“I first started playing in piano bars for three reasons - to make money, to be in the company of my friends - and also to hook up with young girls. I always knew, even before I played in piano bars, about the effect of my voice.”

Italian tenor

Andrea Bocelli is an Italian tenor who rose to fame in 1994. He is known for winning the newcomers' section of the 44th Sanremo Music Festival with his performance of "Il mare calmo della sera". That breakthrough brought him wide attention and established him as a major voice in popular classical and crossover music. His public image is tied to his singing voice and the song that first brought him to prominence.