1. Domenico Modugno is known for his 1958 international hit song "Nel blu dipinto di blu", for which he received the first Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
10 Facts About Domenico Modugno
1. 2.
The youngest of four children, Modugno was born at Polignano a Mare, in the province of Bari, on 9 January 1928.
3.
Domenico Modugno's father, Vito Cosimo Modugno, was a municipal police commander, while his mother, Pasqua Lorusso, was a housewife.
4.
In 1958, Domenico Modugno took part in Antonio Aniante's comedy La Rosa di Zolfo at the Festival della Prosa in Venice.
5.
Domenico Modugno reportedly used the money gained with "Nel blu dipinto di blu" to purchase a Ferrari his car was totalled in an accident, which included his fenders being smashed.
6.
In 1959, Domenico Modugno won the Sanremo Music Festival for the second time in a row, with "Piove", and received second place in 1960 with "Libero".
7.
Domenico Modugno was an actor in 44 movies, and was a film producer of two.
8.
In 1970, Domenico Modugno focused on more classic music genres and profiles, as a singer and as a musician, adapting poetry, acting on television and in lead singing roles in modern operas.
9.
In 1984, Domenico Modugno suffered a severe stroke and remained partially paralyzed; this forced him to abandon his artistic career and devote himself to rehab.
10.
On 6 August 1994, Domenico Modugno died at the age of 66, from a heart attack, on the island of Lampedusa, south of Sicily, while he was in his home by the sea.