Ciao Luciano R.I.P. ! Eleo

I met Luciano Pavarotti the day after the 25th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden in the 1980's/ He was signing a 25th anniversary coffee table book at a bookstore at the corner of 5th and W 53rd. I told him that I had written him with the idea of a movie plot in which he and Dom DeLuise would be cousins named after the same grandfather. I thanked him for the very gracious rejection note he had sent me. When I asked him to sign a picture of himself riding a horse in the NYC Columbus Day Parade in the book I had just bought, he asked me if I liked horses. I said I had chosen that picture because it was on 5th Ave and we were on 5th Ave. Finally, I said in Italian "Sai, e un grande occasione a incontrarLa" (You know it's a great occasion for me to me you." He shrugged his shoulder a little and said "Il piacere e mio." (The pleasure is mine.) It was as though I was the only person in the room. He was taller than I had thought and his hands were quite big - we had a very firm handshake. I had spoken to him in Italian because I wanted him to know that I am of Italian origin and I wanted him to sign the book in Italian, but didn't want to ask him to do so. He signed "Anita, per un caro ricordo" (for a dear remembrance). And what a great memory it has been. I met a woman who had a better story, though. When she asked Luciano to sign an album for Joey, he said "This isn't for you?" She said "No, it's for my nephew." He said "You don't like me?" She said "LIKE you? I ADORE you!!!!" He said "You love people. You adore only God." His knowledge of Catholic theology was absolutely correct and he reminded her of it!!!! Anita Bologna

What an extraordinary voice this great tenor had. It is because of his sweet beautiful lyric operatic voice that I fell in love with opera, and I listened many, many minutes, hours, days, years until the voice has become a part of my life, and my world. He is without question the greatest voice in the musical world and in operatic history. Always we wil remember this extraordinary musical icon.

En memoria a un grande, que hizo un gran labor a favor de la música clásica y nos mostró que no es solo rock.

I first heard of the name Pavarotti long before I heard that marvelous instrument of glory. He set the standard of singing for nearly 4 decades, embracing all of us in that huge bear hug he always gave audiences around the world. He will always continue to be there, thanks to the records, tapes, cds and dvds but the world is much sadder without this great man who had so much warmth, dignity and humanity.

a man who could speak a thousand words with one sustained note.a man who could send a chill down the spine of non opera loving people.a man who brought opera into the mainstream of music,ladies and gentlemen Luciano Pavarotti may he rest in peace

My father had come out to visit me in Los Angeles in the early 1990's. I knew he had been a huge Pavarotti fan ever since I could remember, but he never saw him perform in person. I really wanted to do something extremely special for him, something I knew he would never do for himself due to being brought up with that "Depression Era" mindset. Bringing him to see Pavarotti perform live would be the most sublime way of communicating to my father how much I appreciated him. That warm evening literally under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl (which BTW, for an outside venue has unbelievable acoustics), seeing my father come to tears of joy as Luciano sang an Italian song is today my fondest memory of my father. He was compelled to explain that he had not heard that Italian folk song since his mother sang it to him as a child. I was already a fervent classical music fan by then, but having grown up with my Italian speaking father constantly playing Pavarotti & Callas (between Copland pieces) in our home, I still never quite "got" opera. That evening under the stars in LA changed that forever. I was so moved by an aria he was singing I too discovered tears streaming down my own face. That exact moment and the exhilarating feeling I will never forget to this day. I went on to see 10's of operas at the Los Angeles Opera and now personally own over 100 operas. While being one of the rare tenors able to perform the 9 high C's while performing Donizetti's La Fille Du Régiment, (to the opera uninitiated, this is a BIG DEAL), this became and is still one of my favorite recordings. Even my 7 year old daughter actually enjoys it too. If you are unfamiliar or curious as to what his high C's sound[ed] like, you can listen here for free: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHv_lZK0y2A (hit the PLAY button) I somehow seemed to have tied so many of my memories of my father to his extreme sentiment for Luciano Pavarotti that today's news was a particular blow. Thank God (and/or the recording industry) that we were left with so many recordings of what may have been the best tenor that ever lived no matter what some critics say. They are 'critics' after all. And a big "thanks" to Luciano Pavarotti for bringing opera to billions in only the way he could deliver it.

Luciano....Your voice, was heard around the world and it will speak volumes even more. My heart and soul are lifted within, as the Lord gave you a gift that you shared with us as you sang. Your last breath on earth was your first in heaven! Jesus, loved his mother, and Ave Maria reminds us we all need a saviour including, his mother. He, is the mediator, you were his servant and you are now safely home by Grace and Grace alone!!.....

Luciano pararotti was the greats siing in the world that has brougth to the music world he love to sing any wear in the world he love to come to austlia to perform for his fans he had lot of fan around the world bye Luciano Pavarotti your music will live on

I remember having a crush on Luciano Pavarotti when everyone else was into Tom Cruise (!). I thought this man had so much sex appeal, and WHAT AN INCREDIBLE VOICE! I was always amazed at how much heart he poured into every note. Quite amazing. He also did a lot for the opera world..made it real for the next generation. Definitely left a positive mark on this world, and will be sorely missed.

You were a great man who had a heart of gold. Your music was inspiring and will live in our hearts forever. You will be sadly missed by your family, friends and the rest of the world.

your beautiful voice has continued to touch my heart through the years, I have listened to your music all day ....... You will be missed but your music is ageless.. God Bless you and your family

My father who was Italian filled our home with music, music that was beautifully sung by Luciano Pavarotti ever since I was a baby. Having Pavarotti in our home filled me with passion and thirst for life. My father was nine years older than Luciano and my father was 47 years old when I was born. He and my mother saw him live in concert and was overcome with emotion to see his hero who also shared his love for Juventus. When my father was dying I gave him a CD player to listen to Pavarotti as he, like myself found his voice to be a comfort and immense joy. My father visibly relaxed as his listened and died peacefully with the sound of Pavarotti around him. Pavarotti will be greatly missed by so many generations. My son Luca who is 2 has heard Pavarotti voice since he was concieved and shall continue to listen and one day I will tell him that Pavarotti was a great inspiration who brought so much music and happiness in my family and others. I would like to extend my thanks to all his family for sharing such a beautiful person to the rest of the world. To his wife Nicoletta and his beautiful girls, we share in your sadness and hold on to your memories of happy times. Ci Vediamo Luciano, amore siempre.

Forver in our memory. The wonderful concert in the rain. His voice supreme! and one of the most emotive days of our lives, thank You Luciano for your brilliance and character. Rest in Peace. Nicki & Bob Munro

i will always remember his voice its like the angels singing he is singing for god now when my mental illness is acting up all i have to do is listen to his cd,s

A living legend is no more...the world is a sadder place without you Maestro and you are already missed. I will miss you, millions will miss you.I can not imagine the world without you in it but you will be remembered forever.You went before I could bring my partner to hear you. My memories of you will be shared with him.Your life was an open book. Sweet Dreams and God Bless.

Oh, such a beautiful voice! You shall be missed.

I'll never forget that first time so many years ago when I heard Luciano. The radio was playing in the background and I didn't really listen until I heard a great GREAT voice coming out of the speakers. I sat bolt upright and just listend. "Luciano Pavarotti" the voice said and I've loved him ever since. Went out the next day and bought 3 CD's with him and spent a whole Saturday just listening to his great voice. Sadly I never got to see him live on stage but atleast I discovered him and his work. Many thanks Luciano. You never knew but you reached out and touch my heart. J from Sweden

The perishable will turn to dust. The voice will live for ever. Thank you Luciano Pavarotti for giving us so many pleasure filled moments.

You gave me a new tilt on life and appreciation of your life's desire. I played one of your recordings when I heard of your passing at full volume to tell all that you are still with us. Take care. I will never forget you. God bless. You are now and will always be a star in our sky. Legacies always live longer than individuals and yours has a long way to go. Garry.

Everyone is beloved by a few. Very few are beloved by everybody. Pavarotti is one of those. His voice crossed all the borders. Who doesn't like this man and his voice? That's why he's immortal. Luciano, I thank you.

His passing is sad, his lagacy great. He brought so much joy to so many people. He will be missed.

The fact that we will never hear your voice again but on cd or dvd is an unbearable thought. We will miss you Maestro !

the day I hear my grandmother is about to leave us, Pavarotti goes away. What a sad story, and a great actor and singer.

Maestro, We will miss your vibrance and wonderful musicianship... Rest in sweet peace!

He was a gracious man, kind to all his fans.

Forbes described him as "without a doubt the world's most marketable voice." In 1996 he had an estimated total gross earnings of $25 million.

Luciano Pavarotti is the most popular artist in the history of the classical recording industry. As a member of the Three Tenors, the Maestro's name has become a household word, and he's also performed with a broad range of pop, rock and jazz artists.

Pavarotti has been described by Connie Chung as "the opera star with the bad boy charisma." We're not quite sure why she refers to him as such, but we appreciate the fact that he helped bridge the gap between classical and popular music.