Luciano Virgili was an Italian singer born on January 25, 1922, in the Ardenza district of Livorno. Early in life, due to economic reasons, he worked as a dockworker and then a driver before pursuing formal vocal training in lyric singing at the Luigi Cherubini Conservatory in Florence under the encouragement of his friend, tenor Galliano Masini. His baritone voice—a rich, dark, and resonant tone—helped him gain recognition. Although his studies were interrupted by World War II, after the conflict he turned to popular music and quickly rose to prominence in the Tuscan live music scene.
Starting his recording career in 1948 with Fonit, Virgili later signed with Columbia Records and "La Voce del Padrone," where he stayed for about two decades. His repertoire included Italian popular songs and emotional ballads often steeped in Italian tradition and sentiment. Virgili remained active in music until around 1980, and he passed away on March 19, 1986, in Prato. He is remembered as one of Italy's notable voices in popular music, with a legacy of classic Italian songs.
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