Here’s everything you need to know about Rita Pavone, including the incredible story about her meeting with Elvis.

Rita Pavone was born on August 23, 1945, in Turin, Italy. Her father, Giovanni Pavoni, worked at the Fiat factory in the Italian city, while her mother, Maria, raised Rita and her three brothers, Perio, Carlo, and Cicco.

Rita Pavone is a famous Italian singer.

Pavone was always meant to be a performer. She began singing at various student parties and then in different Turin bars.

But, in 1962, as pop music became more popular worldwide, thanks partly to Elvis Presley – with whom Pavone became friends – and The Beatles, her life changed forever.
The first “Rally of the Unknown” – a talent competition – was to be held in the Ariccia neighborhood of Rome, Italy’s capital. Over 20,000 aspiring artists would participate, though neither Pavone nor her mother was sure music was the way forward at the time.