Luciano Pavarotti was a renowned classical singer and humanitarian, celebrated for his iconic performances with the 'Three Tenors' and 'Pavarotti & Friends'. Born on October 12, 1935, in Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Pavarotti was the first child and only son of two children to a baker, Fernando Pavarotti, who instilled a love for music and singing in his young son. His mother, Adele Venturi, worked at the local cigar factory.
Young Pavarotti showcased his multifaceted talents, winning the first prize in an international choir competition in Wales, UK, and playing soccer as a goalkeeper for his town's junior team. In 1954, at the age of 19, Pavarotti decided to pursue a career as a professional opera singer, studying with renowned tenor Arrio Pola, who discovered his perfect pitch.
After six years of intense study, Pavarotti made his operatic debut on April 29, 1961, as Rodolfo in La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini, at the opera house in Reggio Emilia. He later relied on the guidance of tenor Giuseppe Di Stefano, who helped him refine his craft. Pavarotti's international debut came in 1963, when he stepped in for Di Stefano at the Royal Opera House in London as Rodolfo in La Bohème.
Pavarotti's legendary partnership with soprano Joan Sutherland began in 1963, and he made his American debut opposite Sutherland in February 1965, at the Miami Opera. He was blessed with a voice of rare range, beauty, and clarity, which reached its peak during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
Pavarotti's humanitarian work was equally impressive. He founded and hosted the 'Pavarotti & Friends' annual charity concerts, which raised funds for various UN causes. He also sang with international stars, including Bono and U2, and established the Pavarotti Music Center in Bosnia.
Throughout his career, Pavarotti broke numerous records, including receiving the most curtain calls and the best-selling classical album. He gave his last performance in an opera in March 2004, as Mario Cavaradossi in Giacomo Puccini's Tosca at the New York Metropolitan Opera.
Pavarotti's farewell tour began in 2005, and he sang his signature aria 'Nessun Dorma' at the 2006 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Turin, Italy. However, his remaining appearances for 2006 had to be canceled due to an emergency surgery for pancreatic cancer. Despite his illness, Pavarotti's management anticipated that his farewell tour would resume in 2007.
Luciano Pavarotti passed away on September 6, 2007, at his home in Modena, Italy, surrounded by his family. His funeral ceremony was an international event, attended by celebrities and over fifty thousand music lovers from around the world. He was laid to rest with his parents in the family tomb in Montale Rangone cemetery near Modena.
