Those of my generation have grown up watching Italian TV, listening to Italian music and reading about Italian superstars. Gianni Morandi is one of them.
Although Morandi is now 74 years old, attending one of his concerts, or watching him take part in TV shows, confirms how he still attracts crowds thanks to his versatility. And despite the fact that his classic songs now date back quite a few decades, when he interprets them it appears as if they have just entered the Italian hit-parade.
Morandi has been on the musical scene for more than half a century, with his first suċċess Accendi 100 all’Ora celebrating its 57th birthday this year. He took part in the most prestigious festivals and has given unforgettable shows in major theatres and arenas, not only in Italy but worldwide. Songs like Fatti Mandare dalla Mamma, Scende la Pioggia, Uno su Mille and La Fisarmonica are songs known by all.
Apart from ear-catching melodies, one must also appreciate Morandi’s lyrics. He was never afraid of presenting controversial songs related to issues that were hot and current at the time, such as the Vietnam War, in the famous masterpiece C’era un ragazzo.
Another milestone was surely his participation in Sanremo together with Enrico Ruggeri and Umberto Tozzi. Si puo’ dare di piu’ is still considered as one of the favourites and is also a regular in his concerts.
Morandi’s charisma can easily be described as contagious. Film producers saw in him a potential to attract audiences. In fact, he starred in various movies, mostly Italian productions that used to reflect current Italian society.
He was also a protagonist on local TV programmes, not only from a production point of view, but also as a presenter. These productions registered high prime-time ratings. The collaboration with Claudio Baglioni, Capitani Coraggiosi, was also another successful experiment, with sold-out concerts around Italy.
One cannot deny the energy that Morandi manages to transmit not only to his fans but also to those who follow him. One cannot describe Morandi without a reference to his sporty side. It was he who originated the idea of the Nazionale Cantanti, a football team that raises thousands of euros for charity annually. Apart from that, he is passionate about long-distance running. His participation in marathons spreads the message of how important it is to take care of one’s own overall health.
All this makes Gianni Morandi a complete person. A showman who, in spite of all the successes achieved, is still very humble. And it is this characteristic that after 50 years still attracts thousands to his shows.
In Malta we already had the opportunity to listen to Morandi live in 2007 together with Baglioni and Riccardo Cocciante. On Friday, April 12, we can once again appreciate this great talent in a concert at Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, Ta’ Qali.
The concert may be described as a journey that will transport us to the past thanks to his classic numbers, but at the same time it will be a present journey. Generations have grown up with his songs, love stories have developed and various life experiences have evolved.
This is Gianni Morandi – the past embraced with the future in everlasting melodies.