Paulo Conte

The craggy-voiced Italian singer, pianist and composer Paolo Conte was born in the northern city of Asti in 1937. His performing career began as a vibraphone player in local and touring bands (Saint Vincent Jazz Festival). He began songwriting with his brother Giorgio Conte early on and eventually began writing songs of his own. As a poet, painter and lawyer as well as a musician, he first earned attention during the late '60s and early '70s as the creative force behind hits from Adriano Celentano and Patty Pravo. Conte began his solo career with a 1974 self-titled LP, with subsequent efforts like 1987's Aguaplano and 1990's Parole Scritte a Macchina enjoying considerable success throughout Europe. 1998's Paolo Conte — a greatest-hits collection — was his first U.S. release.