Albano Antonio Carrisi has sold over 165 million albums during a career spanning seven decades, establishing himself as a significant presence in international pop music. Born in Cellino San Marco in 1943, he gained early recognition for his four and a half octave vocal range and his extensive work within Italian, European, and global music markets.
Early Career and Commercial Breakthrough
Carrisi moved to Milan to pursue professional music opportunities. His career launched in 1966 with appearances at the Festival delle Rose and on television. By 1968, he secured victory at the Un disco per l'estate competition with the song Pensando a te. His 1967 release Nel sole achieved significant commercial success, selling over 600,000 copies in Italy within three months and earning a gold disc by July 1968.
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Beginning in 1970, Carrisi collaborated extensively with Romina Power. Over three decades, the duo performed throughout Europe and beyond, releasing tracks such as Dialogo in 1975. They participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1976 and 1985, placing seventh on both occasions. Their partnership garnered mainstream attention at the Sanremo Music Festival, including a first-place finish in 1984 with the song Ci sarà and multiple top-three rankings with entries like Felicità and Cara terra mia.
Solo Pursuits and Operatic Interests
Returning to solo performance in 1996, Carrisi released È la mia vita, followed by Verso il sole and Ancora in volo. Beyond pop, he recorded opera albums, achieving double platinum status with the 1997 release Concerto Classico. This album featured renditions of classical pieces including Una furtiva lagrima and Ode to Joy. In 2001, he was designated a Goodwill Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Citizenship and Recent Activity
In 2016, Carrisi was granted Albanian citizenship, reflecting his long-standing ties to the country. His television career has included appearances on the reality show L'isola dei Famosi and a 2015 concert at the Arena di Verona, which reached an international audience of 51 million. In 2020, he released a dual-language song promoting Latvia, further diversifying his discography.
Fast facts
- Born: 1943, Cellino San Marco
- Citizenship: Italy and Albania
- Total albums sold: 165 million
- Primary occupations: singer-songwriter, actor, winegrower
- Professional partnership: Al Bano & Romina Power
- Sanremo Music Festival participations: 15
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of his first name?
His mother, Iolanda Ottino, named him Albano because his father, Carmelo Carrisi, was serving in Albania during World War II.
Has he performed at the Eurovision Song Contest?
Yes, he competed in 1976 and 1985 as part of the duo Al Bano & Romina Power, and provided backing vocals for the Swiss entry in 2000.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: pop music and chanson
