Caterina Valente, the renowned French-Italian singer who enchanted audiences across the globe with her multilingual talents, has passed away at the age of 93. Her agent confirmed that Valente died on September 9, 2024, at her residence in Lugano, Switzerland.
Born on January 14, 1931, in Paris, Valente was part of a rich performing lineage, representing the seventh generation of entertainers in her family. Her father was an accomplished accordionist who played classical pieces, while her mother, a clown and singer, reportedly mastered 33 instruments.
Valente's musical journey began at a remarkably young age, making her stage debut at just five years old in Stuttgart, Germany. Her family's resilience was tested during World War II, as they endured deportation, bombing, and imprisonment before returning to Paris.
The post-war period saw Valente's career flourish. She launched her professional music career in 1953, collaborating with German bandleader Kurt Edelhagen. By the mid-1950s, Valente had risen to international prominence, captivating audiences with her Latin-tinged pop and jazz performances.
Valente's linguistic prowess was extraordinary, as she was fluent in six languages and sang in eleven. This versatility allowed her to connect with diverse audiences and release hit records throughout Europe. Her first major success came in 1954 with a German rendition of Cole Porter's "I Love Paris."
In the United States, Valente became a familiar face on television variety shows. She made nine appearances on "The Dean Martin Show" and was a favorite guest of Perry Como. In 1964, she co-hosted "The Entertainers" on CBS alongside Carol Burnett and Bob Newhart, though the show was short-lived.
Valente's talent was recognized with a Grammy nomination in 1959 for her performance of "La Strada del' Amore." She also shared the stage with legendary performers like Ella Fitzgerald and Bing Crosby.
"I scream in French."
Beyond her musical career, Valente showcased her versatility by acting in German films, starring in television specials, and even writing a cooking column for a German weekly newspaper.
In recent years, Valente's 1950s hit "Bongo Cha Cha Cha" experienced an unexpected resurgence. The song was featured in the 2019 film "Spider-Man: Far From Home" and subsequently became a viral sensation on TikTok, introducing her music to a new generation of listeners.
Throughout her career, Valente maintained a preference for live performances. In a 1987 interview before a Hollywood Bowl concert, she expressed her joy in entertaining audiences, stating, "I get no greater pleasure than to entertain an audience for two hours."
Caterina Valente's passing marks the end of an era in international entertainment. Her legacy as a multilingual, multi-talented performer who bridged cultures through music will undoubtedly endure for years to come.