The image of the blind musician is an important touchstone in many cultures, even where the influence of the blind on music has been limited. The idea of Homer, the blind poet, for example, has had a long existence in Western tradition, even though its basis in truth is uncertain. The influence of blind musicians is often lost on people these days since so much of our music industry is based on our visual senses - this blog is no exception.
When I first came up with the idea of writing about blind musicians for a week, I got a few sour faces. It is not my intent to make fun of these musicians for being blind, but rather show their talents to a potentially new audience - even if I only have three readers. Besides, if I do decide to make fun of them, it's not like they are ever going to read it...
Andrea Bocelli was born 22 September 1958 with congenital glaucoma. He became totally blind at the age of twelve following a soccer accident. He is best know as being an Italian tenor but is also a multi-instrumentalist and classical crossover artist.
In 1994 he won the Newcomers section of the Sanremo Music Festival. Since that time he has recorded thirteen solo studio albums (pop and classical music), two greatest hits albums, and eight complete operas. His albums have sold over 70 million copies worldwide making him the best-selling solo artist in the history of classical music.
In 1998, he was named one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People.
I often say "This is one of my favorite ____" on this blog. But Andrea Bocelli is by far one of the most impressive persons I have ever read about. His voice is simply beyond description.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_Bocelli
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