Luciano Pavarotti

Date of Birth: October 12, 1935

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: September 6, 2007

Biography

Luciano Pavarotti, born on October 12, 1935, in Modena, Italy, was an internationally renowned Italian operatic tenor. He became one of the most commercially successful tenors of all time, recognized for his powerful and emotive voice. Pavarotti’s rise to fame began in the 1960s, with his international breakthrough occurring in 1963 when he debuted at the Vienna State Opera. He gained global popularity for his interpretations of works by composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti, and became a household name through his participation in the “Three Tenors” concerts alongside Plácido Domingo and José Carreras. These concerts, particularly the one held during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, brought opera to a broader audience. Pavarotti’s career was marked by numerous achievements, including Grammy Awards and the Kennedy Center Honors. He was also known for his philanthropic efforts, notably through his annual “Pavarotti & Friends” charity concerts. Pavarotti’s personal life included two marriages and four children. He passed away on September 6, 2007, in Modena, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of opera and classical music.

5 Interesting Facts about Luciano Pavarotti

1. Pavarotti initially trained as a teacher and taught elementary school before pursuing a career in music.

2. He held a Guinness World Record for receiving 165 curtain calls for a single performance.

3. Pavarotti’s recording of “Nessun dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot” became an iconic anthem for the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

4. He had a lifelong passion for soccer and was an avid supporter of Juventus F.C.

5. Pavarotti’s final public performance was at the 2006 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Turin, Italy.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Luciano Pavarotti

1. “People think I’m disciplined. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference.”

2. “Learning music by reading about it is like making love by mail.”

3. “If children are not introduced to music at an early age, I believe something fundamental is actually being taken from them.”

4. “Opera is one of the most important art forms. It should be listened to and appreciated by everyone.”

5. “One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Luciano Pavarotti achieved a net worth estimated to be around $275 million.

Children

Luciano Pavarotti had four children: three daughters with his first wife, Adua Veroni—Lorenza, Cristina, and Giuliana Pavarotti—and one daughter, Alice Pavarotti, with his second wife, Nicoletta Mantovani.