Life and career
Born in Pompei on 14 August 1952 into a family originating from Mercato San Severino,[4] he was the son of engineer Francesco Chierchia, and teacher Franca Romana.[5] D'Angiò spent his childhood between the United States and Canada, following his father, before returning to Italy in 1963.[6] After completing his military service, he enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine at University of Siena.[5] As a music lover, and in need of extra money, he started singing in local bars, where he met record producer Ezio Leoni, with whom, inspired by Fred Buscaglione's artistic personality and style, he made his recording debut in 1979, with the single "È libero, scusi?".[7] In 1980, he obtained international success with his signature song "Ma quale idea", which sold over two million copies in Italy, and 12 million copies worldwide.[6][8]
He released several more singles and albums in the same style, notably "Un concerto da strapazzo", "Fammi un panino", and "Genoveffa".[7] By 1990, his recordings had sold over four million copies.[6]
Under the name Age of Love, he and producer Bruno Sanchioni released an eponymous track in 1990, which featured vocals by French dancer Valérie Honoré.[9] The vocal is often misattributed to Dutch supermodel Karen Mulder.[10] Starting from the late 1980s, he also worked as a television and radio presenter and writer.[6]
D'Angiò also composed songs for other artists, notably "Ma chi è quello lì" for Mina.[7][6] In 2024, he took part in the Sanremo Music Festival 2024 where he presented a new version of "Ma quale idea" together with the band Bnkr44;[8] the ensuing single was a hit, being certified platinum.[11][12]
In his later years D'Angiò faced multiple health issues, including throat cancer, lung cancer, and a stroke.[13] He died suddenly on 6 July 2024, at his home in Formello, at the age of 71, following a serious illness he had suffered in the preceding weeks. His family announced the news on his social media profiles. His funeral was held three days later in Pompeii, at the Church of SS. Salvatore, and he was buried in the local cemetery. The following day, the artist was scheduled to appear on TV, along with Bnkr44, in an episode of TIM Summer Hits, recorded on 12 June of that year in Rome and broadcast on RAI 1; however, his performance was not aired as a sign of mourning and was postponed to 19 July.[14]
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