Team Ricchi e Poveri became famous for such hits as “Sara perche ti amo”, “Acapulco” and “Mamma Maria”. The group's history began in 1967 in Genoa. Initially, they formed a band Angela Brambati, Marina Occhiena, Franco Gatti and Angelo Sotgiu. They gained popularity together by playing on beaches and in clubs.
The name Ricchi e Poveri, which means “rich and poor”, was proposed by the manufacturer Franco Califano – was intended to emphasize the “rich soul” of the artists, despite their humble beginnings.
The debut on the big stage took place in 1968 at the Cantagiro festival. The band then gained wide recognition thanks to their participation in the Italian Song Festival in San Remo in the 1970s, where their songs “La prima cosa bella” and “Che sarà” won second place.
In 1981, during another visit to San Remo they performed the song “Sara perche ti amo”, which gained enormous popularity all over the world and is still considered their biggest hit.
Just before this event, there was a serious conflict in the team. Angela Brambati found out about the affair Marina Occhieny with her husband. As a result, Marina was excluded from the group. Marina resigned from the festival and started a solo career.
After these events, Ricchi e Poveri continued with a reduced line-up. Despite the difficulties, the group did not lose popularity. They recorded many hits, including “Acapulco” and “Mamma Maria”. Their successes were not only limited to Italian – gained popularity all over the world.
In 1985, the band achieved another great success, winning another Italian Song Festival in San Remo with the song “Se m'innamoro.” Ricchi e Poveri performed on this stage several more times in 1987-1990 and 1992.
The 1990s saw a slowdown in their career, but the band still enjoyed recognition despite the lack of new hits.
In 2013, during the San Remo Festival, the Ricchi e Poveri band was to receive a lifetime achievement award.
However, for Franco Gatti this day was tragic – he learned about the death of his son, Alessio. Shocked, he decided to leave the band three years later. From this moment Ricchi e Poveri performed as a duountil 2020.
In 2018, the band performed as a duet during the New Year's Eve of Dreams. In 2020, Franco Gatti and Marina Occhiena returned to the group.
In early 2021, the band released a new one album titled “ReuniON”.
The album contained new versions of old hits, as well as a special version of the song “Che sara”. José Feliciano took part in the recording as a guest.
Angela Brambati and Angelo Sotgiu returned to San Remo in February 2024. Their song “Ma non tutta la vita” was warmly received.
The first Ricchi e Poveri concert in Poland took place in 2013, when they performed at the Atlas Arena in Łódź at a concert of Italian song stars. Since then, they have visited our country several times, playing at New Year's Eve parties and on holiday tours.