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Singer MARIO MEROLA has died in a hospital near Naples after suffering a series of heart attacks on Sunday (12NOV06). He was 72.
The star, famous for his dramatic renditions of traditional songs from his native Naples, had been admitted a few days earlier to a hospital in Castellammare di Stabia because of worsening cardiac problems.
Italy’s Sky TG24 TV reported that police had to help control thousands of fans who went to the hospital to view his body and pay respects after hearing of his death.
The body was later taken to a church in Naples for a second wake and the funeral will also be held there.
Merola mixed dialogue and singing in stage and TV performances. His voice, melodramatic, sometimes verging on wailing and ripe with passion, reflected the vibrant personality of his native city.
Born in Naples in 1934, he began helping his family by taking a variety of jobs when he was young, including longshoreman, and his humble origins endeared him to fans.
He influenced many Italian singers and performers, including MASSIMO RANIERI, and more recently GIGI D’ALESSIO, and was considered an excellent talent scout.
Merola also appeared in films in the 1970s and 1980s.

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