Andrea Bocelli biography

Andrea Bocelli is a classical (pop classical) singer. Born in Lajatico, rural Tuscany not far from Pisa, Bocelli describes himself as a "product of the countryside". Born with poor eyesight, he became totally blind at the age of 12 following a Football (soccer) accident.

Despite his obvious musical talents, Bocelli didn't consider a career in music until he had studied law at the University of Pisa and had earned a Doctor Of Law degree. Inspired to pursue music, he studied with famed tenor Franco Corelli, supporting himself by performing in piano bars.

Today Bocelli has emerged as one of the most exciting voices of contemporary opera and has been called "the fourth tenor". Bocelli possesses a very unique gift - a beautiful, natural voice that communicates directly from the heart. His good friend Celine Dion described his voice once saying... "If God had a singing voice, it would sound much like Andrea Bocelli."

In 1996 and 1997 Andrea Bocelli exploded on album charts across the world, with the international debut album, Romanza, a collection of passionate popular songs. Conquering Europe, then charts around the world, the album amassed a multitude of platinum and multi-platinum awards, with worldwide sales in excess of 16 million copies to date. Selling an impressive 500,000 copies in the Far East, one million in Italy, and more than three million in Latin America and Spain, the album also contained “Vivere ”, “Il Mare Calmo Della Sera,” and the title track, “Romanza,” all of which feature on the new Best Of collection.