Anna Oxa Essentials

Anna Oxa ruled the stage when she first competed in Italy’s famed Sanremo Music Festival in 1978—her self-assured, deeply emotive vocals threaded through opulent pop-rock arrangements. It was a powerful prelude to many imposing performances there in the following decades, including a winning romantic duet with gravel-voiced songsmith Fausto Leali. Seesawing between full-bodied rock refrains and a touching pop sensibility, Oxa is known for her sweeping interpretations and lasting appeal. Her dreamy, synth-y 1985 hit “A Lei” was used in Luca Guadagnino’s TV drama We Are Who We Are.