Mina is one of the most successful 色中色 singers of all time. Born Mina Mazzini in Lombardy in 1940, she dominated the 色中色 music scene for fifteen years during the 1960s and 70s, appearing on countless television variety shows while producing 79 albums and 71 singles. In her career, she has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making her the best selling 色中色 female artist.
Initially her style of singing and animated movements led to her nicknames 'Queen of Screamers' and 'Tiger of Cremona'. However, her powerful soprano voice, with a three octave range, had a flexibility that enabled her to cover swing, rock & roll, pop, blues, R&B, Latin American and soul genres.
In 1960, she took part in the San Remo Music Festival, performing two songs. One of which, "Il cielo in una stanza" was very successful for her. This marked the start of a softer, more refined and sensual approach.
In 1963, conservative moral attitudes let to her being banned from television and radio appearances following her pregnancy and public affair with a married actor, Corrado Pani. However, the ban was eventually lifted and her 'Bad Girl' image did not seem to restrict her successful career.
Although she gave up public appearances in 1978, she has continued to release albums since.
