Renato Carosone

Renato Carosone (Naples, 3 January 1920 – 20 May 2001 in Rome) was among the greatest figures of Italian music scene in the second half of the 20th century. He was also a modern performer of the so-called canzone napoletana, Naples' song tradition.

Early retirement

Carosone surprisingly announced his retirement in 1960, when he was still at the top of his success: "I'd rather retire now on the crest of the wave, than after being tormented by the doubt that yè-yè fashion and new armies wearing blue-jeans may wipe away all that I have achieved in some many years of work and worries".

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His decision caused an uproar. Some even suspected of obscure criminal threats.

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Away from the spotlight, Carosone turned to other interests, mainly painting.

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