Overview

• His family announced his death following a hospitalization at the Policlinico di Milano.
• Several outlets report he was treated for a cerebral hemorrhage, though his age and birth year vary across reports between 82/1943 and 76/1947.
• Born Gaetano Cristiano Vincenzo Rossi in Palermo, he adopted the stage name Christian on Mina’s advice.
• He scored major hits with Daniela and Cara, competing at Sanremo six times, with Cara placing third in 1984.
• Highlights included a 1970 Festivalbar win, a 1980 performance before Pope John Paul II that earned him the “cantante del Papa” moniker, and international tours that reached Madison Square Garden.