“Vengo Anch’io (No, tu no)” (I’m Coming too. No, not you) by Enzo Jannacci (1968)
The 1968 Italian Hit That Spoke for Society’s Outcasts Through Humor This song was written by Fiorenzo Fiorentini, Dario Fo, and Enzo Jannacci, and was … Read more
Il Torero Camomillo: The Children’s Song About a Napping Bullfighter
The 1968 Zecchino d’Oro entry that celebrated a bullfighter who preferred gentle pets over aggressive confrontation “Il Torero Camomillo” (The Bullfighter Chamomile) This is one … Read more
Popoff Lyrics Help Language Students Learn Peace and War Vocabulary
Teaching Italian with Popoff: A Zecchino d’Oro Pacifist Tale This is a children’s song from 1967, winner of the 9th edition of the Zecchino d’Oro, … Read more
The Katalicammello: When Children’s Entertainment Tackled Pollution Head On
A children’s competition entry mixed comedy with genuine environmental concern in late 1990s Italy Ylenia Recchia, in the 40th edition of the Zecchino d’Oro in … Read more
“Il Gatto Puzzolone” (The Stinky Cat)
When Italian Children Celebrated a Cat Who Refused to Bathe This is a children’s song, recorded by Piccolo Coro dell’Antoniano in 2004 and winner of … Read more
E la vita, la vita – And Life, Life
When Enzo Jannacci and Renato Pozzetto Turned Mundane Life Into Chart Gold This ironic and surreal song, written by Enzo Jannacci and Renato Pozzetto, is … Read more
“Attenti al Lupo” (Beware of the Wolf) by Lucio Dalla (1990)
Lucio Dalla’s Attenti al Lupo Became Italy’s Fourth Bestselling Single of 1991 This song, produced and arranged by Mauro Malavasi, was written by Ron and … Read more
“Una Zebra a Pois” (A Polka-dotted Zebra)
Una Zebra a Pois: The 1955 Italian Novelty Song That Mina Made Her Own This song was written by Lelio Luttazzi, Dino Verde and Marcello … Read more
“Viva la Felicità”
Bruno Bozzetto’s Mr. Rossi Became the Face of Italy’s Economic Boom Anxieties Mr. Rossi is a fictional character created by Italian animator and cartoonist Bruno … Read more
“Il Valzer del Moscerino” (The Waltz of the Gnat)
The 1968 Song About a Dancing Gnat That Became a Gold Record in 2023 At the 10th edition of the Zecchino d’Oro in 1968, the … Read more
“La Tartaruga” (The Turtle) by Bruno Lauzi (1975)
Bruno Lauzi’s Turtle Song Climbed From Fifth Place to Chart Domination This song from 1975 is a single written by Bruno Lauzi, composed by Pippo … Read more
“Le Tagliatelle di Nonna Pina” (Grandma Pina’s Tagliatelle)
From Zecchino d’Oro to Sanremo Festival: The Unlikely Rise of a Pasta Song This song, written and composed by Gian Marco Gualandi and performed by … Read more
“Metti la Canottiera” (Put On the Undershirt!)
Leonardo Curcio’s 1994 Zecchino d’Oro Performance About Childhood Embarrassment This song, which took part in the 37th edition of the Zecchino d’Oro (1994), was performed … Read more
Il Gatto e la Volpe – The Fox and the Cat
Edoardo Bennato’s 1977 Hit That Exposed the Dark Side of Talent Scouting This song is a musical piece composed and performed by Edoardo Bennato, released … Read more
“Ci Vuole un Fiore” (It Takes a Flower) by Sergio Endrigo (1974)
Sergio Endrigo’s 1974 Record Featured Luis Bacalov’s Orchestrations and Interactive Artwork Spaces This song is from Sergio Endrigo’s eleventh album, released in October 1974. The … Read more