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Francesco Luigi Simone is an Italian singer-songwriter, composer, and television host, born on 21 July 1949, in Acquarica del Capo, Puglia. Known in his home country as "The Poet with the Guitar," Simone's reputation stems from his rich lyrics, which combine incisive storytelling with poetic depth. His career began in earnest with his victory at the Castrocaro Music Festival in 1972, performing the song "Con gli Occhi Chiusi (E i Pugni Stretti)." His breakthrough came two years later at the Sanremo Music Festival with "Fiume Grande," an international hit, especially in its French and Spanish versions. In 1976, Simone achieved Italian chart success with his LP Il Poeta con la Chitarra and the popular song "Tu e Così Sia." International fame, especially in Latin America, followed. His 1977 LP, Respiro, was particularly well-received, with its title track becoming an enduring fan favorite. The subsequent album "Paesaggio" (1978) saw his fame soar in Latin America, especially in Argentina, with his song "Paisaje" becoming a Spanish language classic popularized by the likes of Gilda and Vicentico. Simone's career continued to flourish in the 1990s, with his Spanish-language album La Ley del Alma (Y de la Piel) reaching Number 13 on the US Billboard charts. He nurtured future talent from 2008 to 2011 at Rome's Star Rose Academy, mentoring Cristina Scuccia, winner of The Voice of Italy 2014. In 2011, his song "Accanto," included in the John Real film Native, took home the Golden Globe for Best Original Song. A diverse and adaptable artist, Franco Simone has also delved into the world of symphonic-rock opera, collaborating with Gianluca Paganelli and Michele Cortese on the 2014 album, Stabat Mater. His 2021 full-length Franco è il Nome, including duets with Rita Pavone and Paolo Belli, marked the start of a fruitful creative partnership with composer Andrea Morricone. In 2022, he celebrated 50 years in the industry with a Chilean tour and a new album titled Simone è il Cognome, the second part of a trilogy that featured rearranged versions of his biggest hits as well as cover versions of songs by Franco Battiato and Mina.
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