Massimo Ranieri

Massimo Ranieri, born Giovanni Calone on May 3, 1951, in Naples, Italy, is an Italian singer, actor, and television presenter. His career spans over five decades, encompassing music, theater, film, and television.

Ranieri grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Naples. Discovered at a young age by music producers, he was encouraged to pursue a singing career. Under the stage name Massimo Ranieri, he recorded his first singles in the mid-1960s. His breakthrough came in 1966 when he participated in Cantagiro with L’amore è una cosa meravigliosa.

In 1968, Ranieri gained national recognition with Rita, followed by Rose rosse (1969), which became one of his signature songs. He debuted at the Festival di Sanremo in 1969 with Quando l’amore diventa poesia and returned in 1970 with Vent’anni, a song that marked his transition into the mainstream Italian music scene. His subsequent appearances at Sanremo further established his status as a leading pop artist of the era.

Throughout the 1970s, he released a series of successful albums and singles, including Se bruciasse la città and Erba di casa mia. Alongside his music career, he pursued acting, starring in films such as Metello (1970) and La Sciantosa (1971), demonstrating his versatility as a performer.

Ranieri represented Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest twice. In 1971, he performed L’amore è un attimo, finishing in fifth place. Two years later, in 1973, he returned to the competition with Chi sarà con te, placing thirteenth. 

During the 1980s, Ranieri shifted his focus to theater, starring in classical and contemporary productions. His portrayal of characters in works by Eduardo De Filippo and William Shakespeare received critical acclaim. In parallel, he continued to release music, though his discography during this period was less commercially oriented.

In the 1990s, he redefined his artistic identity, blending Neapolitan tradition with modern musical elements. His album Ranieri (1997) revisited classic Italian songs, reaffirming his connection to his musical roots.

The 2000s marked a resurgence in Ranieri’s career. His participation in Sanremo 2009 as a guest, in duet with Barbara Gilbo, introduced him to a new generation of listeners. At the same time, he became a well-known television host, leading programs dedicated to Italian music and culture.

In 2013, he released Sogno e son desto, a theatrical and musical show that was later adapted into a successful TV program. The show combined music, monologues, and personal reflections, solidifying his status as a multi-faceted entertainer.

Ranieri returned to Sanremo in 2022 with Lettera di là dal mare, receiving critical praise. He continued to perform in Italy and abroad, celebrating his long career with extensive tours and new musical projects.

In 2024, he released Sempre nel cuore, an album revisiting his greatest hits with contemporary arrangements. The project was followed by a nationwide tour that blended music with storytelling, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences across generations.

During 2025, Ranieri returned to Festival di Sanremo again, this time with Tra le mani un cuore.