Toto Cutugno is no more! Italian singer passed away at 80
Toto Cutugno, a prominent personality of Italian music, has passed away today at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.
The renowned singer-songwriter, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday in July, had been under hospital care for several months at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. Cutugno's international presence was significant, cementing his status as one of Italy's most beloved performers.
His triumph at the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest with the song «Insieme: 1992» solidified his position on the global stage.
In addition to his performing prowess, Cutugno achieved remarkable success as a songwriter, contributing compositions for esteemed artists like Dalida, Adriano Celentano, and Domenico Modugno. Cutugno's impact on promoting Italian music around the world was substantial, particularly in nations like Romania, Spain, Turkey, Germany, and Russia.
His composition «L’Italiano,» released in 1983, transcended language barriers, being translated into numerous tongues and recognized as a symbol of Italian cultural heritage.
Toto Cutugno's participation in the Sanremo Music Festival spanned fifteen instances, yielding one victory in 1980 with the song «Solo noi.» He secured the second position six times, presenting memorable performances with songs like 'Serenata', 'Figli', 'Emozioni', and «Le mamme». His association with being the «eternal second» of Sanremo, embodying the proverb «always a bridesmaid, never a bride,» was met with his characteristic irony and poise.
Cutugno's music held a special place in the hearts of Italians worldwide, particularly among Italian Americans who resonated with his compositions celebrating their roots and heritage.
