Fausto Leali Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at Sanremo

Fausto Leali, the renowned Italian singer, will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival. This recognition celebrates his extensive career spanning over sixty years and thirteen appearances at Sanremo. Leali, who won the festival alongside Anna Oxa in 1989 with the iconic song “Ti lascerò,” continues to captivate audiences with his powerful voice.

Celebrating a Remarkable Career

Born on October 29, 1944, in Nuvolento, Italy, Leali began his musical journey at a young age. In 1961, he released his first single under the alias Fausto Denis. By joining the band I Novelty, he gained exposure by performing covers of famous Beatles tracks during their only Italian tour in 1965.

Leali made a pivotal transition to soul music in the late 1960s. His breakthrough single, “A chi,” released in 1967, became a significant hit, topping both Italian and international charts. As he evolved as an artist, Leali participated in various genres and returned to Sanremo regularly throughout the 1970s.

Memorable Sanremo Appearances

• 1970: “Hippy”
• 1972: “L’uomo e il cane”
• 1973: “La bandiera di sole”

Leali continued to make waves in the Italian music scene with hits like “Io camminerò” in 1976 and the interpretation of “Malafemmena” in 1980. His return to Sanremo during the 1980s proved triumphant, with notable performances including “Io amo” and “Mi manchi.”

Achievements and Recent Years

In addition to his Sanremo success, Leali’s career remained vibrant through the 1990s and 2000s, with popular tracks like “Perché” (1992) and “Ora che ho bisogno di te” (2002). His discography includes multiple platinum records, reflecting both critical and public acclaim.

In 2006, he released a new album titled “Profumo e Kerosene.” Leali also gained further popularity by participating in various television programs, such as “Tale e quale show” and “Ballando con le stelle,” showcasing his enduring appeal.

At 81 years old, Fausto Leali continues to enchant audiences, solidifying his legacy as a monumental figure in the Italian music industry. His performance at this year’s Sanremo promises to evoke nostalgia and celebrate a lifetime of unforgettable music.