Luciano Pavarotti Biography

Tenor Luciano Pavarotti, known for his larger-than-life showmanship that helped expand the popularity of opera, died September 6, 2007, at his home in Italy.   He was 71 years old.          

Pavarotti was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2006 and had undergone further treatment for in August 2007.  

Pavarotti was born on October 12, 1935 on the outskirts of Modena in north-central Italy, the son of a baker and amateur singer.   W hile he spoke fondly of his childhood, the family was crowded into a two-room apartment.   And by 1943, World War II had forced the family into a rented single room in the countryside.

Pavarotti wanted to be a soccer star, but found himself enjoying his father's recordings, featuring the popular tenors of the day such as Bjoerling, Tito Schipa, and his favorite, Giuseppe Di Stefano.

At around the age of nine he began singing with his father in a small local church choir.   He also studied singing with childhood friend Mirella Freni, who later became a star soprano. 

At age 20, Pavarotti traveled with a chorus from his hometown to an international music competition in Wales. The group won first place.