Introduction
Ivana Spagna, often known simply as “Spagna,” is an Italian singer, songwriter, and author whose career has spanned several decades. Born on December 16, 1954, in Borghetto di Valeggio sul Mincio, near Verona, Italy, Spagna’s musical journey is marked by her versatility, from Euro-disco hits in the 1980s to powerful ballads in the 1990s and beyond. Her distinctive voice and dynamic stage presence have made her a beloved figure in the Italian and international music scenes.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Ivana Spagna’s passion for music was evident from a young age. Growing up in a small town, she began participating in local singing competitions, showcasing her vocal talents early on. Her love for music led her to study piano, which laid the foundation for her future career as both a singer and songwriter.
In 1971, Spagna released her first single, “Mamy Blue,” which was well-received and even covered by other artists, including the French singer Dalida and Italian crooner Johnny Dorelli. This early success hinted at the potential that would soon make her a household name. The following year, she released another single, “Ari Ari,” further solidifying her presence in the Italian music industry.
The Struggles and the Rise to Fame
Despite these early successes, Spagna’s career trajectory wasn’t straightforward. For much of the 1970s and early 1980s, she worked behind the scenes, honing her craft as a backing vocalist for renowned artists like Ornella Vanoni, Sergio Endrigo, and Paul Young. During this period, she also wrote songs for other performers, including popular acts like Boney M, Tracy Spencer, Baby’s Gang, and Advance.
Her work extended beyond songwriting; she also lent her voice to jingles for British television commercials, displaying her adaptability and range. Meanwhile, she performed in nightclubs across Northern Italy alongside her brother Giorgio, who performed under the name Theo. This period of intense work and dedication, often under the radar, was crucial in shaping her musical identity.
Breakthrough with “Easy Lady” and International Success
The year 1986 marked a significant turning point in Spagna’s career. Adopting the stage name “Spagna,” she released the single “Easy Lady,” which became an instant hit. The song’s infectious dance beat, combined with Spagna’s energetic performance style, resonated with audiences across Europe. “Easy Lady” quickly climbed the charts, starting in France and spreading across the continent, eventually selling around 2 million copies. In Italy, she received the prestigious Telegatto d’Argento at “Vota la Voce” as the revelation of the year and the Disco Verde at “Festivalbar” as the best new artist.
Spagna’s success continued with her debut album, Dedicated to the Moon, released in 1987. The album, featuring the hit single “Call Me,” catapulted her to international fame. “Call Me” achieved something no other Italian artist had managed before—it reached the number one spot on the European charts, surpassing global icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson. The song also made it to the UK Top 75, where it stayed for 12 weeks, peaking at the second position. This unprecedented success established Spagna as a major player on the international music scene.
Continued Success and Personal Struggles
In 1988, Spagna released her second album, You Are My Energy, dedicated to her father, Teodoro, who had passed away that same year. The album featured hits like “I Wanna Be Your Wife” and “Every Girl and Boy,” both of which were well-received. Another notable track from the album was “March 10, 1959,” a song dedicated to the Tibetan people, reflecting Spagna’s growing interest in social and humanitarian causes.
However, this period of professional success was accompanied by personal challenges. After a difficult breakup, Spagna took a step back from the spotlight and moved to Los Angeles. This period of reflection and renewal led to a shift in her musical style. In 1991, she released her third album, No Way Out, which showcased a more mature sound influenced by her time in the United States. The album was a success, and Spagna embarked on a tour in the U.S., expanding her fan base and solidifying her reputation as a versatile artist.
Evolution of Style and New Directions
In 1993, Spagna released the album Matter of Time, which marked a significant shift in her musical style. While dance music remained an important part of her repertoire, this album featured more ballads, showcasing her vocal range and emotional depth. This evolution in her music was a reflection of her personal growth and the broader changes in the music industry at the time.
The same year, she released Spagna & Spagna – Greatest Hits, a compilation that served as a milestone in her career, closing a significant chapter in her artistic journey. This compilation was followed by a series of projects that saw Spagna exploring new genres and experimenting with different musical forms.
In 1994, Spagna took on a new challenge by lending her voice to “Il cerchio della vita,” the Italian version of “Circle of Life” from Disney’s The Lion King. This was the first time she had performed a major song in her native language, and her rendition was widely praised for its emotional impact. The success of this project marked the beginning of a new phase in her career, where she increasingly embraced the Italian language in her music.
Transition to Italian Music and Sanremo Success
The mid-1990s saw Spagna making a significant transition to singing in Italian. This change was symbolized by her participation in the 1995 Sanremo Music Festival, one of Italy’s most prestigious music competitions. Her song “Gente come noi” (“People Like Us”) was a major hit, earning her third place and introducing her to a broader Italian audience. Following this success, she released her first entirely Italian album, Siamo in due (“There Are Two of Us”), which solidified her new direction.
In 1996, Spagna returned to Sanremo with the song “E io penso a te” (“And I Think of You”), which placed fourth in the competition. The accompanying album, Lupi solitari (“Lone Wolves”), was a commercial success, selling 100,000 copies in its first week. Spagna’s transition to Italian-language music was complete, and she quickly became one of the most prominent female artists in the country, winning the “Sanremo Top” award and receiving a Telegatto award for Best Female Interpreter.
The following year, Spagna released her third Italian album, Indivisibili (“Indivisible”). The album featured a hidden track, a cover of Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz,” and showcased collaborations with several international musicians. Although the album did not achieve the same level of commercial success as her previous releases, it further established her as an artist unafraid to experiment and evolve.
Continued Career and Recent Work
Spagna continued to participate in the Sanremo Music Festival, returning in 1998 with the song “E che mai sarà” (“And What Will Ever Be”). Although the song placed only twelfth, the album E che mai sarà – Le mie più belle canzoni (“And What Will Ever Be – My Most Beautiful Songs”) was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies. This album included her greatest Italian hits, along with five new tracks, including the Sanremo entry. That year, she also received her fourth Telegatto award for Best Female Interpreter.
In 1999, Spagna collaborated with Mario Lavezzi on the duet “Senza catene” (“Without Chains”), and wrote “One More Time” for Annalisa Minetti, further showcasing her songwriting talents. Her versatility as both a performer and a songwriter allowed her to remain relevant in the ever-changing music industry.
Spagna returned to Sanremo in 2000 with the song “Con il tuo nome” (“With Your Name”), which was accompanied by the release of the album Domani (“Tomorrow”). This album was notable for its mix of Italian, Spanish, and English lyrics, reflecting Spagna’s diverse musical influences. The single “Mi amor” was chosen as the summer hit of 2000, and its accompanying music video featured actor Paolo Calissano.
In the same year, Spagna delivered a powerful rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” during a special event on Canale 5, held in honor of the beatification of Pope John XXIII. This performance was a testament to her vocal prowess and ability to convey deep emotion through her music.
Literary Pursuits and Continued Evolution
In 2001, Spagna released the album La nostra canzone (“Our Song”), a collection of cover songs that paid tribute to the classics of Italian music. The album, produced with the help of renowned conductor Peppe Vessicchio, featured Spagna’s interpretations of iconic tracks such as “Teorema,” “Quella carezza della sera,” and “Eloise.” This project allowed her to reconnect with the roots of Italian music while showcasing her unique vocal style.
That same year, Spagna was invited to sing the anthem for the ChievoVerona soccer team, “Chievoverona Un mondo in giallo e blu” (“ChievoVerona A World in Yellow and Blue”). This unexpected project highlighted her versatility and willingness to engage with different aspects of popular culture.
In 2002, Spagna left Sony Music and signed with B&G Entertainment, marking a new chapter in her career. She returned to singing in English with the single “Never Say You Love Me,” and later released the album Woman, which included tracks in English, Spanish, and French. This album was a reflection of Spagna’s desire to reconnect with her international audience and explore new musical territories.
Spagna also ventured into literature, publishing her first book, Briciola, storia di un abbandono (“Briciola, Story of an Abandonment”), in 2002. The book, a fairy tale with an animal rights theme, was well-received and earned her the International Literary Award “Ostia Mare” in the Children’s Literature category the following year.
Recent Years and Legacy
In 2006, Spagna participated in the Sanremo Music Festival once again with the song “Noi non possiamo cambiare” (“We Cannot Change”), and released the album Diario di Bordo – Voglio Sdraiarmi al Sole (“Logbook – I Want to Lie in the Sun”), a reissue of her 2005 album with additional tracks, including her Sanremo entry. Later that year, she appeared on the reality TV show Music Farm, where she was one of the key figures.
Ivana Spagna’s career is a testament to her talent, resilience, and ability to adapt to the changing music landscape. From her early days as a Euro-disco star to her later success as a ballad singer and author, Spagna has continuously reinvented herself while remaining true to her artistic vision. Her contributions to music, both in Italy and internationally, have left a lasting legacy, and she continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Conclusion
Ivana Spagna’s journey through the world of music and entertainment is a story of perseverance, talent, and evolution. Her ability to navigate different genres, languages, and cultural contexts has made her a unique figure in the global music scene. Whether belting out a dance hit or delivering an emotional ballad, Spagna’s voice and artistry have left an indelible mark on the industry. As she continues to explore new creative avenues, her legacy as one of Italy’s most iconic singers remains secure.
