Born in Lajatico, Italy, on September 22, 1958, Andrea Bocelli is without a doubt one of the greatest singing talents in the world today. Raised on a farm, he was exposed to opera as a child simply because it calmed him. He has been blind since the age of twelve due to congenital glaucoma and a blow to the head sustained during a soccer game. Bocelli is the personification of the power of the individual to overcome all odds. His many achievements have proven that the words “blind” and “handicapped” are truly in the mind of the beholder, and that personal limitations cannot vanquish superior talent and ability. His singing career did not begin until the late 1980s when he began performing in piano bars throughout Italy. The money he earned from this job helped to pay for opera singing classes. Before that time, he earned a law degree from the University of Pisa.
In 1993, after a talent scout heard him sing at a party, he was awarded a recording contract. Soon after, he embarked on a wonderful and lucrative career, singing with the best and the brightest, including Luciano Pavarotti and Sarah Brightman, with whom he did his famous duet “Con Te Partiro” (“Time To Say Goodbye”). He has worked with Celine Dion, teaming up with her for the song, “The Prayer.” His hit song, “Vivo Per Lei” (“I Live For Her”), has been translated into many languages. Bocelli himself sings both the Italian and Spanish versions of the song as well as singing in Italian on both the French and German renditions of the number. His voice of gold has even been heard and enjoyed by the Pope.
Andrea Bocelli has been married since 1992 and has two sons, Amos and Matteo.
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