Luciano Pavarotti

LUCIANO PAVAROTTI d2007. Italian operatic tenor who also crossed over into popular music, eventually becoming one of the most commercially successful tenors of all time. He made numerous recordings of complete operas and individual arias, gaining worldwide fame for the quality of his tone and eventually established himself as one of the finest tenors of the 20th century. As one of the Three Tenors, he became well known for his televised concerts and media appearances. From the beginning of his professional career in 1961 in Italy to his final performance of "Nessun dorma" at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, he was at his best in bel canto operas, pre-Aida Verdi roles and the works of Puccini. He was also noted for his charity work on behalf of refugees and the Red Cross. He died of pancreatic cancer in Modena aged 71 on 6th September 2007.