By Were Kelly
Ornella Vanoni, the revered Italian jazz and pop singer whose sultry voice and emotional depth captivated audiences for over six decades, has died at the age of 91.
The artist, known to international audiences for her haunting rendition of “L’Appuntamento” in the film Ocean’s Twelve, leaves behind a legacy as one of Italy’s most timeless and rebellious musical figures.
Vanoni’s family confirmed her passing, stating that she died peacefully at her home. In a release, they described her artistry, noting that “her voice was timeless rebellion, an instrument that challenged conventions and spoke directly to the heart.”
Her career began in the late 1950s, and she quickly became a central figure in the Italian music scene, renowned for her interpretations of bossa nova and canzone d’autore, often collaborating with the country’s most celebrated songwriters.
Tributes have poured in from global artists and contemporaries, who credited her with influencing generations of performers across pop, jazz, and film music.
Her performance in Ocean’s Twelve introduced her to a new, worldwide audience, with the film’s soundtrack becoming a gateway to her extensive catalogue for millions.
A music historian commented, “Vanoni possessed a rare ability to convey profound vulnerability and sophisticated cool simultaneously. She wasn’t just a singer; she was a mood, an atmosphere.”
Her influence extends to modern film soundtracks and pop music, where her phrasing and stylistic fearlessness can still be heard.
A man walks past a mural honoring Italian singer Ornella Vanoni, in Milan, Italy, September 11, 2025. REUTERS/Claudia Greco/File Photo
Though she has passed, the body of work she leaves behind ensures that her singular voice will continue to resonate, a permanent fixture in the landscape of 20th and 21st-century music.
Source: Reuters
