CELEBRITY TRAVEL CORNER

A conversation with Gino Vannelli.

LEGIONS OF FANS WORLDWIDE have enjoyed the pop, jazz, classical and soulful songs and performances by multiple Grammy-nominated and seven-time Juno award winner Gino Vannelli. Among his most notable fans—the late Pope John Paul II. At the Pope’s request, Vannelli performed for him at the Vatican, Parole Per Mio Padre (A Word to My Father), a tribute to Vannelli’s father Joseph.

At 67, Vannelli retains his fit shape and signature curly locks. His hits since the 1970s include People Gotta Move, I Just Wanna Stop, Living Inside Myself, Black Cars, Wild Horses and It’s Only Love. Though successful with pop music early in his career, Vannelli never limited himself musically and is equally adept at performing classical music with renowned orchestras. One of his proudest musical accomplishments came with the release of Canto in 2003 on which he sang songs in French, English, Italian and Spanish.

Born and raised in Montréal, musical influences included his own father who sang with Montréal dance bands and trumpeters like Maynard Ferguson. Legendary drummer Buddy Rich was a favourite of Vannelli’s and drums were his instrument of choice when he was young. (Guitar and piano followed.)

In 1974, after his first big hit, People Gotta Move, Stevie Wonder invited Vannelli to be his opening act on tour. After years of commercial success but disenchanted with the record industry and his label at the time, Vannelli retreated from recording and touring to focus on a journey that took him around the world for a few years studying humanities, philosophies and world religions.

Family, wellness and staying true to himself and his music keeps Vannelli focused and grounded. After living in Montréal, New York, Los Angeles and Amsterdam, he chose to settle with his wife Patricia into a small community along the spectacular Columbia River Gorge on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon.

Slowing down is not in Vannelli’s repertoire. Planning a multi-country tour to promote his latest album, Wilderness Road, teaching Master Classes in voice, sound engineering and producing from his Oregon studio, and performing on stage, Vannelli continues to push the boundaries of his musical and literary genius.

GINO VANNELLI