Italian music world mourns Gino Paoli at 91

The death of Gino Paoli on March 24 at age 91 prompted an immediate wave of tributes from across Italy's entertainment, music, and political spheres. The family announced his passing in a statement requesting privacy, saying he "left us in serenity and surrounded by the affection of his loved ones."

Broadcaster Antonella Clerici interrupted her live program "È sempre mezzogiorno" to announce the news. She recalled meeting Paoli multiple times and said she loved his songs so much that she named a successful program "Ti lascio una canzone" after one of his compositions. He appeared on the show many times to perform it. Clerici also referenced the recent death of Ornella Vanoni, another major figure in Italian music.

Television host Carlo Conti posted on Instagram: "Un poeta in una stanza… Ciao Gino!" — a reference to one of Paoli's most famous songs, "Il cielo in una stanza."

Simona Ventura wrote on Instagram: "And after Ornella, you've gone too… Have a good journey and thank you for the emotions you gave us."

Enrico Mentana posted: "Goodbye, what an extraordinary life Gino."

Fabio Fazio described Paoli as a great poet and noted that "with his songs he painted."

Mogol, the celebrated lyricist who worked closely with Paoli, spoke to Adnkronos with visible emotion. "I'm deeply sorry. He was a dear friend, very, very dear. He was a great author and composer. Apart from his skill as a performer, I would like him to be remembered above all as a first-rate author and composer," Mogol said. He also disclosed that in recent times Paoli had been somewhat depressed and sensed that the end was near, wanting to challenge death.

Baccini recalled that Paoli "felt the end was near and was more angry, wanted to defy death."

Young Genoese artist Olly, who won the Sanremo Festival last year, posted a black background with the notes of "Il cielo in una stanza" on Instagram in remembrance. Alfa also recalled Paoli as "a giant of Italian music and a revolutionary."

The Genoa football club, of which Paoli was a supporter, expressed condolences on social media with the message "Finito il tempo di cantare insieme" (The time to sing together has ended). Paoli was born in Monfalcone in Friuli-Venezia Giulia on September 23, 1934, but grew up in Genoa. He was a Rossoblu fan and frequently attended matches at the stadium with his first father-in-law.

Ornella Vanoni, who died a few months ago, had previously recounted how meeting Paoli changed her life. Receiving an honorary degree in Music, Culture, Media and Performance at Milan's Statale University, she described seeing "an ugly boy playing badly" and asking him to write her a song. "He said yes, and it was Paoli," she recalled.

Regional governor Attilio Fontana issued a statement noting that Paoli's death "arouses profound sorrow" and remembered him as "a great interpreter of Italian music" and noted his experience as a member of parliament. Fontana called him "author of timeless songs" who "left an important mark."

Paoli's compositions include "Senza fine," "Il cielo in una stanza," "Sapore di sale," "Che cosa c'è," and "Una lunga storia d'amore."