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Luciano Pavarotti, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI (October 12, 1935 – September 6, 2007) was an Italian opera tenor, who crossed over into popular music and became one of the world's most famous vocal performers. He was one of "The Three Tenors" and became well known for his televised concerts and media appearances. Pavarotti was also noted for his charity work benefiting refugees, the Red Cross and other causes.

He was born in Modena to the family of a baker. After abandoning the dream to become a professional football goalkeeper, Pavarotti spent seven years in vocal training. He began his professional career as a tenor in 1961 in Italy. He sang in opera houses in The Netherlands, Vienna, London, Ankara, Budapest and Barcelona. The young tenor earned valuable experience and recognition while touring Australia on the invitation of soprano Joan Sutherland in 1965. He made his US debut in Miami soon afterwards, also on Sutherland's recommendation. His position as a leading tenor was consolidated in the years between 1966 and 1972, during which time he first appeared at Milan's La Scala and other major European houses. In 1968, he debuted at New York City's Metropolitan Opera, earning considerable acclaim.

By the mid-1970s, the tenor had become known world-wide, famed for the brilliance and beauty of his tone, especially into the upper register.[1] He was at his best in bel canto operas, pre-Aida Verdi roles and Puccini works such as La boheme, Tosca and Madama Butterfly. His "high C" became one of his trademarks during the peak period of his career. The late 1970s and 1980s saw Pavarotti continue to make significant appearances in the world's foremost opera houses. He made numerous recordings of complete operas and indvidual arias, too, and established himself as one of the top classical singers of his era.

Popular stardom came to Pavarotti at the 1990 World Cup in Italy with performances of Puccini's Nessun Dorma,sample (help·info) from Turandot, and as one of "The Three Tenors" in their famed first concert held on the eve of the tournament's final match. He sang on that occasion with fellow star tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras, bringing to a much wider audience 'hits' previously confined to the opera world. Appearances in advertisements and with pop icons in concerts furthered his international celebrity. Yet Pavarotti always strove to maintain his identity as an opera star, unlike many crossover artists.

The later years brought a decline in his ability to perform on stage due to a weight gain and lack of mobility. His voice began to show signs of wear and tear, too. His final appearance in an opera was at the Met in March 2004. The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy saw him performing for the last time. Pavarotti lip-synced[2] Nessun dorma, with the crowd serving as the aria's chorus, and he received a thunderous standing ovation. On September 6, 2007, he died at home in Modena from pancreatic cancer