Born:
September 22, 1958
Birthplace: Lajatico, Italy
Trivia:
Lost his sight at age 12 as the result of a head injury suffered during a soccer game. After graduating from law school, he was a defense attorney for a brief period. Got his big break in 1992 when Pavarotti heard a demo for "Miserere," which led to a tour with the Italian rock star Zucchero. Sang for Pope John Paul II on four occasions. In 2006, was made a Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. His 2009 My Christmas CD, which featured such standards as "White Christmas" and "Jingle Bells," hit No. 2 on the Billboard chart. Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010.