Michele (singer)
Gianfranco Michele Maisano, best known as Michele (born 10 May 1942) is an Italian singer and actor.
Background
Born in Vigevano, as a child Maisano moved to Genoa, where he attended the Nautical Institute. He recorded his first single at age 14. Abandoned the name Michele Maisano, he obtained his first success as Michele in 1963 with the song "Se mi vuoi lasciare", which won the musical contest Cantagiro and ranked first in the Italian hit parade.[1][2]
In the sixties Michele then achieved some further successes including some cover versions to songs by Elvis Presley.[2] After a less successful period, in 1971, he got one another main success with the song "Susan dei Marinai", with an uncredited contribution to the lyrics by Fabrizio De André.[1][2][3] In 1970 Michele entered the competition at the Sanremo Music Festival with the song "L'addio", followed two years later by another participation with the song "Forestiero".[2] During his career Michele was also a music producer and an occasional actor.
Discography
Selected singles
| Year | Title | Position[1] |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Sono dannato | - |
| 1963 | Se mi vuoi lasciare | 1 |
| 1963 | Ridi | 3 |
| 1964 | Ti ringrazio perchè | 3 |
| 1965 | Dopo i giorni dell'amore | 8 |
| 1965 | Ti senti sola stasera | 15 |
| 1966 | Quando sei con me | 14 |
| 1966 | E' stato facile dirti addio | 9 |
| 1967 | Dite a Laura che l'amo | 17 |
| 1968 | Che male c'è | 20 |
| 1970 | Ho camminato | 17 |
| 1971 | Susan dei marinai | 10 |
| 1972 | Un uomo senza una stella | - |
| 1977 | Amico Elvis | - |
Studio albums
- 1963 Michele
- 1966 Se sei sola
- 1970 Ritratto di un cantante
- 1971 Vivendo cantando
- 1973 Cantautori
References
- 1 2 3 Dario Salvatori. Storia dell'Hit Parade. Gramese, 1989. ISBN 8876054391.
- 1 2 3 4 Eddy Anselmi. Festival di Sanremo: almanacco illustrato della canzone italiana. Panini Comics, 2009. ISBN 8863462291.
- ↑ Enrico Deregibus. Dizionario completo della Canzone Italiana. Giunti Editore, 2010. ISBN 8809756258.