Ornella Vanoni, the celebrated Italian singer known for a career spanning seven decades and international hits like “Senza Fine” and “L’appuntamento,” has passed away at the age of 91. The beloved performer died of cardiac arrest at her home in Milan. Her death prompted an outpouring of grief, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressing deep sorrow, stating that Vanoni’s “unmistakable voice” left an indelible mark on Italian culture for generations, and that Italy has lost a unique artist with an unrepeatable artistic heritage.

Vanoni’s prolific career saw her record over 100 albums, selling more than 55 million copies worldwide. These achievements cemented her iconic status among generations of fans and earned her the moniker “The Lady of Italian Song.” Born in Milan in 1937, Vanoni initially pursued theater, even performing on Broadway in 1964. However, her profound passion for music, combined with a highly personal and sophisticated performing style and a vast repertoire that encompassed jazz and pop, led her to collaborate with some of the most influential songwriters in Italy and abroad.

A significant milestone in her career was her partnership and romantic relationship with famed Genovese singer-songwriter Gino Paoli, which resulted in the 1961 hit “Senza Fine.” This song catapulted her onto the international stage. Her extensive list of collaborations also included renowned artists such as Gil Evans, Herbie Hancock, and George Benson, showcasing her versatility and global appeal.

Vanoni achieved considerable success in numerous prestigious Italian music festivals, including the country’s most popular event, the Sanremo Music Festival, where she participated eight times. She notably secured second place in 1968 with the song “Casa Bianca.” Her talents extended beyond singing into songwriting, a skill that was recognized with two prestigious Tenco Awards. This made her the only Italian singer to win the prize as a songwriter and the only woman to have received it twice.

In her later years, Vanoni remained a much sought-after guest on television programs. This popularity was attributed to her unpredictable nature, the wealth of anecdotes she readily shared, and her complete indifference to political correctness, which endeared her to audiences and cemented her legacy as a truly unique figure in Italian entertainment.