Tiziano Ferro
Encyclopedia
Tiziano Ferro is an Italian
pop
singer. He reached notoriety in 2001 and during his career he has also sung in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese.
as a present, which was used to compose his first songs when he was seven.
He later started taking guitar
and piano
classes at a local conservatory of music
. When he was 16 years-old, he joined a gospel choir and during the same years, he started performing in piano bar
s and karaoke
contests.
In 1997, Ferro participated in the "Accademia della Canzone di Sanremo", a music contest created with the purpose to choose the contestants of the Sanremo Music Festival, but was eliminated during the first stage of the competition. The following year, Ferro participated again in the same contest, and despite being chosen as one of the 12 finalists, he did not make it to win the competition. However, during the selections, Ferro met music producers Alberto Salerno and Mara Maionchi
, and started to collaborate with them.
In 1999 Ferro also toured throughout Italy as a back vocalist with the Italian hip hop band Sottotono.
, "Xdono
". During the first months, the song received a poor reception, but it later became a hit and, after topping the Italian Singles Chart in September 2001, it was certified double platinum by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry
for sales exceeding 100,000 copies.
The song was included in Ferro's debut album, Rosso relativo
, released on 26 October 2001. Following the commercial success obtained in Italy, in 2002 the album was released in several European countries. A Spanish-language version of the record, titled Rojo relativo, was also released in Spain and Latin America. Rosso relativo obtained success in different markets and has sold more than 1,000,000 copies worldwide, according to EMI Music, allowing Ferro to receive a nomination for Best New Artist
at the Latin Grammy Awards of 2003
.
, recorded both in Italian and Spanish, produced by Alberto Salerno, Mara Maionchi and Michele Canova. The album was preceded by the release of "Perverso
", and also spawned the singles "Sere nere" / "Tardes negras", "Non me lo so spiegare" / "No me lo puedo explicar" and "Ti voglio bene" / "Desde mañana no lo se". 111 has sold more than 1,000,000 copies worldwide, topping the Mexican Albums Chart and being certified four times platinum in Italy for domestic sales exceeding 450,000 copies. Following the success of the album Ferro won Best Italian Artist at the 2004 MTV Europe Music Awards in Rome
.
In July 2004, Ferro also released in Europe his first English-language single, "Universal Prayer", a duet with British R&B singer Jamelia
recorded to promote the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens
, Greece
.
, was released in June 2006, following the lead single "Stop! Dimentica
", which became a number-one hit in Italy and Austria.
The album, described by music critics as more intimate and melancholic, obtained in Italy a success even bigger than his previous ones, reaching the Diamond certification for its domestic sales. The third single from the album, "Ti scatterò una foto", was also included in the soundtrack of the movie Ho voglia di te, directed by Luis Prieto
and based on the book with the same title by Federico Moccia
.
Nessuno è solo also features a duet with Italian pop singer-songwriter Biagio Antonacci
, while the Spanish-language version of the album includes "Mi credo", a song recorded with Pepe Aguilar
.
' s first edition's runner-up Giusy Ferreri
. The song became a huge success in Italy, topping the Italian Singles Chart for 12 non-consecutive weeks. Ferro also produced Giusy Ferreri's debut album, Gaetana
, containing 6 songs penned by him, including "L'amore e basta!", a duet between Ferro and Ferreri.
On 7 November 2008 Ferro released his fourth studio album, Alla mia età
, preceded by the single with the same title. Alla mia età debuted at number one on the Italian Albums Chart and became the best-selling album of 2009 in Italy. The Spanish-language version of the album is title A mi edad.
In November 2009, Ferro released his first video album, Alla mia età - Live in Rome, recorded during his concerts at the Stadio Olimpico
on 24 and 25 June 2009.
A few months later, Ferro was chosen to record the Italian version of Mary J Blige's single "Each Tear
", included in her album Stronger with Each Tear The song reached the spot in the Italian Singles Chart.
and set to be released on 29 November 2011 by EMI Music.
that after a long period of denial, he finally accepted himself as gay.
2003
2004
2005
2006
2009
2010
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
singer. He reached notoriety in 2001 and during his career he has also sung in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese.
Childhood and early beginnings
Ferro's interest in music was born when he received a toy keyboardKeyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
as a present, which was used to compose his first songs when he was seven.
He later started taking guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
and piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
classes at a local conservatory of music
Music school
The term music school refers to an educational institution specialized in the study, training and research of music.Different terms refer to this concept such as school of music, music academy, music faculty, college of music, music department or conservatory.Music instruction can be provided...
. When he was 16 years-old, he joined a gospel choir and during the same years, he started performing in piano bar
Piano bar
A piano bar consists of a piano or electronic keyboard played by a professional musician, located in a cocktail lounge, bar, hotel lobby, office building lobby, restaurant, or on a cruise ship. Usually the pianist receives a small salary plus tips in a jar or basket on or near the piano,...
s and karaoke
Karaoke
is a form of interactive entertainment or video game in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music using a microphone and public address system. The music is typically a well-known pop song minus the lead vocal. Lyrics are usually displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol,...
contests.
In 1997, Ferro participated in the "Accademia della Canzone di Sanremo", a music contest created with the purpose to choose the contestants of the Sanremo Music Festival, but was eliminated during the first stage of the competition. The following year, Ferro participated again in the same contest, and despite being chosen as one of the 12 finalists, he did not make it to win the competition. However, during the selections, Ferro met music producers Alberto Salerno and Mara Maionchi
Mara Maionchi
Mara Maionchi is an Italian record producer and a TV personality.-Biography:Mara began her career in 1967, as secretary in the Ariston Records press office, working with Ornella Vanoni and Mino Reitano...
, and started to collaborate with them.
In 1999 Ferro also toured throughout Italy as a back vocalist with the Italian hip hop band Sottotono.
Career breakthrough
In 2001, Ferro signed a contract with EMI Music Italy. On 22 June 2001, he released his first singleSingle (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
, "Xdono
Perdono
"Perdono" is a 2001 song recorded by Italian singer Tiziano Ferro. Released on June 26, 2001, it was the singer's debut single and lead one from his album Rosso Relativo, which was released four months later...
". During the first months, the song received a poor reception, but it later became a hit and, after topping the Italian Singles Chart in September 2001, it was certified double platinum by the Federation of the Italian Music Industry
Federation of the Italian Music Industry
The Federation of the Italian Music Industry is an umbrella organization that keeps track of virtually all aspects of the music recording industry in Italy....
for sales exceeding 100,000 copies.
The song was included in Ferro's debut album, Rosso relativo
Rosso Relativo
Rosso relativo is Tiziano Ferro's debut album, released in 2001. The first single of this album was "Perdono" which earned Ferro great popularity among Europe and the Americas. The sales of the album were so huge that Tiziano himself was surprised by this...
, released on 26 October 2001. Following the commercial success obtained in Italy, in 2002 the album was released in several European countries. A Spanish-language version of the record, titled Rojo relativo, was also released in Spain and Latin America. Rosso relativo obtained success in different markets and has sold more than 1,000,000 copies worldwide, according to EMI Music, allowing Ferro to receive a nomination for Best New Artist
Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist
The Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist is an honor presented annually at the Latin Grammy Awards, a ceremony that recognizes excellence and creates a wider awareness of cultural diversity and contributions of Latin recording artists, nationally and internationally...
at the Latin Grammy Awards of 2003
Latin Grammy Awards of 2003
The 4th Annual Latin Grammys were held in Miami at the American Airlines Arena on Wednesday, September 3, 2003. It was the first time the telecast was held outside of Los Angeles. Juanes was the night's biggest winner winning a record five awards including Album of the Year. He tied his own record...
.
Second studio album, 111
In November 2003, Ferro released his second studio album, 111111 Centoundici
111 Centoundici was Tiziano Ferro's second album, released in 2003. The album was a tremendous success, the album sold over 250,000 succeeding the previous album Rosso Relativo...
, recorded both in Italian and Spanish, produced by Alberto Salerno, Mara Maionchi and Michele Canova. The album was preceded by the release of "Perverso
Perverso
"Perverso" is a song written by Italian pop singer Tiziano Ferro.It was released as the first single from his second album 111 and achieved a huge success in Italy and Switzerland.-Track listings:...
", and also spawned the singles "Sere nere" / "Tardes negras", "Non me lo so spiegare" / "No me lo puedo explicar" and "Ti voglio bene" / "Desde mañana no lo se". 111 has sold more than 1,000,000 copies worldwide, topping the Mexican Albums Chart and being certified four times platinum in Italy for domestic sales exceeding 450,000 copies. Following the success of the album Ferro won Best Italian Artist at the 2004 MTV Europe Music Awards in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
.
In July 2004, Ferro also released in Europe his first English-language single, "Universal Prayer", a duet with British R&B singer Jamelia
Jamelia
Jamelia Niela Davis , best known mononymously as Jamelia, is an English singer-songwriter, model, entertainer, television presenter and actress. She is most famous for her use of a cappella and prolific work in the R&B genre...
recorded to promote the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
.
Nessuno è solo / Nadie está solo, the third studio album
Ferro's third studio album, Nessuno è solo / Nadie está soloNessuno è solo
Nessuno è solo is the third album by Italian singer Tiziano Ferro released by EMI on June 23, 2006 .The first single from the album was the hit "Stop! Dimentica"....
, was released in June 2006, following the lead single "Stop! Dimentica
Stop! Dimentica
"Stop! Dimentica" is a dance-pop song written by Italian pop singer Tiziano Ferro.It was released as the first single from his third album Nessuno è solo and achieved a huge success in Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain and Mexico...
", which became a number-one hit in Italy and Austria.
The album, described by music critics as more intimate and melancholic, obtained in Italy a success even bigger than his previous ones, reaching the Diamond certification for its domestic sales. The third single from the album, "Ti scatterò una foto", was also included in the soundtrack of the movie Ho voglia di te, directed by Luis Prieto
Luis Prieto
Luis Prieto is a Spanish-born film director, and screenwriter.- Early life :Prieto was born in Madrid, Spain. He studied economics and photography in Spain and film at the California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles where he graduated in 1994 with honors from the School of Film and Video.-...
and based on the book with the same title by Federico Moccia
Federico Moccia
Federico Moccia is an Italian writer, screenwriter and film director. His father Giuseppe Moccia was also a screenwriter and director...
.
Nessuno è solo also features a duet with Italian pop singer-songwriter Biagio Antonacci
Biagio Antonacci
Biagio Antonacci is an Italian singer-songwriter from Milan.-Early life:Biagio Antonacci was born in Milan and was raised in one of its suburbs . Despite learning how to play the drums at a young age, he had to study in order to obtain a diploma in surveying...
, while the Spanish-language version of the album includes "Mi credo", a song recorded with Pepe Aguilar
Pepe Aguilar
José "Pepe" Aguilar Jiménez is a popular singer-songwriter of ranchera, mariachi and pop music. Pepe is the son of Mexican icon Antonio Aguilar and folkloric actress Flor Silvestre.-Career:...
.
Alla mia età / A mi edad
In June 2008 Ferro co-wrote with Roberto Casalino the single "Non ti scordar mai di me" for X FactorX Factor (Italy)
X Factor is a successful TV show airing on prime time in Italy. The singing competition is the Italian version of The X Factor franchise...
Giusy Ferreri
Giusy Ferreri is an Italian singer-songwriter.In 2008 Giusy took part at the first Italian edition of the talent show X Factor, in which she came second....
. The song became a huge success in Italy, topping the Italian Singles Chart for 12 non-consecutive weeks. Ferro also produced Giusy Ferreri's debut album, Gaetana
Gaetana (album)
Gaetana is the debut album by Italian pop singer Giusy Ferreri,it was released on November 14, 2008 in Italy, and digitally in many other European countries....
, containing 6 songs penned by him, including "L'amore e basta!", a duet between Ferro and Ferreri.
On 7 November 2008 Ferro released his fourth studio album, Alla mia età
Alla Mia Età (album)
- A Mi Edad - Track listing :- Release history :- Charts and certifications :- Year-end charts :- External links :* *...
, preceded by the single with the same title. Alla mia età debuted at number one on the Italian Albums Chart and became the best-selling album of 2009 in Italy. The Spanish-language version of the album is title A mi edad.
In November 2009, Ferro released his first video album, Alla mia età - Live in Rome, recorded during his concerts at the Stadio Olimpico
Stadio Olimpico
The Stadio Olimpico is the main and largest sports facility of Rome, Italy. It is located within the Foro Italico sports complex on the north of the city. An asset of the Italian National Olympic Committee, the structure is intended primarily for football...
on 24 and 25 June 2009.
A few months later, Ferro was chosen to record the Italian version of Mary J Blige's single "Each Tear
Each Tear
"Each Tear" is a song performed by American R&B recording artist Mary J. Blige. It will be released as the second international single from her ninth studio album Stronger with Each Tear. The song is originally sung by just Blige on the U.S...
", included in her album Stronger with Each Tear The song reached the spot in the Italian Singles Chart.
Fifth studio album
On 14 October 2011 Ferro released in Italy the single "La differenza tra me e te", the first single from his fifth studio album, titled L'amore è una cosa sempliceL'amore è una cosa semplice
L'amore è una cosa semplice is the fifth studio album by Italian pop singer-songwriter Tiziano Ferro. The album was released in Europe on 28 November 2011 and it was preceded by the single "La differenza tra me e te", released on 14 October 2011....
and set to be released on 29 November 2011 by EMI Music.
Discography
- Rosso relativoRosso RelativoRosso relativo is Tiziano Ferro's debut album, released in 2001. The first single of this album was "Perdono" which earned Ferro great popularity among Europe and the Americas. The sales of the album were so huge that Tiziano himself was surprised by this...
(2001) - 111111 Centoundici111 Centoundici was Tiziano Ferro's second album, released in 2003. The album was a tremendous success, the album sold over 250,000 succeeding the previous album Rosso Relativo...
(2003) - Nessuno è soloNessuno è soloNessuno è solo is the third album by Italian singer Tiziano Ferro released by EMI on June 23, 2006 .The first single from the album was the hit "Stop! Dimentica"....
(2006) - Alla mia etàAlla Mia Età (album)- A Mi Edad - Track listing :- Release history :- Charts and certifications :- Year-end charts :- External links :* *...
(2008) - L'amore è una cosa sempliceL'amore è una cosa sempliceL'amore è una cosa semplice is the fifth studio album by Italian pop singer-songwriter Tiziano Ferro. The album was released in Europe on 28 November 2011 and it was preceded by the single "La differenza tra me e te", released on 14 October 2011....
(2011)
Personal life
On October 5, 2010, Ferro told the Italian magazine Vanity FairVanity Fair (magazine)
Vanity Fair is a magazine of pop culture, fashion, and current affairs published by Condé Nast. The present Vanity Fair has been published since 1983 and there have been editions for four European countries as well as the U.S. edition. This revived the title which had ceased publication in 1935...
that after a long period of denial, he finally accepted himself as gay.
Awards and nominations
2002- Italian Music AwardsItalian Music AwardsThere are a great number of music competitions that offer prizes for performance and composition in both classical and popular music. Prizes may be monetary, but may also be in the form of less tangible things such as scholarships, recording contract, concert performances, a chance to have one's...
- Nomination for "Best Male Artist" - Italian Music Awards - Nomination for "Best Album" for Rosso relativoRosso RelativoRosso relativo is Tiziano Ferro's debut album, released in 2001. The first single of this album was "Perdono" which earned Ferro great popularity among Europe and the Americas. The sales of the album were so huge that Tiziano himself was surprised by this...
- Italian Music Awards - Nomination for "Best Single" for "Rosso relativo"
- Premio Italiano della Musica - "Revelation of the Year"
- Premio Italiano della Musica - Nomination for "Song of the Year" for "Xdono"
- Festival di San Marino - "Best Male Artist"
- Festival di San Marino - "Best Album" for Rosso relativo
- FestivalbarFestivalbarThe Festivalbar was an Italian singing competition that took place in the most important Italian squares during summer, such as the Piazza del Duomo, Milan; the first time it was held was in 1964...
- "Revelation of the Year"
2003
- Latin Grammy AwardsLatin Grammy AwardsA Latin Grammy Award is an accolade by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry. Unlike the regular Grammy Award which primarily honors music produced in the United States, the Latin Grammy honors works produced anywhere around the...
- Nomination for the "Best New Artist"
2004
- MTV Europe Music AwardsMTV Europe Music AwardsThe MTV Europe Music Awards were established in 1994 by MTV Networks Europe to celebrate the most popular music videos in Europe. Originally beginning as an alternative to the American MTV Video Music Awards, the MTV Europe Music Awards is today a popular celebration of what MTV viewers consider...
- "Best Italian Act" - Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica - Nomination for "Best Solo Artist"
- Premios Oye!Premios Oye!Premios Oye! are presented annually by the Academia Nacional de la Música en México for outstanding achievements in the Mexican record industry...
- "Latin Pop Male"
2005
- Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica - Nomination for "Best Male Artist"
- Billboard Latin Music AwardsBillboard Latin Music AwardsThe Billboard Latin Music Awards grew out of the Billboard Music Awards program from Billboard Magazine, an industry publication charting the sales and radio airplay success of musical recordings. The awards began in 1990...
- "Latin Pop Airplay Track Of The Year, New Artist" for "AlucinadoImbranato (Tiziano Ferro song)"Imbranato" is a song written by Italian pop singer Tiziano Ferro.It was released as the third single from his first album Rosso Relativo and achieved a huge success in Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, France, Spain and Mexico...
"
2006
- Europe Music Awards - Nomination for "Best Italian Act"
- Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica - Nomination for "Best Solo Artist"
2009
- Europe Music Awards - Nomination for "Best Italian Act"
2010
- World Music AwardsWorld Music AwardsThe World Music Awards is an international awards show founded in 1989 that annually honors recording artists based on worldwide sales figures provided by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry . John Martinotti is an executive producer and co-founder of the show...
- "Italian Best-Selling Male Artist of the Year 2009"