Lorenzo Jovanotti Cherubini, the celebrated Italian singer-songwriter, opened up about his life, family, and music philosophy during his recent appearance on the last episode of the popular interview series Belve, hosted by Francesca Fagnani. The emotional conversation touched on various aspects of his life, including the deep pain of personal losses and the challenges of modern music.
Reflecting on the impact of family hardships, Jovanotti shared poignant memories of his mother and brother. He disclosed, "Quando è morto mio fratello, mia madre non è più riuscita a piangere" (When my brother died, my mother lost the ability to cry), indicating how significant tragedies shaped their family dynamic. This statement came as he described how the loss of his brother, Umberto, who died tragically at just 46 years old, left indelible marks on their lives. Jovanotti recalled, "Per il resto della vita lei ha dovuto usare un collirio" (For the rest of her life she had to use eye drops) to cope with her inability to produce tears after his brother's death, showcasing the depth of emotional pain experienced by his family.
Throughout the interview, which aired on December 17 on Rai2, Jovanotti balanced sorrow with moments of levity. Francesca Fagnani challenged him about rumored past relationships, particularly with Valeria Marini. Jovanotti, exhibiting his signature sense of humor, stated, "Sono un uomo elegante. Non si parla di queste cose qua in pubblico. Non dovrebbe farlo neanche lei..." (I am an elegant man. We don't talk about these things publicly. She shouldn't either...) . This response struck the right cord between maintaining his dignity and acknowledging the past, all the whilst charming the audience.
Further engaging with the themes of music and expression, Jovanotti asserted, "La musica nociva non esiste, la musica può essere noiosa ma non nociva" (Harmful music does not exist; music can be boring but not harmful). He elaborated on this notion, equipping it with historical weight by comparing contemporary artists like Tony Effe to classical geniuses like Mozart. He playfully remarked, "Mozart e Tony Effe sono colleghi" (Mozart and Tony Effe are colleagues), emphasizing the enduring vitality of artistic expression across genres and epochs.
Delving deep, Jovanotti reminisced about his early career, when skepticism surrounded his music: "Quando sono arrivato, i critici non potevano capire cosa stessi facendo" (When I arrived, critics couldn't understand what I was doing) . This admission reveals the uphill battle he faced when trying to carve out his unique sound and identity within the Italian music scene.
His reflections on family continued as he spoke fondly of his wife, Francesca Valiani, and their daughter, Teresa. The singer married Valiani on September 6, 2008, after spending 15 years together. He credits her with being integral not only to his life but also to his music, urging listeners to recognize the pivotal roles loved ones play. Each song, such as the romantic dedication "Chiaro di luna," has become synonymous with his affection for Valiani, marking anniversaries and special moments shared through lyrics.
Yet, it hasn't always been smooth sailing. Jovanotti and Valiani, much like any couple, faced challenges along the way, including infidelity. Jovanotti commented on this aspect candidly, asserting, "non può esistere una grande storia d'amore senza un tradimento" (A great love story cannot exist without betrayal), providing insight not only about their relationship but also about the intense nature of love itself.
The artist also reflected on his mother's challenges with mental health, relating it to his own life lessons learned through hardship. He conveyed, "Mia madre era orgogliosa di questo figlio che aveva successo" (My mother was proud of this successful son) and highlighted how her struggles influenced him deeply. Through her laughter amid sorrow, he found motivation and strength to pursue his dreams.
Towards the conclusion of the engaging session, Jovanotti mentioned recent challenges, including confronting his daughter's health issues. "Ho sospeso tutto ciò che stavo facendo... e ho reagito con forza" (I suspended everything I was doing... and I reacted with strength), demonstrating not only his devotion as a father but his approach to life when faced with adversity. He underscored the importance of silence and listening within family, especially during trying times.
Overall, Jovanotti's appearance on Belve exhibited his multifaceted personality—his humor, his sincerity, and his artistic prowess. The blend of personal storytelling with thoughtful commentary on artistry painted the picture of not only who Jovanotti is as an artist, but also who he is as a man tasked with the beautiful yet complex art of living.
