Umberto Tozzi

Umberto Tozzi is one of the best-known and best-loved Italian singer-songwriters, a leading figure on the music scene especially in the 1970s and 80s, thanks to a repertoire that blends catchy melodies with lyrics of strong emotional impact. His songs, often built around themes such as love, loneliness and hope, have influenced countless Italian artists and, in some cases, have also been warmly received outside Italy's borders.

Born in Turin on 4 March 1952, Tozzi grew up in a family of Apulian origin and took to music at an early age, learning to play guitar and developing a passion for international rock and pop.

His musical career began in the early 70s as guitarist for the band Off Sound, with whom he played the local circuit. His first significant step came in 1974, when he helped write the song "Un corpo, un'anima," performed by Wess e Dori Ghezzi, which became a huge radio hit.

In 1976 Tozzi released his debut album, "Donna amante mia," which includes the title track and marks the beginning of his trademark style of catchy melodies and polished arrangements. However, it was with "Ti amo" (1977) that he achieved international fame: the song, included on the album "È nell'aria... ti amo," became a worldwide hit, staying at the top of the charts for weeks. The track also won the Festivalbar, establishing Tozzi as one of the leading figures of Italian pop.

The 80s were Tozzi's golden age. In 1979 he released "Gloria," another timeless classic that not only triumphed in Italy but also won over audiences abroad. The English-language version of the song, reinterpreted by Laura Branigan, topped the US charts, making Tozzi a landmark figure in global pop.

Over the course of the decade, his repertoire grew with further hits, including "Tu" and "Perdendo Anna" (1978), "Stella stai" (1980), "Notte rosa" (1981) and "Eva" (1982). In 1987 he took part in the Sanremo Festival alongside Gianni Morandi and Enrico Ruggeri with "Si può dare di più," an anthem to solidarity that won the competition and became a symbol of a positive, optimistic Italy.

With the arrival of the 90s, Tozzi turned to more intimate projects, exploring new sounds. He released albums such as "Le mie canzoni" (1991), a collection of his hits reworked with new arrangements, and "Il grido" (1996), which revealed more mature, reflective shades to his songwriting. During this period he also consolidated his fame abroad, particularly in Latin America, where many of his songs were translated and widely loved.

In the new millennium, Tozzi has continued performing live, losing none of his ability to move his fans. In 2006 he released "Heterogene," an album that revisits his musical roots with modern arrangements. In 2017 he celebrated 40 years in the business with an international tour and a new record, "Quarant'anni che ti amo," featuring duets with both Italian and international artists.

Since 2019 he has been on a long tour together with fellow artist Raf.

With more than 80 million records sold, Tozzi remains one of the most representative voices of Italian mainstream music.