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Born March 19, 1955, in Naples, singer/songwriter Pino Daniele grew up learning both classical and traditional Neapolitan guitar, though as a teenager he became interested in other styles of music, particularly British and American rock. His solo debut, Terra Mia, sung in Neapolitan, was the first example of what Daniele called "taramblù," a combination of tarantella, rhumba, and blues. In 1979 his self-titled sophomore record was released, followed by Nero a Metà in 1980, and that same year Daniele was invited to open for reggae superstar Bob Marley for his show in Milan. During the next few years the artist continued exploring his various Mediterranean, African, and Western inspirations -- found in albums like Common Ground, a collaboration with American folksinger Richie Havens, and the Middle Eastern-influenced Bonne Soirée -- as well as writing soundtracks for films by Massimo Troisi. In 1989 Daniele took a step toward greater commercial success with the release of the pop record ...