Gino Paoli, Italian Music Icon, Dies at 91

Gino Paoli, a pivotal figure in Italian popular music, has died at the age of 91. The news, announced on March 24, 2026, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists, politicians, and fans alike.

A Legacy of Songwriting and Performance

Paoli was celebrated not only for his captivating performances but, crucially, for his skill as an author and composer. Giulio Rapetti, known as Mogol, a longtime friend and collaborator, described Paoli as a “grandissimo autore e compositore” (a great author and composer), expressing his sorrow at the loss. Source

Mogol revealed that Paoli had been feeling depressed recently, and while he attempted to offer encouragement, Paoli remained disheartened. Source

“Il Cielo in una Stanza” and a Collaboration with Mina

Mogol shared an anecdote about the creation of Paoli’s iconic song, “Il cielo in una stanza.” He recounted how he played the song, with its memorable lines like “il cielo non ha più pareti ma alberi” (“the sky no longer has walls but trees”), for Mina, recognizing its potential. Mina immediately loved the piece, leading to her recording of the song, a collaboration Mogol modestly described as simply “playing the song for her.” Source

A Poet and a Painter

Fabio Fazio, visibly moved, described Paoli as “a giant, a poet… but also a painter. His songs are paintings.” He noted that Paoli originally trained as a painter, a background that informed his lyrical and evocative songwriting. Source Fazio hosted one of Paoli’s last television interviews on ‘Che Tempo Che Fa’ on October 29, 2023, alongside Ornella Vanoni, calling it “a beautiful memory of two extraordinary, free and unique artists.” Source

National Mourning

The passing of Gino Paoli has been met with widespread mourning across Italy, with tributes pouring in from the music, entertainment, and political worlds. Source