Domenico Modugno became one of the first Italian popular music artists to achieve international stardom, touring worldwide and selling a million records released in different languages. Inspired by the movies, Modugno began attending the Experimental Center of Cinematography, debuting in 1951 with a role in Eduardo de Filippo's Filomena Marturano. Modugno attracted the attention of music executives when he performed in a local radio station's Frank Sinatra tribute. In 1958, Modugno participated in the Sanremo Festival with the song "Nel Blue Dipinto di Blu" (aka "Volare"). Considered a classic in the Italian music scene, the song allowed him to achieve two Grammy Awards for Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Modugno died of a heart attack in August 1994 at age 66. ~ Drago Bonacich