Italian singer-songwriter Gino Paoli dies aged 91

Italian singer-songwriter Gino Paoli, known for classic hits such as Il cielo in una stanza and Sapore di sale, has died at the age of 91, his family said in a statement reported by Italian media on Tuesday.

Paoli rose to prominence in the early 1960s, becoming a leading figure in a generation of Italian artists influenced by French chanson icons like Jacques Brel and Georges Brassens.

His breakthrough song Il cielo in una stanza was first recorded in 1960 by Mina and later gained international recognition after featuring in Goodfellas, directed by Martin Scorsese. Paoli had said the song was inspired by a moment in a brothel in his hometown of Genoa.

His other well-known track, Sapore di sale, was reportedly inspired by actress Stefania Sandrelli, with whom he had a relationship. The two had a daughter, Amanda, born in 1964.

Paoli also shared a long personal and professional relationship with singer Ornella Vanoni, with whom he collaborated over the years.

Despite struggles with alcohol and drug abuse from the late 1960s, Paoli returned to prominence in the 1980s. In 1987, he entered politics and was elected to the Italian parliament as a member of the Italian Communist Party, serving until 1992 before resuming his music career.