Lucio Dalla

Singer-songwriter from Bologna, who started as a jazz musician before trying his luck as a soul singer. Both moves proved to be commercially unsuccessful, but his black music background was instrumental in the development of his trademark sound (jazzy arrangements, vocal impromptus,...)
He is also remembered for his generosity towards fellow musicians, especially from his native region of Emilia: some of them were discovered by Dalla, or signed their first recording deals thanks to his recommendation, or revived their struggling careers after a collaboration with him.
Many of his songs are now considered Italian pop classics; outside of Italy, he is perhaps best known for the classical crossover standard "Caruso".