Rome is dedicating its first show toone of its favorite late sons, singer-songwriter Rino Gaetano, who died in a car crash at the age of just 30 in 1981.
Calabrian-born Gaetano, whose anthems but Il Cielo E' Semper Piu'Blu , Mio Fratello E' Figlio Unico and Gianna, among others, are still regularly played on the Italian radio and TV, was famous for his satirical songs and oblique yet incisive political commentary.
He is remembered for his raspy voice, for the heavily ironic lyrics of his songs and his social protests.
The Rome show at the Museo In Trastevere, not far from whereGaetano started out at Folkstudio with the likes of AntonelloVenditti and Francesco De Gregori, runs from February 16 to April28.
It features his records and memorabilia including a black tophat given to him by Renato Zero, colorful sweaters sported in interviews, a dressing gown worn at Festivalbar78, and also personal objects like his passport, cameras, family photos and postcards, and the typewritten texts of his songs.
The show traces the artistic development of the still immensely popular tragic artist, who is believed to have had a little too much to drink on the night of his fatal crash.
"It will exhibit a real treasure trove of all the memorabiliajealously preserved by his sister Anna," said organizers.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA