Cutugno with his wife. Biography

The first breakthrough to fame for the famous Italian composer and performer of his own songs, Toto Cutugno, was "Africa", written in 1974 for Joe Dassin. From this most popular hit of the twentieth century, the composer began to order songs by famous performers in France and Italy: Mireille Mathieu, Johnny Holliday, Delilah, Adriano Chelntano and many others. In 1983, the famous all over the world and beloved by millions of Italians "Señor Pesnya", performed on stage another unforgettable hit - "L'italiano", known in Russia as "Lashata mi kantare". Toto Cutugno's wife, Karla, remains a faithful friend of his whole life.

They met in 1967 at the Dragon Club in the seaside resort of Lignano Sabbiadoro and got married in October 1971. The young aspiring musician was then 27 years old and he sang with his brother and friends in the group "Toto and Tati", earning a living from this. Karla is a girl from a wealthy family who supported her husband financially. Her parents bought an apartment for their young husband and helped pay the bills. Financial well-being in everyday life had a positive effect on the composer's work. He began to gain weight in the artistic environment and he had good orders. Cutugno's songs spread all over the world and his name became famous.

When it turned out that the newlyweds would soon have twins, the unexpected happened. Doctors, fearing for Karla's health, advised her to get rid of pregnancy and this became the reason for infertility. Despite the terrible grief, their family did not break up: the Cutugno couple remained together. Toto achieved success and popularity, became one of the most demanded composers in Italy and often performed at concerts himself. He was an ardent Italian man and, according to his confession, sometimes allowed himself casual connections with fans who followed the famous maestro in droves. Speaking about this, Cutugno emphasized that temptation in such situations is quite a common thing, but his wife has always remained the "woman of his heart". However, one of the connections that happened at the very peak of his creative success made him change.

During the flight on the plane, he drew attention to the beautiful flight attendant and met Christina Lancha, falling in love with her without memory: "I loved my wife, but I was shocked by Christina ..." Toto recalled in an interview. This secret romance lasted 2 years and the bitterness in it, according to the maestro, was no less than joy. He deliberately asked Christina to give birth to his child, and in 1989 he had an illegitimate son, Niko. Toto's happiness knew no bounds and he was immensely grateful to Christina, but this could not last long. When Cutugno frankly told his wife about everything, it was a terrible blow for her. Karla took what she heard for a long time and this became the most severe punishment for Toto.

Karla, who does not have the opportunity to be a mother, after much thought, acted wisely and justly. She forgave her husband for betrayal and allowed him to see the child, bring him to their home. With Christina, she chose never to meet. How the Cutugno couple managed to regulate their further relations is unknown, but there were no external signs of discord between them. Growing up Niko became the main concern of a happy father and Karla supported him in this joy. Even as an adult, the son continues to be a treasure for the singer, about which he tries to know as much as possible. He was happy when the young man finished school well, entered the university and fell in love with a Greek girl.

Toto Cutugno appeared on stage for a very long time, continuing to give concerts. Everywhere he was greeted with impatience and joy. He traveled with performances to many countries and several times visited the Soviet Union, and then - in Russia. Sometimes he took Niko with him on tour and proudly showed the public his son, whose father he became on the threshold of his 50th birthday. Karla and Niko established a good even relationship and the singer was always immensely grateful to his wife for this.

After everything that happened in their family life, Toto and Karla became closer and dearer to each other and they accept all future troubles together. When in 2007 the composer was diagnosed with a malignant tumor, they fought the disease with redoubled courage and won. They say that the whole country followed the course of this struggle with bated breath and prayer: Italy adores its favorites. A few years later, there was a new relapse of the disease and again the caring and devoted Karla stubbornly and tirelessly supported her husband, preventing him from succumbing to the illness.

Now Toto Cutugno is already 73 years old, and 46 of them he lived in marriage with Carla. The family spends almost all the time in their villa on the seashore, from which you can see the sea, which Toto loves very much. Sometimes he allows himself long walks on calm waves on his own boat and rests in body and soul in his native element. True, now he is not allowed to go to sea unaccompanied by friends: Karla tries to protect her husband from unexpected dangers. Cutugno occasionally goes on stage to please fans and looks much younger than his age. We can safely say that this, too, is a considerable merit of the wife of Toto Cutugno, who was his guardian angel all his life.

We managed to talk with the Italian stage meter on Wednesday evening an hour before his solo concert at the Kirov Circus. A smiling Italian Cutugno, in dark glasses, black jeans and a white jacket, met us in a small dressing room. There were three chairs in it, one of them for an interpreter, a soft sofa and a large table. The table was already laid. For the singer's team, the organizers bought Abrau Dyurso champagne, Chivas Regal whiskey, Russian Standard vodka, coffee, Sprite, Fanta, Nizhneivkinskaya mineral water, sandwiches and fruits in advance. Before the interview, Toto lit a cigarette. The singer smoked almost throughout the conversation.

- Toto, I know that you have come to Kirov for the first time. Have you already seen the city?
- We arrived in Kirov very late. I overslept everything, unfortunately! After I woke up, we went to the concert rehearsal. Therefore, I have not had time to see anything in Kirov yet.

- How do you like our weather? Are you cold? I see that you are wearing a jacket.
- No, I'm not cold. And how many degrees are outside the window now?

- Five degrees.
- Well, I thought so. No, the weather is beautiful.

- Did you know anything about our city before coming here?
- I heard that your city is famous for toys. Yes, Dymkovo toys. I also heard that there are many museums in Kirov. I would love to see museums to get acquainted with creativity. But I think there won't be enough time.

- Toto, in your opinion, is Kirov very different from other cities?
- Well, of course, Kirov is different from St. Petersburg and Moscow. There is always chaos in these cities, terrible traffic. And it’s very good here, calm.

- Many visiting artists talk about the beauty of Kirov women. Do you agree with this?
- When I look at you, I am convinced of this. Yes, I agree that Kirov's women are very beautiful. I will admire them during today's concert.

- Do Russian women differ from Italians?
- Russian women are more romantic. They are beautiful. I really like Russian women!


- Toto, what do you pay attention to when you meet a woman?
- It doesn't matter if she is blonde or brunette. It is important for me that the woman is smart. And the main thing is that she understands me. I like women who envelop them with their care.

- Do women inspire you to be creative?
- Of course. Women, wine and music help me in my work. This is where I get my inspiration. I also draw inspiration from everything that happens in the world. I often write those songs that I would really like to live. Or in my songs I share the stories that I have experienced. It all depends on the state of mind.

- What kind of music do you yourself prefer to listen to?
- I listen to music that gives me emotions. I love classical music, jazz, I listen to rock. I love the Beatles. But I don't have any particular preferences.

- Years go by, but it seems that you are not changing. What is the secret of eternal youth?
- I really like what I do. When I go up on stage, all my thoughts and problems disappear at once. Stage and music are medicine for me. I couldn't live without music.

- Who of the Russian performers do you know?
- Several years ago I had two concerts in the Kremlin, where Russian artists sang all my songs together with me as a duet. It was great! We are friends with Alla Pugacheva. In general, many Russian singers are very talented. I really like the song "Moscow Nights". I love Russia.

- Toto, tell us about your closest people.
- My closest and dearest person to me is Niko. This is my son. My light. He gives me energy and inspiration. Niko is the joy of my life. We love to travel together. They are also my wife Karla, my family and, of course, my friends. We are with them all the time. I really appreciate friendship. In friendship, I am very faithful. This is sacred to me. (The door suddenly opens, Niko enters the dressing room, hugs his father, kisses him on the cheek and sits on his knee). By the way, meet my son Niko personally. Look at him. Niko, meet Russian journalists!
With his son Niko in the dressing room of the Kirov circus.

- Hello, Niko! You came on tour with your father. Do you travel often with Toto Cutugno?
Niko: I love my father very much, so I try to always be with him. I love to travel, discover interesting cities. Therefore, I came with pleasure to Russia with my father.

- Niko, what are you fond of?
Niko: I like music and girls! (smiles)

Toto Cutugno: He is all in me! We both like Russian women!

Niko: I also study at university and try not to miss classes. But as soon as I have the opportunity to travel, I go on tour with my father.

- Toto, what is the most important thing you put into the upbringing of Niko?
- I never imposed my opinion on Niko. But he became what I wanted to see him. I shared my experience with him, gave him my love.

- By the way, do you know that your friend, the Italian singer Pupo, will perform in Kirov on November 8?
- Give him a big hello from me! He is a very good person. Pupo is a wonderful artist. When you see him, kiss him for me. Deal? (laughs)

- Deal! Toto, thanks for the conversation!
- I will definitely be back! I love Russia very much. She is my second home. See you!

Interviewed by Lyubov Andreeva
Toto Cutugno and Lyubov Andreeva. Photo for memory.

Dossier
Salvatore (Toto) Cutugno, Italian singer, composer
Date and place of birth: July 7, 1943, Tuscany (Italy).
Achievements: multiple medalist and winner of the San Remo competition, winner of Eurovision (1990).
Family: Karl's wife (married 1971). The illegitimate son of Niko (born in 1988).

And others. He became famous after performing the song "L'italiano". In 1990 he became the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest. Cutugno is a favorite of the public all over the world, and the artist's compositions have long been sorted out into quotes.

Toto Cutugno was born in 1943, on July 7, in Fosdinovo, Tuscan, and received the name Salvatore. The father of the future composer was a sailor and knew how to play the tuba, so his son inherited his father's love for music and the sea.

When the child was 5 years old, the family moved to La Spezia, where the boy was sent to a music school in the trumpet class. But the all-round development of Toto led to the fact that he decided to learn how to play the drums, accordion, and guitar on his own. This was facilitated by the example of a father who gathered a group and took a seven-year-old son into it as a drummer.

At the age of five, the boy suffered severe stress, which influenced the future life of the future pop star. By an absurd accident, Sister Cutugno died, choking on lunch. The tragedy shocked the child so much that from a cheerful and carefree boy, Toto turned into a serious and thoughtful one. He laughed a little, and this is clearly visible in photos of any age, because in most of them Cutugno is pensive and sad.

The idea to write songs came to the boy in La Spezia, where Toto swam in the sea almost all his free time and dreamed of unexplored lands. This romantic state of mind led the guy to decide to express his emotions and feelings through music.

His passion for music resulted in collecting records, which the boy began to collect in the 50s of the last century, and today the singer's collection numbers about 3.5 thousand copies.

Music

Girls have always liked Toto Cutugno for his musicality and romance, but first fell in love at the age of 14. This period of his life coincided with the writing of the first song "La strada dell'amore", which the writer dedicated to his beloved.

The singer's career began at 13, when the young man took part in the accordion competition, taking 3rd place. Considering that most of the participants turned out to be several years older than Toto, this was a success for the young talent.

As he gradually improved his skills, Cutugno realized that the drum kit and accordion attracted much less attention than the piano. The young man is fond of jazz and as part of the jazzman G. Manuzardi's "G-Unit" group he goes on a tour of Scandinavia. Toto was then 19 years old. The concerts impressed the young musician, and the guy is convinced that he wants to connect his life only with music.

Returning from the tour, Toto gathers the group "Toto and Tati", where he invites his brother and three friends. The guys didn't really think about the repertoire, so they sang popular hits. Such a repertoire turned out to be in demand in pubs, restaurants, discos, therefore, in a couple of years "Toto and Tati" have traveled almost all over Italy. In concerts, the collective also included songs written by Cutugno.

Toto Cutugno's rapid growth as a composer began in 1974, when he met the poet V. Pallavicini. The result of their collaboration is one of the most famous hits of the 20th century - "Africa", sung by the Frenchman Joe Dassin.

Song of Toto Cutugno - "Et si tu n'existais pas"

The success turned out to be so overwhelming that Dassin asked Toto to write another hit for him, and it was "Et si tu n'existais pas", no less success awaited him.

After that, offers from French singers, K. François, D. Holliday, Dalida, M. Sardou, rained down on Toto. Cutugno's melodies were included in the set-lists of the orchestras, F. Purcell, and the Italian pop stars wondered why they did not know anything about the talented composer.

Toto's success as a composer turned out to be little, and he is making an attempt to try himself as a performer. The group "Toto and Tati", which still continues to exist, is renamed into a more sonorous one - "Albatross". Toto sends an application for the "San Remo - 1976" festival. The guys took 3rd place, and the song "Volo AZ-504" was released in France alone with a circulation of 8 million records.

In 1977 in San Remo "Albatross" with the song "Gran premio" was only in 5th place. Despite the fact that Cutugno did not expect to win, the artist was knocked down by such a result, but a series of failures had just begun.

Albatross song "Gran premio"

The group broke up, Toto had a falling out with Pallavicini, as the latter began to claim that Cutugno's success was solely his merit, and that he could make "candy" out of anyone. The blow from the friend's side was so strong that Toto could not bring himself to sit down at the piano again.

In the late 70s, confidence returned to the composer. The author continued to write songs for French and Italian musicians. Among the customers were O. Vanoni, Marcella, D. Nadzaro, "Ricchi e Poveri", the first ever soundtrack to the hit movie "The Taming of the Shrew" appeared.

Song of Toto Cutugno - "Solo noi"

In 1980 Cutugno went to San Remo and won 1st place with the song "Solo noi". After that, he regularly continues to participate in the competition, taking places from first to fifth, performing songs himself or giving hits to other performers. At the international level, the talent of the creator was also appreciated. In 1980 he won the Grand Prix at the Tokyo Festival.

In 1981, the singer released the album "La mia musica", and immediately in Spanish, English, French, because, in addition to Europe, the composer began to be recognized in Argentina, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the USA. "My Music" was included in the best albums of the singer in his entire creative career.

Song of Toto Cutugno - "L'italiano" ("Lashate mi kantare")

In 1983, Cutugno writes one of the most famous songs "L'italiano" (better known in Russia as "Lashate mi kantare"), with which he performs at "San Remo-83", and the album with a hit goes gold. The song did not take 1st place at the festival, but according to the results of the vote, the Italians bypassed everyone. In the same year, the musician presented a video for the song. Interestingly, this composition was originally intended for Adriano Celentano, but he refused it for some unknown reason.

In 1984, another hit "Serenata" ("Serenade") was released, after which the love for the Italian singer began in the USSR. The songs of the performer are heard in every home, and for the records you have to stand in queues.

Song of Toto Cutugno - "Serenata"

In 1985, the composer first came to the USSR, where he presented the best songs. During the 20 days of the tour, 28 concerts were held in Leningrad and Moscow, which were attended by 400 thousand people. The success is so overwhelming that Toto is invited to give two more private concerts and star in "Blue Light".

In 1990, a special guest sang the song "Gli amori" by Cutugno at the San Remo festival, after which Cutugno, imbued with the moment, declared that this was the last festival of the singer.

Toto Cutugno at the Eurovision Song Contest, "Insieme"

Back in 1990, Toto became the first at the Eurovision Song Contest, performing "Insieme", and the following year he played the role of co-host of the competition in Rome.

In 1995, Toto returned to San Remo, where he presented a new song "Voglio andare a vivere in campagna". In 1998, the singer was invited to television as a presenter in the program "I fetti vostri".

Toto Cutugno, "Benefit with Friends"

In March 2006, Toto Cutugno gave a concert in the Moscow Kremlin under the title “Benefit with Friends”. Others went to the main stage of the country to congratulate the master of the stage.

In November 2014, the singer visited Russia again. Then the musician visited the "Evening Urgant". Earlier, in April of the same year, he parodied the singer in the show "Just the same." The judges highly appreciated the artist's performance.

Toto Cutugno in the program "Evening Urgant"

In 2016, Toto Cutugno again began cooperation with Adriano Celentano.

In the same year, the artist performed in Russia on International Women's Day at Barvikha Luxury Village. The concert in Moscow was presented by the jewelry brand Pasquale Bruni. In connection with this event, journalists talked to Toto. In the conversation, the singer spoke about Russia as a second homeland. The musician shared that he fell in love with the country at first sight back in 1985 and since then carries this love in his heart.

Personal life

An attractive singer in his youth had success with the opposite sex (stately figure, height 185 cm), but all his life there is one woman next to him. Cutugno married Carla at the age of 27, whom he met at the Dragon club in the resort of Lignano Sabbiadoro, where the band was giving a concert.

The family dreamed of at least four children, but it did not work out. Karla's first pregnancy promised twins, but doctors dissuaded from giving birth, because there was a risk of death. After that, she could not have children. But children and family were always very important for the singer.

Toto has a son, Niko, who was born in 1989 from a girl whom the singer became interested in, having met during one flight. She worked as a flight attendant. The name of the one who gave the heir to the executor is Christina. The couple's romance lasted two years. Karl's wife knew what was happening, as Toto told her about it. Cutugno considered that before the world finds out about the singer's illegitimate son, his wife should confess everything.

In one interview, the musician shared that Karla took the news hard, but found the strength to forgive her beloved husband. As a wise woman, she did not deprive her husband of the happiness of fatherhood, and later Niko began to appear in the Cutugno house. The father helps him in everything.

In 2007, Cutugno was diagnosed with cancer, underwent a complex operation, after which he underwent a course of intensive chemotherapy and subsequent rehabilitation for several years.

For this reason, Toto refused to give concerts in Russia.

The disease has receded, and now the artist pays even more attention to health, especially swimming and daily walks.

Toto Cutugno is fond of football. The man is an avid fan of AC Milan. And thanks to his good game, the singer has pleasant associations with Ukraine. In addition to football, the performer loves auto racing and motocross, water skiing, spearfishing and tennis.

It is known that the artist does not use perfume - only after shave lotion.

Toto is very fond of roses, because these flowers symbolize perfection. It is the roses that Cutugno gives to women and prefers to receive from fans.

The musician has developed an official website where admirers of the artist's work can find out Toto's biography and information about upcoming performances, listen to their favorite compositions, and see photos.

Toto Cutugno now

Today the singer is healthy, energetic, gives concerts and tours.

In July 2017, pop stars of the 80s of the XX century gave a concert in Astana. Toto Cutugno's performance made a splash. The singer went on stage and performed the composition in the Kazakh language. According to the artist, the man studied the words of the song for three weeks. Before the performance, Toto apologized to the audience for the purity of the pronunciation.

Toto Cutugno in Astana

At the beginning of 2018, information appeared that the head of the Forza Italia party was considering the possibility of nominating Toto Cutugno as MPs to parliament.

In the same 2018, the artist went on a tour.

Discography

• 1976 - Volo AZ 504
• 1979 - "Voglio l`anima"
• 1980 - "Innamorata, innamorato, innamorati"
• 1980 - "Solo noi"
• 1981 - "La mia musica"
• 1983 - L`italiano
• 1985 - "Per amore o per gioco"
• 1986 - "Azzurra malinconia - Italia"
• 1987 - Mediterraneo
• 1990 - "Insieme"
• 1991 - "Non e` facile essere uomini"
• 1995 - "Voglio andare a vivere in campagna"
• 1997 - "Canzoni nascoste"
• 2002 - "Il treno va"
• 2005 - "Cantando"
• 2005 - Come noi nessuno al mondo
• 2008 - "Un falco chiuso in gabbia"
• 2010 - "I miei Sanremo"

NIGHTING ITALY - TOTO CUTUNO

No matter how strange it may seem, this singer and composer, who gained world fame thanks to the song "L'italiano", is more popular and loved abroad than at home. Of course, in Italy everyone knows, they sing his songs, but it was in the Apennines that the performer's work was constantly blown to pieces by critics, not finding something original in Cutugno's compositions. But the paradox is that the audience never agreed with their opinion - Toto was and remains a favorite of the public, who became the face of the San Remo festival, presenting a new hit on it almost every year, and then disappearing from the home stage until the next season. ...

Sea and music

In the Tuscan town of Fozdinovo, in the Cutugno family in 1943, a boy was born, who was named Salvatore, but mother Olga from childhood called her son Toto. Under this name he later became a famous singer. Baby and Cutugno spent his youth in the port city of La Spezia, where his father, Domenico Cutugno, a military sailor, was transferred. Father's love for the sea was passed on to his children. Toto still did not know how to confidently stand on his feet, but in the water he felt like a fish, and later disappeared on city beaches, dreaming of long journeys and deep feelings.

The father played the trumpet well and, like a real Italian, encouraged his son to study music. The boy mastered the drum kit, then learned to play the guitar and accordion. So music confidently entered the life of Salvatore. First, the young man graduated from school, and then entered the lyceum as an accountant, because the family considered it obligatory to obtain a document on the "real" profession. Of course, this "crust" of Toto was not useful, he did not work a day in his specialty.

First love road

At the age of 14, Toto learned what first love is, and under the influence of this feeling, the first song was born in his heart, which he called “La strada dell'amore” (“The Road of Love”). Later, Cutugno called her terribly ugly, but did that really matter. A start was made.

A few months earlier, Salvatore had entered an accordion competition, where he finished third. For the young man it was a great success, because his rivals were musicians much older.

Over time, he mastered playing the saxophone and piano, falling in love with jazz, and at the age of 19, he went on a tour of Scandinavia with the band of jazzman Guido Manuzardi. The tour was a tremendous success, and this determined the further fate of Toto - he decided to finally connect his life with music.

Returning from the tour, Cutugno forms the group Toto e Tati. It included Toto's younger brother, Roberto, and their three friends - Massimo Vigano, Gigi Tone and Lino Lozito. For a couple of years, the guys have visited many clubs and bars in different parts of Italy. It must be admitted that the performances of aspiring musicians were not always successful. They could not charm the audience with anything special, since they sang other people's, already popular songs, so they did not differ in their own style from hundreds of other Italian bands of that time.

Advantageous acquaintance of Toto Cutugno

In 1975, Cutugno's group Toto e Tati disbanded, but the singer collects a new group - Albatros. With him, he again toured the country, performing at discos and clubs. In one of these establishments, Toto was noticed by the famous Italian songwriter Vito Pallavicini. The musician invited Cutugno to his studio to get to know more about his work. After this meeting, Vito was simply amazed at Toto's composing talent. It was Pallavicini who opened the doors to the world of show business for Cutugno, he introduced him to famous musicians and helped to establish beneficial cooperation with them. As a result of this work, wonderful hits were born that have become an adornment of the repertoire - "Et si tu n`éxistais pas", "Salut" and "L`été Indien".

For the famous French singer Johnny Holliday, Toto created the composition "Derrierre l'amour" ("For love"), which was even included in his repertoire by the legendary Paul Mauriat.

Cutugno also works with his compatriots. He wrote several songs for ("Soli", "Non'è", "- Amore? - No!"), The Ricchi è Poveri group, Ornella Vanoni, Gianni Nadzaro and other performers. Also creates music for the tape "The Taming of the Shrew."

And with his band Albatros, the singer participates in 1976 in the San Remo festival. The composition "Volo AZ-504" ("Flight AZ-504") brings the musicians not only the third place, but also the love of the audience.

Conquest of San Remo

Since then, Toto's career has been rapidly gaining momentum. His hit "Donna, donna mia" was chosen as a musical intro to the program of the famous Italian TV presenter Mike Bongiorno. Cutugno was not sure that this song could achieve such success, but Bongiorno insisted that it be performed on the air by the author. "Donna, donna mia" was the leader of the Italian and French charts for over a month, inspiring Cutugno to travel to the San Remo festival in 1980. His performance with the song "Solo noi" ("Only the two of us") surpassed all expectations. The singer won first place! The song quickly became a national hit, it hit the top sellers and stayed in the top twenty for several weeks. By that time, the Albatros group had disbanded, and Toto began a solo career.

With the song "Francesca non sa", the singer goes to a festival in Tokyo, and at one of the the most important music forums in Italy "Festivalbar" he presented two songs: the composition "Innamorati" won the 4th place, and the "Olympic Games" won.

The next year Cutugno records the album "La mia musica", most of the songs of which, of course, are dedicated to love, because for Toto it is a synonym for the word life. From composition to composition, he sings this wonderful feeling. The disc was released in several languages ​​at once and sold in many countries. After the presentation of the disc, Toto went on tour in support of the collection in almost all European countries, as well as in Argentina, the United States, Canada and Australia.

Real Italian Toto Cutugno

But the real world fame came to the Italian only three years later. Then Cutugno performed his most famous hit - "L'italiano" at the festival of music in San Remo, which became his calling card. And even despite the fact that the composition was only in fifth place, according to the results of the audience vote, it was recognized as the best, and the walls of the Ariston theater hall literally trembled from a flurry of applause - on that day, temperamental compatriots did not skimp on emotions, throwing bouquets of the artist.

The public's love for Toto was unconditional. Finally, both viewers, journalists and critics found words that could characterize Cutugno's work and designate his place on the stage - a real Italian. With this song, the performer united the whole country. By the way, initially "L'italiano" was intended for Adriano Celentano, but the singer refused to perform it - he seemed to him too obliging and responsible.

At one of Toto's concerts in Canada, mostly Italian immigrants came to listen to him. Then Cutugno realized that it was they who, far from their homeland, had preserved the real Italian soul in themselves. It was they who remembered Italy as completely different, and not what it became after years. To these people, Toto dedicated his hit, which became world wide.

Doesn't stop there. He regularly participates in the famous Italian music festivals, winning prizes. His songs are well known to lovers of Italian music - "Le mamme", "Figli", "Emozioni", "Gli amori". And in Toto he wins the prestigious international with the song "Insieme". This gives his country the right to host the next year's festival, in which Cutugno becomes one of the leading celebrations.

Toto is invited to broadcast on domestic television, including on the country's main channel. He continues to write new songs, release albums and, of course, tour the world.

Long-awaited happiness

Outside the stage, he always remained a non-public person. Cutugno never gave long interviews, did not like social parties and other manifestations of stellar life, did not allow journalists to savor the details of his personal life. The singer believed that the listeners can learn everything they need from his songs. But this behavior only fueled the public's interest in his person. In the end, journalists unearthed one fact that Toto had been hiding for a long time.

He met his future wife Karla in 1967, speaking at one of the resorts. A few years later, the young people got married. Soon the singer's wife became pregnant with twins, but the doctors concluded that childbirth could be tragic for a woman. After that, she lost the opportunity to have children.

Toto dreamed of a child and after many years his cherished desire came true. After a short romance with a flight attendant, his son Niko was born in 1989. The singer confessed this to his wife and patiently waited for her verdict. He later said that he acted like a man, selfish, but could not help himself. Despite the insult and attempts to leave Toto, Karla forgave him and treated Nico like her own son.

In one of the few interviews, the singer said that, even having the opportunity, he would not change anything in his life, because he considers himself a real lucky and darling of fate.

FACTS

He never complained of health until he was diagnosed in 2007 cancer. The operation was successful, fans from all over the world prayed for the singer's recovery. But two years later, the disease returned again, and Toto was prescribed a course of chemotherapy. Fortunately, Cutugno managed to cope with the disease.

Since childhood, Toto has been collecting vinyl records. Now in his musical collection there are over three and a half thousand copies.

He participated in the music competition in San Remo 15 times. Sometimes several of his compositions performed by different singers competed with each other.

Updated: April 7, 2019 by the author: Helena

July 7 celebrates its 74th anniversary of the famous Italian singer and composer Toto Cutugno, which still enjoys no less popularity in our country than in its homeland. In the 1980s-1990s. his songs "Solo noi" and "L'italiano" were known by heart by millions of listeners. He is still actively touring, not getting tired of complimenting Slavic women, although he warns them against danger in his face.

The first music lessons were given to the future singer by his father, a military sailor, who was fond of playing the trumpet. From the age of 7, the boy began to play the trumpet and drums, then he mastered the guitar and accordion. Toto (Salvatore) Cutugno never received a professional musical education, he was a self-taught nugget.

He initially did not dream of the stage and appeared on it as a solo artist quite late. At first, he toured as part of groups, playing various musical instruments. Cutugno wrote his first songs at the age of 13, and became known only after 30, when Joe Dassin began to perform his compositions, and then Celentano, Mireille Mathieu and Dalida.

His first song contest took place in San Remo in 1976. Then he and his band Albatross took 3rd place. And since 1980, Cutugno took up a solo career, and in the same year the song "Solo noi" brought him victory at the competition in San Remo. 3 years later, at the same festival, he performed another hit - "L'italiano", which brought him worldwide popularity and became a visiting card for many years. And in 1990, Toto Cutugno became the winner of Eurovision.

Throughout his creative life, the singer has released 17 albums and a huge number of hits. He became a real national hero of Italy, who was loved abroad no less than at home. And among women, he enjoyed just phenomenal success - fans followed him everywhere. Cutugno did not hide the fact that he was married and would never leave Carla, but he had affairs. “I love women, I like everything about them, even the flaws,” says the singer.

Now Karla is already calmly reacting to the fact that her husband spends a lot of time with his illegitimate son, but once the news of his appearance became a real drama for her. But she had to come to terms with the singer's infidelity. In an interview, Cutugno admitted: “I am actually dangerous and very smart! There can be only one problem in marriage - infidelity. It is dangerous that at some point someone breaks down and cheats. But I'm an artist and I need inspiration. Yes, I was cheating. But I have only one woman of heart - this is my wife. Many women would like to be next to the famous artist Toto Cutugno. And with Salvatore, who at that time did not have a big name or money, there was only Karl's wife. She was from a wealthy family and loved me as a simple guy. For this I am very grateful to her. And today our love has grown into something more. "

He first came to the USSR in 1986, and since then the number of his fans in the countries of the post-Soviet space has only been growing. He told about his first visit: “Then I had no idea how popular he was in the Soviet Union. I had 15 concerts at Luzhniki, and then 14 in St. Petersburg. I remember that at every performance at Luzhniki I was accompanied by an escort of cars with special guards. The fans literally fell at my feet. To be honest, I was so shocked by the reception in the Soviet Union that for a long time I could not recover from this tour. "

The singer does not get tired of complimenting the Slavs and admits that they are more romantic than the Italians. But he warns fans against excessive fanaticism and exaltation. He says that he would never have agreed to a long-term relationship with a Russian woman - he would not have withstood the stress because of "an explosive mixture of temperament and melancholy."

In 2007, the singer was diagnosed with a malignant tumor. He underwent complicated surgery, several chemotherapy sessions and stopped performing for a while. But he managed to steadfastly endure all the difficulties, recover and, to the delight of his fans, return to the stage.

The actor still does not stop active touring and hosts several television and radio shows. Over the past 10 years, he has repeatedly visited Moscow, Kiev, Odessa, Minsk and Vitebsk. Despite the unflagging success and love of the audience, he speaks of his capabilities as follows: “I am a singing composer with more than modest vocal abilities and some ability to turn the audience on. This is not vocals - so, a conversation in a pleasant company. "

Until now, at concerts he is asked to perform the song "L'italiano", because this one has become music for all time