Andrea Bocelli

In the Beginning

Andrea Bocelli was born on September 22, 1958, in Italy. His parents were Edi and Alessandro Bocelli. They all lived on a family farm where they sold farm machinery and made wine in a small village. Bocelli's younger brother Alberto and mother lived in the family home, but his father passed away in 2000. Bocelli was born with poor eyesight. As a child, he had already begun to show a passion for music. His mother has even stated music was the only thing to give Bocelli comfort. When he was six years old he began piano lessons. Other instruments he learned how to play were the drums, flute, guitar, saxophone, trombone, and trumpet. He also sang during his childhood as well. He won his first singing competition at 14 years old. Bocelli went on to study law at the University of Pisa in 1980. In order to make more money, Bocelli also performed in the evenings at piano bars. He eventually completed law school and did in fact spend a year working as a court-appointed lawyer. In 1987 he also met Enrica, his future wife.

Career Accomplishments

Bocelli's career kicked off rather well. He's an Italian singer, songwriter, classical tenor, and recording artist. So far he has recorded 14 studio albums. Including classical and pop music. He's even completed nine operas, had three greatest hit albums, and has sold 150 million records worldwide. In 1998 he was even named as one of People's 50 Most Beautiful People. Bocelli has even been nominated for the Grammy Award “Best New Artist” for a duet he did with Celine Dion called “The Prayer”. The song won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Even going on to be nominated for an Academy Award. As if that wasn't enough success. Bocelli managed to get a listing in the Guinness Book of World Records for hold three spots in the US C Albums charts at once. Seven of his albums have skyrocketed to the top 10 Billboard 200 too.

Most Known For

Bocelli is well known for Sacred Aria. For its time the album became the best classical crossover to sell. Selling 20 million copies worldwide. Romanza is another one in 1997 that became the best-selling album by an Italian artist in the history of the genre. In more recent times Bocelli has been made a Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2006. On March 2, 2010, he received an honor as a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the contributions he has made to Live Theater.

Where Is He Now?

In 2006 Bocelli influenced his hometown, Lajatico, so much they build an outdoor theater called “Teatro del Silenzio”. He performs for one night only each July and is its honorary president. After his one performance, the theater continues to remain silent for the rest of the year. In October 2013 he also purchased another home in North Miami Beach.