While Italy may be well-known for its history, beauty and food, its music has inspired artists around the world and continues to grow a loyal fan base. Italian and Italian American singers set the bar by incorporating the richness of Italian culture and passion into their songs and performances. From New Jersey native Jon Bon Jovi to the vibrant tenor voice of Eros Ramazzotti, America Domani has highlighted Italian musicians that will take your breath away with their talent.
Jon Bon Jovi
Born in New Jersey, Italian-American rocker John Bongiovi Jr. has been the frontman of the band Bon Jovi since 1983. He first started playing the piano and guitar at age 13 and formed multiple bands before founding Bon Jovi with Ritchie Sambora, Alec John Such, and Tico. In 1984, the band released their debut single, "Runaway," breaking the Top 40 charts. The release of their Slippery When Wet album further catapulted them to fame, selling 28 million copies with major hits like "Livin’ on a Prayer" and "You Give Love a Bad Name."
Damiano David
As the frontman of the Italian band Måneskin, Damiano David has drawn attention with his edgy looks and signature voice. He is leading Måneskin with a raw, energetic, and distorted sound while meeting contemporary tastes and bringing back rock’n’roll to the top of international charts.
Eros Ramazzotti
With an impressive career that has spanned over 30 years, Eros Ramazzotti is a pop sensation within Italy and the Spanish-speaking world. In 1984, Ramazzotti first experienced success as a young artist at the Sanremo Festival. His song, "Terra Promessa", won the Newcomers' category and was released widely throughout Europe. As an international superstar, his voice evolved from gritty and earnest to sophisticated and polished. His distinctive tone has contributed to his success, from both a critical and commercial standpoint.
Tommaso Paradiso
Tommaso Paradiso came onto the music scene after forming the Italian indie pop band thegiornalisti in 2009. After great success for a decade throughout Italy, he left the band in order to start a solo career in 2019. Paradiso has credited singer-songwriters Lucio Dalla, Vasco Rossi, Antonello Venditti, and Luca Carboni as his main musical influences.
Tiziano Ferro
Tiziano Ferro has had a passion for music since he was a child. In 2001, his international hit single "Perdono" achieved great success and started his career as the modern face of Italian pop. His fanbase extends throughout the world since he frequently records music in Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, and English. Ferro is currently one of the best-selling and most recognizable musical talents in Italy as a recording artist - scoring numerous platinum records and winning many awards - but also as a songwriter for other artists like Andrea Bocelli and Ed Sheeran.
Jovanotti
Jovanotti is known to be one of the most important figures to emerge in Italian pop music since the late 1980s. He can be credited for (almost) single-handedly introducing rap, funk, and different strands of world music to Italian mainstream audiences. Jovanotti's career has been an incredible story of artistic growth - a willingness to transcend boundaries while continuing to make vibrant pop music.
Marco Mengoni
Marco Mengoni is one of Italy’s most innovative and greatly appreciated Italian singer-songwriters. In 2013, he triumphed at the Sanremo Festival and represented Italy at the annual MTV Europe Music Awards, winning Best Italian Act and Best South Europe Act 2013. Marco has seven studio albums that went 73 times platinum, over 1.8 billion streams, and nine live tours in big arenas and stadiums.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.