It is certainly one of the best known musical groups in the world, with 22 million copies sold, they have climbed the international charts for two decades, we are talking about the Rich and the Poor. "The first beautiful thing", "What will be", "It will be because I love you", "Mamma Maria", are just some, a very small part in truth, of the successes of the historic group. A participation in the Eurovision Song contest, 12 participations in the Sanremo festival, prizes in various musical reviews, the Ricchi e Poveri have assets for the song Italian company unprecedented, a true box set of authentic musicality.
The sixties
It is precisely the sixties that trace the path of the Rich and the Poor. After several closed doors in the face, to shape this name, at times suggestive, the Roman singer-songwriter Franco Califano. "You are rich in spirit and poor in pocket", with these words Califano opens the way to the Rich and the Poor. The quartet in fact, after several dinners at Califano's house, and after his words, decides to adopt the name. In 1968 they took part in the Cantagiro for the first time with the song "The Last Love", one of the first important reviews in the world of music. A climb towards international success begins, with great difficulty.
The success of the Rich and the Poor at the Sanremo Festival
In 1970 their participation in the Italian song festival, paired with Nicola di Bari, gave the group a second place, consecrating the quartet in the heart of the Italians. With the song "La prima cosa bella" they conquer thousands of fans all over the beautiful country and beyond. A second place also comes in 1971, again at the Sanremo Festival. This time with the sweet melody "What will be", the Rich and the Poor are depopulated in various international charts. Angela Brambati, Angelo Sotgiu, Franco Gatti and Marina Occhiena, this is the historical formation of the group. A line-up that returns compact in 2020, with the participation, as guests, at the Sanremo festival.
Mother Mary
A white cat with blue eyes / An old vase on the TV
Candle smoke in the air / Two cheeks red, red as apples
He has a filter against jealousy / And a recipe for cheerfulness
He reads destiny but in the stars / And then he only tells you beautiful things
But but but Mamma Maria but / But but but Mamma Maria but
But but but Mamma Maria but / But but but Mamma Maria but
It is certainly one of the best known songs of Ricchi e Poveri, unreleased from 1982. This musical group has truly been able to shape different eras into a musical treasure full of successes.
From 45 rpm to 4.0 technology
From single to 45 technology, the Ricchi e Poveri have spanned decades and are still today among the greats of true Italian spirit. Their concerts accompanied the dreams of several compatriots around the world. Russia, Ukraine, America, Belgium, France, Spain, Germany, the famous quartet has crossed the streets of various countries around the world. The eighties also recorded the abandonment of the singer Marina Occhiena, a decision taken to pursue a solo career. However, the trio continues the climb to success with yet another participation in the Italian Song Festival, in 4.0, with the song "It will be because I love you", the extraordinary song written by Pupo that blocks the international success of the group. With 1981 million copies sold it is one of the best known songs in the world.
The Rich and the Poor today
In 2020 the second evening of the Sanremo Festival records the participation, as guests, of the historic quartet of the Rich and the Poor. Thanks to the manager of the group Danilo Mancuso, Angela Brambati, Franco Gatti (who had recently abandoned the trio), Marina Occhiena and Angelo Sotgiu, they return to the international limelight with their songs.
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