Italian music loses one of its most influential and beloved figures: Peppino di Capri (1939-2026) has died. The singer and pianist passed away shortly before his 87th birthday on his home island of Capri in the Gulf of Naples, as his management announced according to consistent media reports.
On July 27, 1939, Giuseppe Faiella was born on Capri into a family of musicians. He later borrowed his stage name from the island, which can be freely translated as "Sepp from Capri". At just four years old, he sat down at the piano and played for U.S. soldiers who were stationed on Capri during World War II. In the late 1950s, he founded the band I Rockers, with whom he achieved his first successes in 1958, including the piece "Malattia".
Famous for "St. Tropez Twist" and "Roberta"
Di Capri brought something new to postwar Italy: He mixed the Neapolitan song tradition with the rhythms of jazz, twist, and beat. At home, he was soon regarded as the "Italian Buddy Holly", and titles like "St. Tropez Twist", "Roberta", which he wrote for his first wife, or "Champagne" became summer anthems for an entire generation. The first title also made it to number three on the charts in Germany in the early sixties.
Di Capri also released Italian versions of international hits like "Let's Twist Again" or "How Deep is Your Love". He also sang his songs in German, English, and French. In 1965, he was even allowed to open the Beatles' concerts in Italy. His last album was released in 2019.
Two Victories in Sanremo
Peppino di Capri's career is also the story of the Sanremo Festival, Italy's most important music competition. He competed there fifteen times and emerged victorious twice: in 1973 with "Un grande amore e niente più" and in 1976 with "Non lo faccio più". In 2023, he returned once more to the festival's grand stage and accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award for his life's work.
Di Capri leaves behind three children. His son Igor is from his first marriage to Roberta Stoppa, while Edoardo and Daria are from his relationship with Giuliana Gagliardi. Following the announcement of his death, companions and fellow musicians have already spoken out. Eros Ramazzotti (62) also reacted online and shared a picture of the deceased with a broken heart.
