She was THE pop star of the post-war era in West Germany – but she was actually a truly international mix: Caterina Germaine Maria Valente was born in Paris in 1931, had not only French, but also Italian and German citizenship, and was fluent in six languages.
Her big breakthrough came in the 1950s when she became known with the song “Malagueña”. But it was her hit “Ganz Paris träumt von der Liebe” (1954) that made her an icon of the pop world in Germany.
Now Caterina Valente has died peacefully at the age of 93 in her home in Lugano, Switzerland, according to her management, citing her sons.
A circus child whirls through hearts
Caterina Valente came from a family of artists and was already on stage at the age of five: her father was an accordionist, her mother a well-known circus artist. Perhaps Caterina Valente had already discovered the playful lightness with which she sang, danced and whirled at that time?
The West German audience in particular loved her wholeheartedly for this, because Caterina Valente brought carefree joie de vivre and international music into people’s living rooms during the difficult post-war period. Her appearances on German television, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, have thrilled generations.
Caterina Valente has set standards
“Whether as a presenter, actress, singer or hostess in TV shows – it always looked easy, as if it came naturally,” said Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in tribute to the artist on her 90th birthday. With her irrepressible musicality, artistic perfection and great charm, Valente set standards.
“All of Paris dreams of love” and “Bongo Cha Cha Cha”
In her long career, Caterina Valente has created musical evergreens that are still memorable today: “All of Paris dreams of love”, “Bye, Bye, Bambina” – and a song that still – or again – inspires generations:
“Bongo Cha Cha Cha”. Valente sang the piece together with her brother Silvio Francesco in the film “You Are Wonderful” (1959).
60 years later, the song was used in the soundtrack of the Marvel film “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019) and has been a staple of social media trends ever since.
Two marriages – both did not last
Caterina Valente was married twice. Her first marriage (1952–1971) to the juggler Gerd Scholz (stage name Eric van Aro) not only gave Caterina Valente her son Eric van Aro, but also German citizenship.
In 1972, Valente married the British composer, arranger and pianist Roy Budd. With him she had another son, Alessandro, who was born in 1974. But this marriage did not last either: the couple divorced in 1979.
She could sing everything – chansons, jazz and pop
The entertainer also became famous for her versatile voice: she sang chansons, jazz and pop songs. After receiving the “Bambi” honorary award from the jury in 2005, she withdrew into private life, but remained active on Facebook, where her mischievous humor continued to be used.
Her sons were at her side
She had lived a completely secluded life for more than 20 years and has now died in her house in Lugano. Valente was accompanied at her death by her two sons, the artist’s agency announced.
According to the report, Valente died on Monday (09.09.24) and was buried in strict privacy at his own request – there will be no further ceremonies or memorial services.
