Style Icon: Patty Pravo

I am always on the hunt for new music. Well, not new new. But new to me.

I love discovering fabulous singers or impressive bands from the past. There is a ton of good music in the world just sitting around, waiting for younger generations to fall in love with it.

One little gem I found was the Italian pop star, Patty Pravo.



I didn't know anything about this European beauty until I came across her music last week. I instantly fell in love with her deep, mysterious voice and boho chic style.

This is her story.



Patty Pravo was born in Venice in 1948. At five years old, she began piano and dance lessons, which would clear her path as a conservatory student a few years later. In her early teens, she became acquaintances with both the American poet Ezra Pound and Angelo Roncalli (Pope John XXIII).



At 15, Patty left home to live in London and then promptly moved to Rome, where her life changed forever. She started going to the famous Piper Club, where her beauty, musical talent, and sparkling personality drew the attention of several famous films directors, including Fellini and Antonioni. The owner of the club asked her to sing. She began performing on stage at the club, singing R&B hits.



The gig lead to a record deal. In 1966, she released her first single, "Ragazzo triste", the Italian version of the song "But You're Mine" by Sonny & Cher. It was the first pop song broadcast on Vatican Radio.



A star was born. She not only became a world-wide pop sensation, but she became a symbol for young women during a generational metamorphosis. Her sultry good looks and provocative clothing caused quite a stir with the conservative parents of her listeners. Patty represented a generation that was becoming increasingly more liberal and sexual. She became a role model for hippie fashion.



Some of her biggest hits include, "Qui e là," "Se perdo te,” and "La bambola.” "La bambola" sold over one million copies by the end of 1968, and went gold.

Over the next four decades, Patty continued to top the international charts. At 62, she is still a sexy and fabulous performer.





Last year, the musician Tuccillo remixed her famous song, “La bambola” and turned it into a radio hit again. The tribute solidifies the Italian pop diva’s legacy and continues to introduce her to a new generation of listeners.

The original song:



The remix:


Which version do you like better?