I was saddened and shocked when I heard over the radio that Pavarotti the icon of opera singing and one of my favorite singers died. To me he was as big as Elvis and as popular as the Beatles of the Opera world. The world has lost another great talent. Luciano Pavarotti (October 12, 1935 – September 6, 2007) died of cancer.

He was a celebrated Italian tenor and one of the most popular vocal performers in the world of opera and across multiple musical genres. Known for his televised concerts, media appearances, and as one of The Three Tenors, Pavarotti was also noted for his award-winning charity work, raising money on behalf of refugees, the Red Cross and other worthy causes.
Pavarotti began his career as a tenor uneventfully.

He sang opera in obscurity throughout Europe, but broke out after a performance with soprano Joan Sutherland, who invited the young tenor to join her in touring internationally. By the 1970s, Pavarotti had become known worldwide, famed for the brilliance and beauty of his tone especially into the upper register.[1] His "high C" would be one of his trademarks.

Pavarotti was launched into popular culture after a performance of Nessun Dorma for the opening ceremony of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. The first of the famed The Three Tenors concerts was held on the eve of the final match of the tournament in which Pavarotti performed together with fellow star tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras. Through these performances, Pavarotti brought hits previously confined to the opera world to a much wider audience; Pavarotti further spread his influence with appearances in advertisements and concerts with pop stars. Unlike many crossover artists, Pavarotti always maintained his identity as an opera star.