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.

The beginnings

Renato Carosone studied piano at Naples's Conservatory and obtained his diploma in 1937, when he was just 17. He soon signed a contract as a band leader for a tour of Africa. After that job, he ended up in Addis Ababa working as a pianoplayer. In a short while he became quite famous there and had several gigs as band leader.

Related Topics:
Piano - Conservatory - 1937 - Band leader - Africa - Addis Ababa

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He returned to Italy only in 1946, after the end of World War II.

Related Topics:
Italy - 1946 - World War II

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Those ten years spent abroad had exposed him to new rhythms and new sounds, but, in spite of his international success, Renato Carosone was a stranger to the Italian audience. He had to start his career afresh, playing the piano in some small dance-hall bands.

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