Born in 1958 in a small village near Pisa, Tuscany, Andrea was a farmer's son who always had a great passion for music. He was not blind from birth, although his eyesight was never good. He went completely blind at the age of 12, after sustaining a head injury during a football match. Despite his inability to see, he has knowledge on how to play a variety of instruments, such as flute, saxophone, and guitar. His professional career began in 1992, becoming introduced to the US in 1998. His albums have sold over 80,000,000 copies in total, making him the best-selling solo artist in the entire history of classical music.
He has a law degree from the University of Sienna, practiced for several years before his music career took off, and has maintained his license.
Associated Tropes:
- Blind Musician: He was born with a congenital glaucoma and by the age of 12 went completely blind. Nonetheless this doesn't interfere with his career.
- "Sesame Street" Cred: Appeared on the show to sing "Time to Say Goodnight" to Elmo.
- Something Something Leonard Bernstein: "Con te partirò" is otherwise known as "Time to Say Goodbye", as that is the only English line in the verses, and for that matter, the only line English-speakers recognize.
- Truck Driver's Gear Change: Notably happens in Bocelli's "Con Te Partirò" a shift that usually provokes rapturous applause (see: the concert DVD A Night in Tuscany).
