One of the most representative Italian popular singers, Claudio Villa
became famous nationwide in 1955, when he won the Sanremo Song Festival
for the first time. During his career he won that prestigious award
three more times (1957, 1962 and 1967), recorded more than 3,000 songs,
sold 45 million records worldwide, and starred in 25 musical
movies.
On his gravestone were carved the words "Life, you are fine. Death, you
stink".
He has one daughter, Manuela Villa and one son, Claudio, from his long relationship with Noemi Garafolo in the 60's. Grandfather of Jacopo (Manuela's son).
Claudio and his second wife Patrizia had an age difference of 31 years;
she was just 18 when they married. They had two daughters: Andrea Celeste (b.1980) and Aurora (b.1981).