Riccardo Cocciante

Originating from French-Italian roots, singer-songwriter Riccardo Cocciante launched his musical path in Rome, Italy, once he had put together the group the Nations. Solo recognition arrived in 1972 upon the appearance of his opening full-length album. Poesia arrived the following year in 1973. Recognition on a wider scale, however, arrived with the arrival of Anima. That record contained the hit single "Belle Senz'Anima," scored by Ennio Morricone and cut in multiple languages. Concerto per Margherita supplied his next major success, the power ballad "Margherita." In 1983 the experienced Italian performer joined Virgin Records and delivered Sincerita, a ten-track collection captured in Los Angeles. Partnering with French-Canadian lyricist Luc Plamondon, Riccardo Cocciante began shaping a musical rendering of Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame under the title Notre Dame de Paris. The production reached the stage for the first time to strong effect in 1999.