A Grandfather’s Love Behind a World-Class Voice
In the bright spotlight where Piero Barone stands as one of today’s most compelling young tenors, few people realize that behind the international acclaim lies a quiet, humble figure who shaped his destiny long before the world discovered him: his grandfather. For Piero, this man was far more than a relative — he was the foundation, the guide, and the gentle force who recognized a remarkable talent before anyone else ever heard it.
A Simple Sicilian Childhood Filled With Warmth, Tradition, and Music
Piero’s earliest and most cherished memories were formed in his grandparents’ home in Sicily, where life was simple, sincere, and rooted in family. Although his grandfather was not a professional musician, he had a deep appreciation for classical music and the legendary Italian tenors. It was in that modest home, through the crackling sound of an old radio, that Piero first heard the voices of Pavarotti, Mario Lanza, and the timeless Sicilian songs that would become the soundtrack of his childhood.
Sitting beside his grandfather, listening intently to every melody, those quiet afternoons became the moments Piero carried with him into adulthood — the first sparks of a passion that would eventually transform his life.
A Defining Moment: When His Grandfather First Heard “The Voice”
The Man Behind The Man by Susan | Il Volo Flight Crew ~Share The Love
According to Piero, his grandfather was the very first person to recognize the extraordinary gift hidden within his young voice. One day, Piero began singing along to a song playing on the radio. His grandfather froze, astonished. The child’s voice wasn’t just pleasant — it carried emotion beyond his years, depth that seemed impossible for someone so young, and a clarity that felt like a sign of something greater.
From that day on, his grandfather became his first mentor and his strongest supporter. He encouraged daily practice, taught Piero to connect deeply with the meaning of every lyric, and instilled in him the discipline, humility, and passion that would shape not only his career, but his character.
Without that early guidance, Piero’s journey to Il Volo might have taken a very different direction — or perhaps never happened at all.
Steady Encouragement Through Every Stage of His Rise
As Piero began performing in local competitions and eventually appeared on Ti Lascio Una Canzone, his grandfather remained a constant presence. He was always there backstage, offering a reassuring hand, a quiet smile, or a whispered reminder that Piero was capable of anything as long as he stayed true to himself.
His grandfather never cared about trophies or fame. What mattered to him was simple: that Piero loved to sing.
That unwavering support gave Piero the steadiness and humility that continue to define him today — qualities that fans admire just as much as his voice.
A Heartbreaking Loss That Became a Source of Strength
Il Volo singer Piero Barone on finding his voice and more ahead of State Theatre stop – Team Il Volo
The passing of his grandfather was one of the most painful moments of Piero’s life. In several interviews, he has described the loss as “like losing a piece of his heart.” Yet instead of letting grief overwhelm him, Piero transformed that sorrow into fuel for his artistry.
To this day, he often dedicates some of his most emotional performances — pieces such as “Il Mondo,” “O Sole Mio,” and “Un Amore Così Grande” — to his grandfather. When he sings them, it is as if he is offering each note directly to him, imagining his grandfather somewhere in the audience, watching with the same pride he carried throughout Piero’s childhood.
A Legacy Embedded in Every Note He Sings
Even with worldwide success, numerous awards, and sold-out concerts across continents, Piero remains profoundly connected to his beginnings. He often speaks about the importance of family, describing it as the anchor that keeps him grounded despite the whirlwind of fame and responsibility.
His grandfather may no longer be physically present, but his influence resonates in every performance. The guidance, the love, and the belief he once offered continue to shape Piero’s voice — a voice that carries not only talent, but the legacy of the man who recognized it first.
In every song, in every stage he steps onto, a part of his grandfather lives on, quietly echoing through the music that now touches audiences around the world.