Well, well, well! If it isn’t the ageless wonder himself, Da Vinci Hall – or shall I say, Salvatore Michael Sorrentino? The man’s 55 and he’s got more youthful charm than a kid buried under a mountain of candy! Grandfather of three? Bless! I can barely remember my own birthdays. Imagine being this guy’s grandchild and watching him strut around, “Yes, kids! Granddad’s got more moves than you all combined!”
First off, let’s talk about this cheeky claim of “all natural.” I mean, come on! He admitted to a little dab of makeup for his Rai program appearance. The only all-natural thing about that is how artificial it sounds! But hey, if your mum has fewer wrinkles than a freshly ironed shirt, then who are we to judge? Let’s just say genetics have played nicely here. If they could knit a wrinkle-resistant fabric from Da Vinci’s genes, they’d be millionaires!
From a theatre whizz kid to a nineties pop sensation – Salvatore has done it all. With a career that started at the tender age of seven, I’m surprised he didn’t take an extended sabbatical to re-discover his inner child. I mean, imagine having your childhood replaced with stage lights and theatrical drama. It’s like if *Billy Elliot* was about a young lad forced to sing high notes while dodging smoke and mirrors. Talk about premature adulthood!
He mentioned that it’s a “beautiful moment, almost miraculous” for someone who expects little from life. Perhaps he’s been reading a bit of *The Secret*? The universe works in mysterious ways, my friend! Despite feeling snubbed, as he claims, his music continues to resonate! I suppose when you’re dishing out hits like “Rossetto e caffè” with nearly 28 million Spotify plays, you can afford a bit of self-doubt. Just sprinkle some fairy dust of nostalgia on it!
But can we discuss the peculiar case of 1999? When a key offer came knocking from the great Roberto De Simone, our Salvatore said “Nah, I’m not up for that!” Now that’s a courageous move, or perhaps just a case of a childhood trauma turning him into a selective diva. “Oh no, no, I’ve seen too much theatre! I can’t possibly delve into the world of music now!”
And who could resist a family dynamic like his? Sal’s seated comfortably in the “dad who supports his son’s dreams” category. Lucky Francesco, eh? “Do what you love,” says Sal while rolling his eyes at the thought of a kid selling plastic necklaces. No pressure, buddy! That’s the advantage of having a dad with a stage name more famous than he is – you can seep into the industry like a sponge without any visible stress!
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room regarding his attempt for Sanremo. This man is not backing down! “Four times after 2009?!” That’s commitment, or a delusion so grand it could rival a soap opera’s plot twist! It seems like he’s destined to keep banging on the door like a guy trying to order a pizza at 3 AM. Just imagine—to be a father-son duo in the competition! That would be reality TV gold! (Someone get the cameras rolling!)
Oh, and let’s not skip over the controversy with “Rossetto e caffè” and comparisons to Patty Pravo’s “Pensiero stupendo.” Come on, that’s like saying all pasta tastes the same! The man says there’s only one harmonic tour that strikes a resemblance, and frankly, I trust a man who has turned melodrama into an art form!
And my oh my, the man’s made bold decisions, like turning down a pile of cash from record managers! We’re talking about a few hundred thousand euros here! It’s like rejecting a golden ticket – but when you see respects your artistic roots, can you really fault him? Maybe he’s just been watching too many superhero movies and thinks he’s on a quest for artistic justice!
As for his political views, or should I say, lack thereof? “I won’t tell him! Like the title of my song!” Classic. Just when you thought your conspiracy theories were taking a plunge, he throws that curveball. I assume when you conquer the career like he did, you reserve your voting secrets like a magician hides their best tricks.
In conclusion, Da Vinci Hall—sorry, Salvatore—may just be the ultimate enigma wrapped in an Italian mystery, sprinkled with charm, a dash of diva, with a sprinkle of “You wouldn’t understand the life I’ve led!” Moving forward, I can’t wait to see Salvatore strut his stuff back to Sanremo—hopefully with Francesco in tow. Grab the popcorn because folks, when that happens, I’m definitely tuning in! Or at least, I’ll be imagining an Italian remix of *Father & Son* while cheering from the sidelines!
Seen up close, the Neapolitan singer Da Vinci Hall radiates an energy that belies his 55 years, looking more like a youthful enthusiast than a man currently enjoying the joys of grandparenthood with three grandchildren. During his recent visit to Il Messaggero two days ago, he confidently spread his hands and declared: «All natural, for goodness sake. My mother also has very few wrinkles. And in any case, before coming, I went to record a Rai program and they did a little make-up on me.” He was born in New York during his father Mario’s tour—the father who left a significant mark on the landscape of Neapolitan drama before his passing in 2015. The singer’s full name is Salvatore Michael Sorrentino, with the moniker “Da Vinci” being a nod to his father’s suggestion of a recognizable surname to help boost his visibility in the industry. With a remarkable career starting in theatre at the tender age of seven, Salvatore has experienced a spectrum of artistic endeavors, including dramas, musicals, television appearances, and an impressive catalog of recording projects. Collaborating with a roster of renowned figures, including Carlo Verdone, Roberto De Simone, Claudio Mattone, and Gigi D’Alessio, he clinched the Canale 5 Italian Festival award in 1994 with his piece “Vera.” More recently, he secured third place at the prestigious Sanremo Festival in 2009 with his song “I can’t make you fall in love,” and his recent track “Rossetto e caffè” has garnered nearly 28 million streams on Spotify from its release in June to the present.
He’s doing well, right?
“It’s a beautiful moment, almost miraculous for someone who expects little from life, or rather from people.”
Really? What happened?
«I am a melodic singer and melody has been mistreated and put aside in recent years».
Is this why you complained on several occasions? Did you feel snubbed?
«I’m not one to complain, maybe I did it when I was young when I was more impulsive. I say what I think, yes. And today, mobile phones and the various platforms have changed everything. There is access to everything, but there is little passion and attention.”
After third place in 2009 in Sanremo, did you expect more?
«Maybe, but luckily I have my audience, who always follows me».
Is it true that in 1999 you didn’t want to work with the great composer Roberto De Simone?
«When he called me for his Opera buffa on Holy Thursday—a job that ultimately changed my life—I hesitated, as the theater had left a significant mark on me».
What do you mean?
«I started in the theater at seven years old and there I saw things that a child shouldn’t have seen. I discovered the world of adults too early: sideshows, gratuitous nastiness, and low blows. At that age, you grow up with a perspective that is too different from that of your peers. Despite having a protective father, my childhood was cut short, leading directly to a complicated adolescence.”
Why?
«At thirteen, the spotlight dimmed for me, and everything became challenging. The people who populated my life began to vanish. They all abandoned me. It was very hard, a reality my father experienced too. He had the heavy responsibility of raising a family with six children, working very little while inventing everything possible just to survive. He always managed to cope, and as a family, we remained very close.”
Isn’t starting to work at seven years old crazy?
«At the time, there was another sensitivity. I attended a private school, my father would pick me up at 1:30 PM, and I’d eat a sandwich in the car before heading to the theater to perform three shows a day.”
An incredible effort.
«Yes, but it was also an extraordinary training ground: I had the unique opportunity to be around the great actors of the Neapolitan theater. I inhaled both good and bad air. I endured the contrasts of life, represented by swallowing bottles of poison and bottles of milk.”
How did you deal with your son Francesco, who is also a singer?
“I supported him like my father supported me, but only encouraged him to pursue what he was passionate about.”
Is it true that you presented a song for Sanremo to Carlo Conti?
“Yes. The song addresses the theme of the father-son relationship, and my Francesco joins me on it. I haven’t spoken to Conti yet, but I’m calm: he’s a professional, and if he doesn’t like it, I can always write another better one in the future.”
Among the authors, there is Gigi D’Alessio, who also wrote “I can’t make you fall in love” in 2009. Are there refrains in Neapolitan?
«Yes, there are some passages in dialect. There are four of us contributing to it. My son wrote both his sections and the text, embedding sentiments he had long wished to express to me.”
What is the song called?
«I won’t tell him. If it passes, it would be a historic first that a father and son appear in the competition together.”
After 2009, how many times have you tried to participate in the Festival?
«Four times, twice under Amadeus’s direction».
It is said that your catchphrase “Lipstick and coffee” resembles Patty Pravo’s “Pensiero stupendo” a little too much: how do you respond?
«It’s absurd. There are only seven notes; do you know how many songs remind you of others? For the sake of thoroughness, however, along with the other two authors—Luca Barbato and Vincenzo D’Agostino—we conducted a precise analysis: only one harmonic sequence potentially resembles it, which is negligible. In fact, no one has complained.”
He didn’t even have time to dream of a life like his: did he ever consider he could have done something else?
«Maybe acting, after filming Too Strong, but ultimately, that wasn’t my destiny.”
How did you overcome that challenging moment?
«My family has always believed in me. Even my father, who faced similar trials, consistently instilled confidence in me. I concurrently contemplated changing careers; my wife and I, both minors then, brainstormed opening a shop by buying and reselling plastic necklaces. However, an internal voice urged me to follow my true path. I returned to writing songs for others and embarked on a new phase of performing, balancing my life between Milan and Naples, filled with the anxieties and excitement of presenting my songs—still a boy finding his way.”
Have you suffered from panic attacks?
“Yes. I utilized clarity as my lifeline. Each time I sought medical help, hospitals would send me home without a diagnosis. Gradually, I began to elevate my self-esteem and rekindle my dreams. My breakthrough came when I secured my first contract with Dischi Ricordi, leading me to win the Italian Festival presented by Mike Bongiorno. In mere days, I advanced from living in humble retirement with nothing more than a mattress to residing in a five-star hotel.”
Did you open the shop then?
«Yes, a small establishment, in collaboration with my wife’s family, akin to those “Everything for 1000 lire” shops.”
Gigi D’Alessio, years ago, confessed to having had problems with the Camorra when he sang at parties: has this ever happened to you?
“I have never encountered any issues of that nature.”
In 2010, however, you performed at the wedding of the boss Marco Mariano’s daughter.
«I stand firmly for legality, always and unequivocally. Certainly, when fans request photos or autographs, I don’t inquire about their background. This holds true for various performances I’ve done in the past. In truth, aside from a few, the majority in Naples are respectable individuals. It’s a vibrant city.”
More courageous or reckless?
“Brave.”
What was the last courageous thing you did?
«I turned down a few hundred thousand euros from executives of a major record company who had previously disrespected me eight months ago by refusing my song “Lipstick and Coffee.” I chose to stay loyal to my work group. I wish to continue being true to myself; this is why the people love me.”
What are your artistic references?
«Pino Daniele. Interestingly, he once admitted that as a child he disliked me because my performances made his mother come home in tears for the dramatic characters I played (laughs, ed.).”
What would you like to do before your sixtieth birthday?
«I’d love to return to Sanremo and perform at the illustrious San Carlo in Naples. I’m also heading to America for five concerts, one in Brooklyn where I was born. I hold dual citizenship.”
Who would he have voted for?
“I’m unsure about that; however, all my friends remarked that during Trump’s era, there was more financial opportunity for everyone.”
And in Italy, who did you choose?
«I won’t disclose that, akin to the title of my Sanremo song. Furthermore, votes are inherently confidential.”
But your hair is dyed, right?
«Of course, just a bit. Almost all singers do it.”
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– How do you hope your music impacts future generations?
Ackground. However, I can confidently say that I have never knowingly aligned myself with anyone involved in illegal activities. My dedication has always been towards my music and my passion for art, not politics or crime.»
How do you view your legacy as an artist?
«I hope to be remembered not just for my music but for the emotions and stories behind my songs. Each piece should reflect my life’s journey, the people I’ve met, and the lessons I’ve learned. I want to inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face. My goal is to uphold the melodic traditions of my homeland while blending my own experiences into the narrative.»
With the world changing so rapidly, how do you envision the future of music in Italy?
«I believe we must find a balance between innovation and tradition. While new technologies and styles emerge, keeping the melodic essence alive is crucial. I encourage young artists to draw inspiration from past masters while also being brave enough to carve their own paths. There’s so much potential in the Italian music scene, and with passion and dedication, the future looks bright.»
As Da Vinci prepares for yet another chapter in his storied career, he embodies resilience, authenticity, and an undying love for music that transcends generations. Fans eagerly await his next move, hoping to see the magic unfold on stages both big and small, alongside his son Francesco—adding a new layer to their extraordinary family legacy.
