Tony Renis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Renis
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Tony Renis in the 1990s
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Elio Cesari |
| Born | 13 May 1938 Milan, Kingdom of Italy |
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| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1958–2004 |
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Elio Cesari (born May 13, 1938), known as Tony Renis, is a famous Italian singer, songwriter, and music producer. He also acted in movies. He is well-known for his popular songs and for working with many big music stars.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Tony Renis was born in Milan, Italy. In the mid-1950s, he met another famous Italian singer, Adriano Celentano. They started performing together, doing impressions of American stars Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.
In 1958, Tony Renis signed with "Combo Records." He began releasing cover versions of Italian and American rock 'n' roll songs. He was the main singer for the band Combos.
Rise to Fame at Sanremo
Tony Renis first performed at the Sanremo Music Festival in 1961. His song was "Pozzanghere." This festival is a very important music event in Italy.
In 1962, he returned to Sanremo and became famous worldwide. He sang "Quando, quando, quando" which he wrote with Alberto Testa. Many people around the world loved this song.
The next year, in 1963, he won the Sanremo Festival! He won with his song "Uno per tutte." In 1967, he came in second place with "Quando dico che ti amo."
Hit Songs and Collaborations
In 1972, Tony Renis and Alberto Testa wrote another big hit called "Grande grande grande." The famous Italian singer Mina sang it very well. Later, Shirley Bassey sang an English version called "Never Never Never."
Many other artists have sung "Grande grande grande" over the years. These include Celine Dion with Luciano Pavarotti, Julio Iglesias, and Patrizio Buanne.
Awards and Achievements
Tony Renis has won several important awards for his work.
In 1974, he won the Nastro d'Argento award. This was for the best music he created for the film Brothers Blue.
In the 1980s, Tony Renis took a break from singing. He focused on being a music producer. He helped start the career of a young talented singer named Nikka Costa in 1981.
In 1999, Tony Renis won a Golden Globe Award. He was also nominated for an Oscar! This was for the song "The Prayer." Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli sang this song for the movie Quest for Camelot.
In 2005, he won a David di Donatello award for his song "Merry Christmas in Love." This song was from the movie Christmas in Love. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe.
In 2016, Tony Renis received the America Award. This award is given by the Italy-USA Foundation.
Music Releases
Tony Renis has released many albums and singles throughout his career.
Albums
- 1969: Tony Renis
- 1974: Graffiti
- 1976: Tony Renis
- 1976: Un grande grande grande Tony Renis
- 1989: Le più belle di Tony Renis
Singles
- 1958: Come prima/Ti dirò
- 1961: Pozzanghere/Lei
- 1962: Quando quando quando/Blu
- 1963: Uno per tutte/Le ciliegie
- 1967: Quando dico che ti amo/Mi perderai
- 1972: Un uomo tra la folla/Grande grande grande
Sports Music
Tony Renis also composed the official anthem for the famous Italian football club AC Milan. The song is called "Milan Milan" and he wrote it in 1988.
Film Appearances
Tony Renis has appeared in several films.
- Io bacio... tu baci (1961)
- Appuntamento in riviera (1962)
- Obiettivo ragazze (1963)
- Ischia operazione amore (1966)
- Quando dico che ti amo (1967)
- La ragazza del bersagliere (1967)
- Non mi dire mai goodbye (1967)
- Per amore... per magia... (1967)
- Totò Ye Ye (1967, TV movie)
- The Black Corsair (1976)
