Born in Monfalcone, in early childhood Gino Paoli moved to Genoa, the Italian city with which he became associated and that he called home. Singing in local bands, Paoli was discovered by Dischi Ricordi, which began releasing his singles. Beginning in 1960 the songs that would come to define him -- including "Sassi," of which 300 versions were eventually recorded -- were issued. Despite his success, the '60s were tumultuous years for Paoli, and he took a break from music. He returned in 1971 with Le Due Facce Dell'Amore, and one of his most beloved albums, I Semafori Rossi Non Sono Dio (a tribute to Spanish singer Joan Manuel Serrat), arrived in 1974. Paoli continued releasing nearly an album a year over the ensuing decades. ~ Marisa Brown