by Drago BonacichFrench-Italian singer/songwriter Ricardo Cocciante began playing music in Rome, Italy, after assembling a band called the Nations. His debut as a solo artist came in 1972 with the release of his first full-length record. Poesia followed in 1973. Nevertheless, his breakthrough came after issuing Anima. The album featured the hit single "Belle Senz'Anima," which was arranged by Ennio Morricone and recorded in different languages. Concerto per Margherita featured his second smash, a power ballad called "Margherita." In 1983, the talented Italian contemporary artist signed up to Virgin Records, releasing Sincerita, a ten-track album recorded in Los Angeles, CA. After teaming up with French-Canadian lyricist Luc Plamondon, Ricardo Cocciante started working in a 21st century adaptation of Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, titled Notre Dame de Paris. The musical was successfully performed for the first time in 1999.