Sadness has swept across Italy following the death of beloved singer Peppino Di Capri at the age of 87. Born Giuseppe Faiella on 27 July 1939 on the island of Capri, he adopted his stage name from his hometown — a fitting tribute to his roots.
A Pioneer of Italian Music
By the 1960s, Di Capri had already risen to prominence as one of Italy’s most recognizable voices. His repertoire included enduring hits such as “Roberta,” “Champagne,” and “Let’s Twist Again.” He won the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival twice — a hallmark of artistic recognition in Italian popular music.
A Lifelong Career
His musical journey began remarkably early: at just five years old, he performed for American soldiers stationed on Capri after World War II. Over decades, he maintained a vibrant presence on stage and screen, with his final public performance taking place about a year ago alongside his son, Eduardo, and the band Capri Rockers.
In recent months, Italy’s national broadcaster RAI honored his legacy with a special documentary series titled Champagne, reflecting both his iconic song and the effervescence of his long career.