Michele Zarrillo

Born in Rome on June 13, 1957, Italian vocalist Michele Zarrillo launched his career through short-lived early projects that nevertheless drew notice. At age 15 he made his recording debut as keyboardist for the art rock band Semiramis, whose 1972 release Dedicato a Frazz earned both commercial success and intense critical attention. After the group disbanded, Zarrillo briefly aligned with the symphonic rock outfit Rovescio della Medaglia, an affiliation that secured engagements at major venues, among them the Sanremo Festival in 1987. Recognition of his vocal skills soon followed, opening the door in 1990 to a collaboration with producer Alessandro Colombini. Two years later the album Now appeared, and Zarrillo returned to Sanremo, now performing as a solo act.

Fresh recordings continued over the ensuing years and met with approval, yet it was 1998’s Una Rosa Blu that established him as a significant presence on the European pop landscape. The project surpassed 600,000 copies sold and was subsequently adapted and re-recorded for Spanish-speaking audiences, spawning the major hit “Cinco Dias.” International momentum then enabled further projects, including a live album and extensive touring that introduced new original material to receptive crowds worldwide. In 2006 Zarrillo issued L’Alfabeto Degli Amanti and brought the songs to Sanremo for his tenth appearance at the festival.