlante," "La Fata," and "Mangiafuoco" from his album Il Gatto E La Volpe, which is based on Pinoccio's fable. In June of 1978, the musician opened a new season of major music events in Naples, while playing at San Paolo stadium. Edoardo Bennato's performance at New York's Apollo theater in 1987, was released under the name of Edoardo Live. In 1990 the artist recorded along with singer Gianna Nannini a song called "Un' Estate Italiana," (An Italian Summer), inspired by the worldwide soccer championship.