Raffaella Maria Roberta Pelloni (18 June 1943 – 5 July 2021), known professionally as Raffaella Carrà and sometimes mononymously as Raffaella, was an Italian singer, dancer, actress, television presenter and model. Widely considered a pop culture icon in Europe and Latin America, between the 1970s and 1980s she became a pioneer of feminism and women’s rights in the music and television industry, as well as a music icon, an LGBT icon and an icon of fashion and design.
Carrà released 25 studio albums in 37 countries, between Europe and Latin America, selling over 60 million records worldwide, which includes “A far l’amore comincia tu”, “Fiesta”, “Forte forte forte”, “Pedro”, “Tanti auguri” and “Tuca tuca”, singing in Italian, Spanish, English and French.
She became a successful TV host and personality in Italy, Spain and Argentina, being recognized with several awards, including 12 Telegatto and two TP de Oro. After an acclaimed acting debut in Italy, Carrà signed an acting deal with 20th Century Fox in Hollywood, also starring in French and Spanish films, working with Mario Monicelli, Marcello Mastroianni, Frank Sinatra, Edward Mulhare, Trevor Howard, Jean Marais and James Coburn.
In 2021, Carrà was posthumously honored with the Sorriso Diverso Venezia Award at the 78th Venice International Film Festival for her contributions to the Italian music and show industry.
