OMG, Ricchi e Poveri will reunite as a quartet for the first time since 1981 to celebrate their La prima cosa bella from 1970 in Sanremo 2020. As some of the readers might remember Ricchi e Poveri is the reason I started learning Italian, and that led me to living in Italy later and all things Italian. I am beyong excited!
Ricchi e Poveri was formed in Genoa in 1967 (a very good year, btw) by Franco Gatti, Angela Brambati, Angelo Sotgiu and Marina Occhiena. The beforementioned La prima cosa bella was their first real success, placing 2nd in Sanremo. The year after another success and 2nd place with Che sarà, and in 1981 international megasuccess with Sará perche ti amo that only placed 5th though. They finally win in 1985 with Se m'innamoro. They have done 12 Sanremos in total between 1970 and 1992. Oh, and one Eurovision in 1978 with Questo amore.
Marina is forced out of the group by Angela in 1981 just before Sanremo, not without a proper fight and a lot of money. For a man, it is said. Ever since the group performed as a trio and gained their biggest success abroad, especially in the 1990's travelling the world. in the 2000's they are main figures in the rising revival of the Italian music in the East: Russia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria....
2013 they were supposed to be in Sanremo and awarded for their career, but the night before Franco's son is found dead. Marina is present in the funeral. In 2016 Franco decides to retire and Angela and Angelo continue the legacy as a duo.
And now, 2020, they fab four are back together and it is rumored it's not only for Sanremo. Let's see....
Comments