She’s died Katyna Ranieri, widow of Riz Ortolani, the only Italian who sang at the Oscars
The artist died at the age of 93, shortly after celebrating her birthday with her family. She was the only Italian singer in history to perform in an Oscar ceremony, interpreting the song 'More' from the film 'Mondo cane', for which Ortolani received the statuette
Repubblica
September 3, 2018
The singer Katyna Ranieri, widow of the composer Riz Ortolani, died in Rome on the night of 2 September. He had just turned 93 on August 31, celebrating with her family on the day when she also celebrated her wedding anniversary with Ortolani, who was born in Pesaro and died in 2014. She leaves her daughter Rizia and her son Enrico. The funeral will be held Wednesday, September 5 at 15.30 in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Montesano (Church of the Artists) in Piazza del Popolo. The family invites the participants to avoid wearing mourning clothes.
Katyna Ranieri and Riz Ortolani were companions in life and art, in a loving and musical partnership. She, born in Follonica, finished second in San Remo, had achieved success as a singer in the 1950s and 1960s performing in the most exclusive stages of Italy, Latin America and the US, then in the 1970s concerts with big orchestras directed by her husband and tours in Italy, Japan, Austria, Germany, England, Korea.
She was the only Italian singer in the history of the Academy Awards to perform at an Oscar ceremony, singing the song “More” (theme of the film Mondo Cane ) for which Riz Ortolani received the Grammy award. Among her most famous interpretations: “Oh my Love” (recently revived in the movie Drive ); “Forget Tomorrow” from the movie The Yellow Rolls Royce; songs from the Fratello Sole Sorella Luna soundtrack. Katyna Ranieri was also the author of many lyrics of the songs composed by Riz Ortolani, hiding behind pseudonyms like Benjamin, Mae Kroville and others.
RANIERI, Katyna (Caterina Ranieri)
Born: 8/15/1927, Follonica, Grosseto, Italy
Died: 9/2/2018, Rome, Lazio, Italy
KATYNA, Ranieri’s western – singer:
Johnny West – 1965 [sings “Johnny West”]