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Italian Singer-Songwriter Gino Paoli Dies at 91
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 24, 2026
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Quick Summary
Italian singer‑songwriter Gino Paoli, a central figure of the ‘Genoa school’ and creator of classics like “Il cielo in una stanza” and “Sapore di sale,” has died at age 91 in Genoa, his family said March 24, 2026.
Gino Paoli, Influential Italian Singer-Songwriter, Dies at Age 91
Legacy and Life of Gino Paoli
Early Career and Musical Impact
ROME, March 24 (Reuters) - Gino Paoli, the singer‑songwriter who helped reshape Italian popular music in the 1960s with poetic, introspective songs such as "Il cielo in una stanza" (The sky in a room) and "Sapore di sale" (The taste of salt) has died at 91, his family said on Tuesday.
The Genoa School of Songwriters
Paoli was a central figure in a school of songwriters from the northern Italian city of Genoa, alongside Fabrizio De Andre and Luigi Tenco, who brought literary ambition and emotional realism to Italian pop music in the post‑war era.
Enduring Influence and Notable Works
In a career spanning more than six decades, Paoli remained an influential presence in Italian music well into old age, with many of his enduring songs recorded by other artists including Ornella Vanoni, with whom he had an intense love affair.
Signature Songs and Style
Known for his understated delivery and reflective lyrics, among the best-loved numbers he performed himself were "Quattro Amici" (Four Friends) and "La Gatta" (The cat).
Personal Struggles and Resilience
The 1963 Suicide Attempt
Prone to depression, in 1963, shortly after writing "Sapore di sale," Paoli shot himself in the chest but the suicide attempt failed and the bullet lodged in the pericardium membrane that surrounds the heart.
Reflections on Survival
"I wasn't enjoying myself anymore," he said in a 2022 interview with daily Corriere della Sera. "Seeing as I enjoyed myself a lot afterwards it's a good thing that it went wrong."
(Writing by Gavin Jones, editing by Keith Weir)
Key Takeaways
- •Paoli was a pivotal figure of the 1960s Italian ‘Genoa school’ alongside Fabrizio De André and Luigi Tenco, noted for bringing poetic introspection to pop music.
- •His most enduring songs include “Il cielo in una stanza,” “Sapore di sale” (arranged by Ennio Morricone), “Quattro amici al bar” and “La gatta.”
- •In 1963 Paoli survived a suicide attempt when a bullet lodged near his heart; he reflected in a 2022 interview that the failed attempt was ultimately a “good thing.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Italian singer-songwriter Gino Paoli dies at 91
1Who was Gino Paoli?
Gino Paoli was a renowned Italian singer-songwriter who reshaped popular music in Italy during the 1960s with introspective and poetic songs.
2What were Gino Paoli's most famous songs?
Some of Gino Paoli's most famous songs include 'Il cielo in una stanza,' 'Sapore di sale,' 'Quattro Amici,' and 'La Gatta.'
3Which city influenced Gino Paoli's musical career?
Gino Paoli was closely associated with the Genoa music scene in northern Italy.
4Did Gino Paoli collaborate with other artists?
Yes, Gino Paoli's songs were recorded by other artists including Ornella Vanoni, with whom he also had a well-known romantic relationship.
5How old was Gino Paoli when he died?
Gino Paoli died at the age of 91.
