Jimmy Fontana, born Enrico Sbriccoli, was an Italian actor, composer, and singer-songwriter known for his iconic hits "Che sarà " and "Il Mondo", which topped the charts in Italy and Europe, and left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Fontana was born on November 13, 1934, in Camerino, Italy. After graduating from high school, he moved to Rome to study Economics, but his true passion lay in music. He taught himself bass and attended local jazz venues, eventually dedicating himself completely to music. He adopted the stage name Jimmy Fontana in homage to American musician Jimmy Giuffre, and the surname Fontana was arbitrarily chosen out of the phone book.
Fontana started his own jazz band, Fontana and his Trio, with piano, bass, and drums, in the early 1950s. He met his future wife, Leda, around that time, and they had four children together. In the late 1950s, he turned to light music and began his solo career. His first success was "Diavolo" (Devil), which won him third place in the Festival of Barcelona. He went on to win the Burlamacco Gold with "Bevo" (I Drink) in 1960.
Fontana made his debut at the Sanremo Music Festival in 1961 with "Lady Luna" (Lady Moon), written by Armando Trovajoli and Dino Verde. His first single with RCA, "Non te ne andare" (Don't Go), was released in 1963 and written by Gianni Meccia and Lilli Greco. However, it was his 1965 hit "Il Mondo" (The World), composed by Fontana and Carlo Pes, and arranged by Ennio Morricone, that catapulted him to international stardom.
In 1965, Fontana made his debut as an actor, appearing in two musicarelli, "Viale della canzone" (Avenue of Song) and "008 Operazione ritmo" (008 Operation Rhythm). His music and acting careers continued to flourish, earning him a permanent place in Italian pop culture. Fontana's hits include "La mia serenata" and "Che sarà ", which has been covered by artists such as José Feliciano and Ricchi e Poveri.
Fontana was married to Leda and had four children with her: Luigi, Roberto, Andrea, and Paola. He passed away on September 11, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and unforgettable performances.
Jimmy Fontana's music continues to inspire new generations of artists and music enthusiasts. His contributions to Italian pop culture and his ability to transcend borders with his music have cemented his place as a true legend in the music industry.
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