An interview with Zucchero, Italy’s rock-pop-blues Superstar

On Sunday, October 14 Zucchero brought his European tour to the Saddlerack in Fremont. Fremont is just one of many cities this Italian superstar will travel to. The tour kicked off in Boston. The Saddlerack was filled to capacity and fans came from all over the Bay area to see and listen to Zucchero.

Who is Zucchero? He was born Adelmo Fornaciari in Roncocesi, Italy. His nickname “Zucchero” meaning sugar was given to him by an elementary school teacher who said he was sweet as sugar. The nickname stuck. He has captured Europe by storm and he is making his way through the US now. Zucchero hit the rock scene in 1985 and sang with music luminaries such as Eric Clayton, Sheryl Crow, Sting, Andrea Bocelli and the late Luciano Pavarotti.

The album that launched his career, Zucchero and Co. debuted in 2005. That’s when I bought my first Zucchero CD and I became an instant fan! Zucchero sings mainly in Italian, English, and Spanish and his voice has been described by fans and critics around the world as being bluesy, passionate, soothing, and intense. He is not limited to only singing, he can also play many instruments as well, and he is proficient on the guitar, the electric piano, and organ.

The interview: A while ago I met the publisher of the new Italian magazine “In Buona Salute.” Rob DeFeo is very energetic and very likeable with a definite passion for his Italian heritage and culture. When Rob found out that I produced a local television show he asked me if I would like to meet him at the Saddlerack to interview Zucchero. This type of opportunity does not come along very often and being a big fan I answered YES.

Once we started the interview it was like I had known Zucchero for years. We spent the better part of almost 25 minutes talking about his music career, friends, and touring. I enjoyed every moment. He was warm, friendly and genuine. He was easy to talk to and we had a few laughs during the interview.

During the interview it was obvious to me just how passionate he is about his music and about life. We spoke about the loss of Luciano Pavarotti. Not only did Zucchero perform with Pavarotti, they were friends for 15 years. Their famous duet “Miserere” is well known all over the world. Zucchero has also performed Miserere with Andrea Bocelli and he is credited for discovering Bocelli.

Zucchero told me that he has another CD due out in November. In addition to the new CD he and his band plan to return to California and this time perhaps a concert in San Jose. Many fans will be welcoming him back including me!

Judy Verona Joseph, San Jose Correspondent

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