In the world of music, the loss of a beloved artist can often resonate deeply with fans around the globe. Such is the case with the passing of Salvatore ‘Toto’ Cutugno, the renowned Italian singer-songwriter who achieved international fame with his hit song ‘L’Italiano’. Cutugno passed away at the age of 80.
Renowned for his heartfelt compositions and emotive performances, Cutugno’s musical career saw him amass a large following both in his home country and worldwide. His 1983 pop anthem ‘L’Italiano’ served as a charming representation of Italian national pride, celebrating its rich culture and traditions. Although the song didn’t make waves in the US or UK, it was a massive hit across Europe and even in the Soviet Union, which paved the way for Cutugno’s triumphant representation of Italy at the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest – a competition he went on to win.
Despite being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007, Cutugno continued to perform well into his sixties. However, his public appearances dwindled in his seventies due to ongoing health issues. He passed away in Milan’s San Raffaelle hospital.
Cutugno’s musical journey began in his hometown of Fosdinovo, a scenic town in Tuscany, Italy, where he was born on July 7, 1943. As a teenager, he honed his skills as a drummer and songwriter, even forming his own band. His talents were recognized in the late 1960s when he joined the disco band Albatros, and he also wrote songs for several well-known artists, including Johnny Hallyday, Joe Dassin, and Dalida.
His true breakthrough as a performer came in 1980 when he won the Sanremo music festival with his song ‘Solo Noi’ (Just Us). But it was the release of ‘L’Italiano’ in 1983 that propelled him to international stardom.
The song, co-written with Cristiano Minellono, was a vibrant tribute to Italian identity and pride. Its catchy rhythm and Cutugno’s passionate performance helped the song become an anthem that celebrated Italy’s heritage, people, and language.
‘L’Italiano’ found immense popularity beyond Italy, touching hearts across Europe. The song topped the charts in multiple countries, including France, Switzerland, and Portugal, and even found success behind the Iron Curtain, with fans in eastern Europe, Russia, and Georgia.
Cutugno’s legacy goes beyond the phenomenal success of ‘L’Italiano’. He continued to make his mark in the music world, winning the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest with the song ‘Insieme: 1992’ (Together: 1992), a song that embodied the spirit of unity in Europe before the establishment of the European Union.
