In Memoriam
Luciano Pavarotti
October 12, 1935 – September 6, 2007 · aged 71
Operatic Pop · Classical
Known worldwide as 'The King of the High Cs,' Luciano Pavarotti was arguably the most commercially successful and beloved operatic tenor of all time. Born in Modena, Italy, in 1935, his crystalline, powerful voice and charismatic, larger-than-life personality brought opera to the global masses. His rendition of Puccini's 'Nessun dorma' became a global phenomenon, famously serving as the theme song for the 1990 FIFA World Cup. As one-third of The Three Tenors alongside Plácido Domingo and José Carreras, he performed for millions, shattering the elitist boundaries of classical music. He also engaged in numerous 'Pavarotti & Friends' charity concerts, collaborating with rock and pop stars like U2, Elton John, and Celine Dion. Battling pancreatic cancer, the legendary tenor passed away on September 6, 2007, at the age of 71. He left an unfillable void in the classical world, forever remembered as the man who gave opera a global, populist heartbeat.
Milestones
Nessun dorma, The Three Tenors, Miss Sarajevo
Also remembered in 2007
- Brad Delp (1951–2007)
- Dan Fogelberg (1951–2007)
- Ike Turner (1931–2007)
- Pimp C (1973–2007)