Mina, a legendary figure in Italian music, celebrated her 85th birthday on March 25, 2025. Born Anna Maria Mazzini in Busto Arsizio in 1940, she has become an iconic artist known as "the tiger of Cremona." Her influence and legacy in the music industry span generations, and even today, her voice captivates audiences.
Mina has had her share of personal ups and downs, notably her relationship with actor Corrado Pani. The two first connected when Pani was already married to actress Renata Monteduro. They were separated but could not legally divorce at the time, which led the couple to live in hotels to avoid scandal. "Living in a hotel is humiliating," Mina confessed to journalist Oriana Fallaci during those tough times. She clarified that Pani and his wife had been separated for a year and were in the process of annulling their marriage, emphasizing that their romance started well after the family was already broken.
Despite her monumental success, Mina has managed to keep a relatively private life. Celebrating her significant milestone birthday in Lugano, where she has lived for over fifty years, she shares two children with Pani, Massimiliano and Benedetta Mazzini. Massimiliano is currently working on a new album project with her, illustrating that Mina continues to be an integral part of the music scene, even at 85.
Mina has had an extensive career, having sold over 150 million records and released 72 albums with more than 1500 songs recorded. Her absence from the public eye for nearly 50 years has only added to her aura, making her an enduring symbol of style and coherence in the music industry. Yet the mystery of her reclusive nature continues to intrigue fans and contemporaries alike.
In reflecting on her career, Mina has expressed few regrets, mostly in context of her film opportunities. She famously turned down roles in significant cinematic productions, including the chance to star as Kay Adams in Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Godfather.' She later acknowledged her regret, thinking about how that role would have impacted her career. She also rejected offers from the famed director Federico Fellini for roles in 'Satyricon' and 'La città delle donne.' Such choices highlight her commitment to her music over mainstream fame.
On this pivotal birthday, friends and family shared heartfelt tributes. Among them is a video from singer-songwriter Tony Renis, who expressed his well wishes and gratitude for Mina's artistic achievements. Celebrations of her 85th birthday include a special retrospective airing on Rai Storia - Rai Cultura, showcasing her iconic songs and performances from the last six decades.
Mina's unique ability to transcend the decades showcases not just her artistic talent but her influence on Italian culture at large. Her music continues to resonate with both younger audiences and those who remember her from her heyday. Massimiliano reiterated how his mother had shaped their family's musical tastes and how they now listen together, sharing a passion for music that keeps them close.
Though Mina has chosen to live in seclusion, her impact on the arts remains as vibrant as ever. Her ability to maintain relevance and inspire new generations is a testament to her indelible mark on Italian music. It's a legacy that seems set to continue even as she celebrates 85 years on this earth.
As fans look back on Mina's remarkable journey today, they also look forward to the potential of new music from her, a project warmly anticipated by her son Massimiliano. The collaboration promises to bring to life previously unexplored musical perspectives, offering nostalgia while creating new melodies to resonate in modern times.
With every note and memory, Mina solidifies her place not only in the hearts of her fans but also in the annals of music history, ensuring that her remarkable journey will not be forgotten.
