Don Backy, born Aldo Caponi on August 21, 1939, is celebrated as one of Italy's quintessential artists, having made substantial contributions to music, acting, and literature. Best known for his evocative melodies and poignant lyrics, Backy has touched the hearts of many since the late 1950s.
His entry to the music scene began with the group Golden Boys, and it wasn't long before he carved out his niche. After witnessing a transformative musical film, Backy committed himself to create music, taking on the stage name Agaton initially. His first single, "Volo Lontano," was released in 1960, marking the beginning of his professional career.
The year 1962 was pivotal for Backy as he joined the renowned Clan Celentano, formed by fellow musician Adriano Celentano. This collaboration allowed him to gain national recognition, particularly with hits like "L’amore" and "Poesia." Despite achieving great success, his relationship with Celentano was tumultuous. They had major disagreements leading up to Backy's departure from the Clan Celentano in 1968 over various artistic and commercial differences.
Reflecting on this split, Backy stated, “Fosse dipeso da me sarebbe bastato che mi venisse riconosciuto il dovuto,” emphasizing his frustration over not being acknowledged for his work. He described the strained relationship, saying, “Non ci vediamo e non ci sentiamo dal 1994 e mi dispiace,” expressing regret over years of silence between him and Celentano.
Backy’s artistic portfolio is vast, featuring over 30 albums and collaborations with several legendary artists, including Mina and Gianna Nannini. His songwriting has left indelible marks, with songs like "Sognando" gaining fame through Mina's rendition. The intersection of his personal life and musical career came with his marriage to Liliana Petralia, whom he met on the set of the film "Super rapina a Milano." They wed in 1968 and share one son, Emiliano.
Don Backy recently appeared on the show "La Volta Buona" hosted by Caterina Balivo, which reignited interest in both his career and personal anecdotes, especially touching on his past disagreements with fellow entertainer Teo Teocoli about unpaid debts. During the show, Backy clarified, “Non ho mai detto che voglio soldi,” referring to allegations about the money he supposedly lent Teocoli. He stated, “Se ha offerto anche lui? Diciamo che spesso non aveva i fondi,” noting how their friendship had once been characterized by generous gestures.
A significant chapter of Backy's life was his near-fatal accident at the age of five. He recalled, "A cinque anni un giovane dottore... mi infilò una forbice nel naso fino al cervello." This harrowing experience, aggravated by negligence and delayed medical intervention, haunted him but eventually shaped his resilient character.
Despite the ups and downs, Don Backy’s narrative is also one of triumph. His ability to adapt and evolve as both artist and individual has sustained his career throughout the decades. He has released timeless classics over the years, and his music continues to resonate deeply with audiences. Even after the events of the past, his passion for music remains ablaze, and he still performs, with his latest album, "Pianeta donna," released in 2017.
Reflecting on his lengthy career, Backy is not just recognized for his lyrical impacts but also for his contributions to cinema and literature. He has appeared in numerous films, transitioning seamlessly from music to screen, with works spanning various genres. His literary endeavors are also noteworthy, having made significant strides as both author and comic book artist.
One cannot overlook his enduring marriage to Liliana Petralia, described as "una donna straordinaria" by Backy himself. The couple has maintained their bond through decades, emphasizing the importance of healthy debates within their relationship: “Ogni tanto ci vuole, un amore litigarello è importante per tenere viva la coppia.”
Over the years, Don Backy’s resilient spirit has led him to weave together the threads of personal and professional challenges, making him one of Italy's cherished artistic figures. His life story continues to inspire, reminding many of the creativity and tenacity possible even amid adversity.