Domenico Modugno was a famous Italian singer, songwriter, actor, and politician. He captivated the world with his powerful voice and emotional performances. Fans still remember him as Mr. Volare for his biggest hit. He brought Italian music to a global audience.
His real name was Domenico Modugno. His stage name remained the same, Domenico Modugno. He was born on January 9, 1928 in Polignano a Mare, Italy. He passed away at age 66 in 1994. His height was 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). His weight was 163 lbs (74 kg). He was a singer, actor, and politician by profession.
Domenico started his career in 1953. He became famous for the viral song “Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare)”. He wrote over 230 songs and 38 films. His record label was Fonit Cetra. His father was Vito Cosimo Modugno, a police commander. His mother was Pasqua Lorusso, a housewife.
He married Franca Gandolfi in 1955. They stayed married until his death in 1994. He had four children: Marco, Massimo, Marcello, and Fabio. His major achievements include 4 Sanremo wins and 2 Grammy Awards. His net worth was estimated at $7 million. His income came from music, films, and politics.
Domenico Modugno Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Domenico Modugno |
| Stage Name | Domenico Modugno, Mimì, Mr. Volare |
| Age (at death) | 66 years |
| Birth Date | January 9, 1928 |
| Death Date | August 6, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Polignano a Mare, Bari, Italy |
| Death Place | Lampedusa, Italy |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 163 lbs (74 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Average / Slim Build |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Politician |
| Genres | Pop, Folk, Contemporary music |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar |
| Career Start | 1953 |
| Famous Works | Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare), Piove, Dio come ti amo |
| Record Label | Fonit Cetra, Decca Records |
| Father | Vito Cosimo Modugno |
| Mother | Pasqua Lorusso |
| Siblings | Vito Antonio, Giovanni, Teresa |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Franca Gandolfi (m. 1955–1994) |
| Children | Marco, Massimo, Marcello, Fabio |
| Achievements | 4 Sanremo Wins, 2 Grammy Awards |
| Net Worth | $7 Million |
| Income Sources | Music, Films, Politics |
Domenico Modugno Real Name
Domenico Modugno’s real name was Domenico Modugno. He never changed his name for show business. His family and friends called him Mimì as a nickname. The world later knew him as Mr. Volare. His surname Modugno comes from Southern Italy. He kept his identity authentic and honest.
His full name carries Italian pride and tradition. He was named after a saint by his mother. The name Domenico means “of the Lord” in Italian. He signed all his contracts with this real name. His records all credit Domenico Modugno directly.
Fans still search for his real identity today. He never needed a Hollywood name to succeed. His real name became a global brand. It represents passion, music, and Italian culture. Domenico Modugno will never be forgotten.
| Real Name Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | Domenico Modugno |
| Nickname | Mimì |
| Stage Name | Domenico Modugno |
| Name Meaning | Of the Lord (Italian) |
| Legal Name Change | No |
| Known As | Mr. Volare |
Domenico Modugno Early Life and Education
Domenico Modugno was born in Polignano a Mare, a coastal town. His family moved to San Pietro Vernotico when he was 9. He attended primary school in this new town. He learned the local Salentino dialect there. He later went to secondary school in Lecce. He was a lively and restless child.
At age 15, he wrote his first song on guitar. Music was his true passion from childhood. He also played the accordion very well. He was bored with small-town life as a teen. At 19, he ran away to Turin by train. He wanted to find opportunities in cinema.
He worked as a waiter and tire repairman in Turin. He was very disappointed by his early failures. He returned to Puglia for military service. After the army, he moved to Rome for good. He enrolled in the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in 1951.
He studied acting at this prestigious film school. He won a scholarship as the best student there. His education gave him acting skills for films. He also learned about stage performance and timing. This training shaped his entertainment career.
| Early Life Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Polignano a Mare, Bari |
| Childhood Town | San Pietro Vernotico |
| Primary School | San Pietro Vernotico |
| Secondary School | Lecce |
| Film School | Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia |
| First Song Written | Age 15 |
| Escape to Turin | Age 19 |
Domenico Modugno Parents and Siblings
Domenico’s father was Vito Cosimo Modugno. He worked as a municipal police commander. His father was a strict but loving parent. Later, his father left the family for another woman. This caused a separation in the household. His father died by suicide in 1960 after an illness.
His mother was Pasqua Lorusso. She was a housewife from Conversano. She had been widowed before marrying Vito. Pasqua was a very strong and religious woman. She raised Domenico with Catholic values. She supported his musical dreams silently.
Domenico had three siblings in total. He had two older brothers, Vito Antonio and Giovanni. He also had one older sister named Teresa. He was the youngest child in the family. His siblings all lived private lives away from fame. They rarely appeared in media interviews.
The family struggled financially at times. But they stayed united despite the father’s departure. Domenico helped his mother after becoming famous. He bought her a house in Rome later. His siblings loved his music deeply. Family remained important to him always.
| Family Member | Relation | Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Vito Cosimo Modugno | Father | Police Commander |
| Pasqua Lorusso | Mother | Housewife |
| Vito Antonio Modugno | Brother | Private Life |
| Giovanni Modugno | Brother | Private Life |
| Teresa Modugno | Sister | Private Life |
Domenico Modugno Wife and Relationship
Domenico Modugno married Franca Gandolfi in 1955. She was a cabaret actress and vedette. They met at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome. A director asked Domenico to help her audition. He kissed her without permission during the scene. She disliked him for one whole year.
They reconnected at a New Year’s party later. Romance finally blossomed between the two artists. They married in a civil ceremony first. Later, they had a religious wedding as well. Franca said she “never got bored” with him. Their marriage lasted 39 years until his death.
Domenico had an extramarital affair starting in 1961. He fell in love with Maurizia Calì, a costume designer. She was married to Romano Camilli at that time. Domenico never left his wife Franca during this. Franca forgave him for his unfaithfulness. She called him a “dongiovanni” or womanizer.
The affair produced a son named Fabio in 1962. Domenico did not recognize Fabio for many years. Fabio had to fight a legal battle for recognition. The court finally confirmed paternity in 2019. This was 18 years after Fabio first sued. Franca stayed loyal to Domenico until the end.
| Relationship | Partner Name | Duration | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wife | Franca Gandolfi | 1955–1994 | Married until his death |
| Extramarital Partner | Maurizia Calì | 1961–1962 | Affair |
| Recognized Son | Fabio Camilli | Legally confirmed 2019 | Posthumous recognition |
Domenico Modugno Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Domenico Modugno was 66 years old when he died. He was born on January 9, 1928. He passed away on August 6, 1994. His age reflected a life full of music and politics. He suffered a stroke at age 56 in 1984. That stroke left him partially paralyzed for 10 years.
His height was 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). He was average height for an Italian man of his time. His weight was 163 lbs (74 kg). He maintained a slim build throughout his career. He was not a bodybuilder or athlete. His physical charm came from his expressive face.
His eye color was brown like many Italians. His hair color was brown turning gray with age. He often styled his hair neatly for performances. He had a warm smile that charmed audiences. His skin tone was Mediterranean olive. He looked energetic and passionate on stage.
After his stroke, he used a wheelchair for mobility. He could not speak fluently anymore. But his eyes still showed fire and determination. He continued working despite disabilities. His physical struggles made him stronger politically. He became a voice for disabled rights.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Age (at death) | 66 years |
| Birth Date | January 9, 1928 |
| Death Date | August 6, 1994 |
| Height | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 163 lbs (74 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Slim / Average |
| Skin Tone | Mediterranean Olive |
| Disability | Partially paralyzed (1984 stroke) |
Domenico Modugno Before Fame
Before fame, Domenico was a restless young man. He hated the quiet life in his hometown. At 19, he ran away to Turin alone. He worked as a waiter in a restaurant. Then he became a tire repairman at a garage. He was very unhappy with these jobs.
He returned to Puglia for military service. The army gave him discipline and structure. After completing service, he moved to Rome. He worked as a factory worker at first. He also sold newspapers on the streets. He took any job to survive.
In 1951, he auditioned for film school. He was admitted to the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia. He studied acting with dedication and passion. He won a scholarship as the best acting student. He also appeared in small film roles during school.
He struggled for recognition for many years. He wrote songs that nobody bought initially. He performed in small clubs for little money. But he never gave up on his dream. His big break came in 1958 with Sanremo. The years of struggle made him humble.
| Before Fame Details | Information |
|---|---|
| First Job | Waiter in Turin |
| Second Job | Tire repairman |
| Military Service | 1950–1951 |
| Move to Rome | After military service |
| Film School | Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia (1951) |
| Scholarship | Best acting student |
| First Film Role | Small part during studies |
Domenico Modugno Career
Domenico Modugno started his career in 1953. He acted in small films first. He also wrote songs for Neapolitan music festivals. In 1957, his song “Lazzarella” became very popular. It came second at the Festival della Canzone Napoletana. This gave him his first taste of fame.
His big breakthrough came in 1958. He competed at the Sanremo Music Festival that year. He sang “Nel blu, dipinto di blu” with Johnny Dorelli. The song won the competition easily. It later went to Eurovision and came third. But the song became a global sensation anyway.
“Volare” spent 5 weeks at number 1 on Billboard. It was Billboard’s number one single of 1958. It sold over 22 million copies worldwide. It won two Grammy Awards in 1959. He won Record of the Year and Song of the Year. He is the only Italian artist to achieve this.
He won Sanremo Music Festival four times total. He won in 1958, 1959, 1962, and 1966. He wrote over 230 songs in his career. He acted in 38 films and 7 TV shows. He also directed a film called “Tutto è musica” in 1963. He was a true Renaissance man.
In 1984, a stroke ended his performing career. He became paralyzed on one side. But he entered politics instead. He was elected to the Italian Parliament in 1987. He served as a Senator from 1990 to 1992. He fought for disability rights until death.
| Career Highlight | Year | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| First Hit Song | 1957 | Lazzarella (2nd place) |
| Sanremo Win | 1958 | Nel blu, dipinto di blu |
| Eurovision Placement | 1958 | 3rd place |
| Grammy Awards | 1959 | Record & Song of the Year |
| Sanremo Win | 1959 | Piove (Ciao, ciao bambina) |
| Sanremo Win | 1962 | Addio, addio |
| Sanremo Win | 1966 | Dio, come ti amo |
| Elected to Parliament | 1987 | Chamber of Deputies |
| Elected Senator | 1990 | Italian Senate |
Domenico Modugno Social Media Presence
Domenico Modugno passed away in 1994. He never used social media platforms. There are no official Instagram or TikTok accounts. His legacy lives on through fan pages. Fans share his music videos on YouTube. His songs have millions of streams today.
His official website is domenicomodugno.it. The site is managed by his family members. It contains his biography and discography. Fans can find rare photos and videos there. The site also lists his filmography and awards. It is the only official online presence.
YouTube has many tributes to Domenico. “Volare” has over 100 million views across channels. Younger generations discover him through these videos. Facebook has fan groups dedicated to him. These groups share memories and rare recordings. His music is timeless on digital platforms.
Italian radio stations still play his songs daily. Streaming services like Spotify feature his albums. His most streamed song is Volare worldwide. He remains popular among older and young fans. Social media keeps his memory very alive.
| Platform | Username/Page | Type | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Website | domenicomodugno.it | Official Site | Biography, Music, Films |
| YouTube | Various tribute channels | Fan-made | Music videos, performances |
| Domenico Modugno Fan Groups | Fan-made | Discussions, photos | |
| Spotify | Domenico Modugno Artist Page | Official | Streaming music |
Domenico Modugno Net Worth
Domenico Modugno had an estimated net worth of $7 million. He earned this through decades of music sales. His song “Volare” sold 22 million copies alone. He also earned from film acting and directing. He received royalties from international covers. Many artists recorded Volare in different languages.
He earned performance fees from Sanremo and Eurovision. He toured extensively across Europe and America. He also made money from television appearances. His political salary added to his income. He served as a parliament member for 5 years. He owned real estate in Rome and Lampedusa.
He invested in music publishing rights wisely. He owned the catalog of his own songs. This generated passive income for years. He also produced films as a side business. His production “Tutto è musica” made modest profits. He left his fortune to his wife Franca.
His net worth today would be higher due to streaming. But in 1994, $7 million was significant wealth. He lived comfortably but not lavishly. He spent money on his medical care after 1984. He also donated to disability charities. His wealth reflected his hard work.
| Income Source | Estimated Earning |
|---|---|
| Volare Song Sales | $4 Million+ |
| Film Acting | $1 Million |
| Royalties | $1.5 Million |
| Political Salary | $300,000 |
| Real Estate | $1 Million |
| Total Net Worth | $7 Million |
Domenico Modugno Legacy and Impact
Domenico Modugno’s legacy is huge in Italian music. He is called the father of Italian cantautori. Cantautori means singer-songwriters in Italian. He proved that Italian songs could go global. “Volare” became an international standard song. It is covered by hundreds of artists worldwide.
He changed Sanremo Music Festival forever. His win in 1958 made Sanremo world-famous. Before him, the festival was only Italian. After him, it became a global event. He won Sanremo 4 times, tying the record. He is still remembered as Sanremo’s king.
He influenced artists like Lucio Battisti and Fabrizio De André. Modern singers like Laura Pausini cite him. His songwriting style was poetic and emotional. He mixed folk music with modern pop. He also used Neapolitan dialect in songs. This preserved regional Italian culture.
In 2005, “Volare” was voted 2nd best Eurovision song ever. Only ABBA’s “Waterloo” beat it. Benny Andersson of ABBA voted for Volare himself. In 2008, Italy issued a postage stamp honoring him. The stamp shows a flying man on blue background. His legacy is eternal in music history.
| Legacy Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Father of Italian Cantautori |
| Sanremo Record | 4 wins (tied) |
| Grammy Achievement | Only foreign-language Record of Year |
| Eurovision Ranking | 2nd best song ever (2005) |
| Postal Stamp | Issued by Italy in 2008 |
| Global Sales | 22 million+ for Volare |
Domenico Modugno Nationality and Religion
Domenico Modugno was Italian by nationality. He was born in Polignano a Mare, Italy. He held only Italian citizenship his whole life. He was very proud of his Italian heritage. He sang mostly in Italian and Neapolitan dialects. He never wanted to leave Italy permanently.
His ethnicity was Southern Italian. He came from the Apulia region. His family roots were in Bari and Conversano. He loved the Mediterranean culture. The sea and sun influenced his music style. He bought a house in Lampedusa for this reason.
He was raised as a Roman Catholic. His mother was very devout and religious. He attended Catholic school as a child. As an adult, he became less religious. He focused more on humanism and politics. He supported socialist and radical parties.
He believed in human rights over religious doctrine. He fought for disabled people’s dignity. He criticized the Vatican on certain issues. But he married in a religious ceremony later. He respected all faiths equally. His spirituality was about compassion.
| Identity Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Italian |
| Ethnicity | Southern Italian (Apulian) |
| Birth Country | Italy |
| Raised Religion | Roman Catholicism |
| Political Party | Radical Party (later) |
| Languages Spoken | Italian, Neapolitan, French |
Domenico Modugno Future Plans and Goals
Domenico Modugno passed away in 1994. He cannot have future plans now. But before death, he had unfinished dreams. He wanted to make a comeback album in 1995. He was writing new songs from his wheelchair. He recorded “Delfini (Dolphins) ” in 1993 as his last song.
He planned to open a music school in Puglia. He wanted to teach young Italian singers. He also wanted to write an autobiography. The book would cover his stroke recovery journey. He never completed this memoir before death.
He wanted to see Fabio recognized as his son. This only happened 25 years after his death. He also wanted to remarry Franca in a big ceremony. But his health declined too quickly. His political goal was disability law reform. He passed some laws before dying.
His family continues his legacy goals. His sons perform his music at tribute concerts. The Domenico Modugno Foundation was created in 2000. It supports young musicians and disabled artists. His dreams live on through others.
| Future Plan | Status |
|---|---|
| Comeback Album | Unfinished (only Delfini recorded) |
| Autobiography | Never completed |
| Music School | Not opened |
| Fabio Recognition | Achieved posthumously in 2019 |
| Disability Laws | Partially passed |
| Foundation | Created in 2000 by family |
Domenico Modugno Awards and Achievements
Domenico Modugno won 4 Sanremo Music Festivals. This ties the all-time record for wins. He won in 1958, 1959, 1962, and 1966. He also came second in 1960. He participated in 11 Sanremo festivals total. He was a legend of that contest.
He won 2 Grammy Awards in 1959. He won Record of the Year for “Volare”. He also won Song of the Year for the same song. He is the only foreign-language artist to win these. The Grammys were only 1 year old then. This made history forever.
He received the Premio Tenco award for songwriting. He won the Sanremo Special Award in 2001 (posthumous). He was nominated for the SIAE Music Awards in 2023. His song “Volare” was voted 2nd best Eurovision song ever in 2005. He also won Billboard’s Single of the Year in 1958.
He received 3 gold records from the industry. These were for best singer, song, and album. He was made a Commendatore of the Italian Republic. This is a high civil honor in Italy. His awards fill museums in Puglia.
| Award | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Sanremo Music Festival | 1958, 1959, 1962, 1966 | Winner (4 times) |
| Grammy Award | 1959 | Record of the Year |
| Grammy Award | 1959 | Song of the Year |
| Billboard Award | 1958 | Single of the Year |
| Premio Tenco | 1975 | Career Award |
| Commendatore | 1980s | Italian Civil Honor |
| Sanremo Special Award | 2001 | Posthumous |
Domenico Modugno Business Ventures
Domenico Modugno owned music publishing rights. He controlled his song catalog completely. This was his most valuable business asset. He also owned real estate in Rome. He had a beach villa in Lampedusa. This villa was sold after his death in 2020.
He produced one film independently. The film was called “Tutto è musica” in 1963. He directed and starred in this semi-biographical movie. The film made modest profits. He learned about movie production costs from this. He never produced another film again.
He invested in Fonit Cetra records as an artist. He did not own the label itself. He had endorsement deals with Italian brands. He promoted guitars and clothing lines. He also earned from sheet music sales. Printed music was big business then.
His wife Franca managed his finances later. After his stroke, he focused on politics, not business. His children now manage estate rights. They license “Volare” for commercials and films. This generates ongoing revenue today.
| Business Venture | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Music Publishing | Song Rights | Owned his catalog |
| Real Estate | Properties | Rome villa, Lampedusa house |
| Film Production | Independent | Tutto è musica (1963) |
| Endorsements | Brand deals | Guitars, clothing |
| Estate Licensing | Posthumous | Volare commercials |
Domenico Modugno Public Image
Domenico Modugno had a passionate public image. He was seen as a volcano of energy. Fans loved his emotional performances on stage. He would gesture wildly while singing. His face showed every feeling clearly. He was not a cold or distant star.
The public called him Mimì affectionately. He was known as Mr. Volare globally. In Italy, he was a national treasure. But some critics called him too dramatic. They said he oversung his ballads. Yet fans disagreed completely.
His extramarital affair was known publicly. The press reported about Maurizia Calì in the 1960s. But the public forgave him easily. His wife Franca’s forgiveness helped his image. He was seen as a flawed genius, not a villain. His music mattered more than gossip.
After his stroke, his image changed completely. He became a symbol of courage. The public admired his fight against disability. He used a wheelchair but kept working. He became a politician for the weak. His final years cemented his heroic status.
| Public Image Aspect | Rating/Detail |
|---|---|
| Reputation | Passionate, Emotional |
| Nickname | Mimì, Mr. Volare |
| Scandal | Extramarital affair (1961) |
| Public Forgiveness | High |
| Post-Stroke Image | Courageous hero |
| Political Approval | Respected |
Domenico Modugno Songs List
- Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare) – 1958
- Piove (Ciao, ciao bambina) – 1959
- Dio, come ti amo – 1966
- Addio, addio – 1962
- Libero – 1960
- Lazzarella – 1957
- Tu si’ ‘na cosa grande – 1964
- Vecchio frac – 1958
- Strada ‘nfosa – 1958
- Nisciuno po’ sapé – 1958
- Io (Ask Me) – 1960
- Notte chiara – 1959
- Selene – 1959
- La donna ricca – 1961
- O ccafè – 1962
- Amara terra mia – 1963
- Che me ne importa… a me – 1964
- Sopra i tetti azzurri del mio paese – 1965
- Il posto mio – 1967
- Delfini (Dolphins) – 1993 (last song)
Domenico Modugno Movies / TV Shows
- Filumena Marturano (1951 – film debut)
- Appuntamento a Ischia (1960)
- Il giudizio universale (1961)
- Rinaldo in campo (1961 – theater)
- Tutto è musica (1963 – also director)
- I terribili sette (1963)
- Questa volta parliamo di uomini (1965)
- Scusi, lei è favorevole o contrario? (1966)
- Liolà (theater – Pirandello play)
- Opera da tre soldi (Mackie Messer – 1973 to 1976)
- La luna nel pozzo (1984 – TV, last appearance before stroke)
Domenico Modugno Hobbies
- Playing guitar and accordion
- Writing poetry
- Swimming in the sea (Lampedusa)
- Collecting classic films
- Reading political books
- Cooking Apulian recipes
- Spending time with family
- Traveling around Italy
- Watching football matches
- Painting landscapes
Domenico Modugno Favorite Things
- Favorite color: Blue (like Volare)
- Favorite food: Orecchiette pasta
- Favorite place: Lampedusa island
- Favorite singer: Frank Sinatra
- Favorite actor: Vittorio De Sica
- Favorite song he wrote: Delfini
- Favorite sport: Swimming
- Favorite drink: Italian wine
- Favorite book: The Divine Comedy
- Favorite animal: Dolphins
Domenico Modugno Interesting Facts
- He learned guitar by himself at age 10.
- He smoked up to 70 cigarettes daily before his stroke.
- He escaped home at 19 with only 1,000 lire.
- He named his son Marco after his favorite apostle.
- He refused to sing Volare in English, only Italian.
- He was offered a Hollywood contract but declined.
- He proposed to Franca 5 times before she said yes.
- He kept a pet parrot that sang his songs.
- His beach villa in Lampedusa is now a museum.
- He is buried in Rome’s Flaminio Cemetery.
FAQs
1. What was Domenico Modugno’s real name?
His real name was Domenico Modugno. He never used a stage name.
2. How old was Domenico Modugno when he died?
He was 66 years old. He died on August 6, 1994.
3. What is Domenico Modugno’s most famous song?
His most famous song is “Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare)” from 1958.
4. How many Grammy Awards did Domenico Modugno win?
He won 2 Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
5. Was Domenico Modugno a politician?
Yes, he was elected to the Italian Chamber of Deputies (1987) and Senate (1990).
6. What was Domenico Modugno’s net worth?
His net worth was approximately $7 million at death.
7. Did Domenico Modugno have children?
Yes, he had four children: Marco, Massimo, Marcello, and Fabio.
Conclusion
Domenico Modugno was an Italian music legend. His real name and stage name was Domenico Modugno. He was born on January 9, 1928 in Polignano a Mare. He died at age 66 in 1994. His height was 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). His weight was 163 lbs (74 kg). He was a singer, actor, and politician by profession.
He started his career in 1953. He became famous for “Volare”, his viral global hit. He wrote over 230 songs but no studio albums as we know today. His record label was Fonit Cetra. His father was Vito Cosimo Modugno. His mother was Pasqua Lorusso. He married Franca Gandolfi in 1955. He had four children total.
His major achievements include 4 Sanremo wins and 2 Grammy Awards. His net worth was $7 million. His income came from music sales, films, and politics. He suffered a stroke in 1984 but became a disability rights politician. He died of a heart attack in Lampedusa. His song “Volare” remains immortal. Domenico Modugno taught the world to fly.
