Gino Paoli (born September 23, 1934) is a seminal Italian singer-songwriter celebrated for penning some of the nation's most enduring musical classics. Born in Monfalcone and raised in Genoa, he launched his career with Dischi Ricordi, achieving early success with the single "La Gatta." He is best known for his 1959 masterpiece "Il cielo in una stanza"—a massive hit famously performed by Mina and later featured in the movie Goodfellas—and the 1963 track "Sapore di sale," which was arranged by Ennio Morricone. At the height of his fame in 1963, Paoli attempted suicide by shooting himself in the chest; he survived the incident, and the bullet remains lodged in his heart to this day. Following a hiatus, he returned to the spotlight in the 1970s with a more mature sound and briefly ventured into politics, serving in the Italian Chamber of Deputies for the Italian Communist Party from 1987 to 1992. In his private life, he had a long-term relationship with actress Stefania Sandrelli, with whom he shares a daughter, actress Amanda Sandrelli. In later years, Paoli faced legal scrutiny regarding a tax evasion investigation involving funds in a Swiss bank, for which he was acquitted in 2016 due to the statute of limitations.
About Gino Paoli
Gino Paoli (born September 23, 1934) is a seminal Italian singer-songwriter celebrated for penning some of the nation's most enduring musical classics. Born in Monfalcone and raised in Genoa, he launched his career with Dischi Ricordi, achieving early success with the single "La Gatta." He is best known for his 1959 masterpiece "Il cielo in una stanza"—a massive hit famously performed by Mina and later featured in the movie Goodfellas—and the 1963 track "Sapore di sale," which was arranged by Ennio Morricone. At the height of his fame in 1963, Paoli attempted suicide by shooting himself in the chest; he survived the incident, and the bullet remains lodged in his heart to this day. Following a hiatus, he returned to the spotlight in the 1970s with a more mature sound and briefly ventured into politics, serving in the Italian Chamber of Deputies for the Italian Communist Party from 1987 to 1992. In his private life, he had a long-term relationship with actress Stefania Sandrelli, with whom he shares a daughter, actress Amanda Sandrelli. In later years, Paoli faced legal scrutiny regarding a tax evasion investigation involving funds in a Swiss bank, for which he was acquitted in 2016 due to the statute of limitations.