The singer died at home in Milan following a cardiac arrest, the Corriere della Sera daily and Agi news agency reported.

xRome :Ornella Vanoni, one of Italy's most prolific singers whose career spanned six decades, died on Friday at the age of 91, Italian media said.

The singer died at home in Milan following a cardiac arrest, the Corriere della Sera daily and Agi news agency reported.

Vanoni was one of the most accomplished and beloved singers of "musica leggera", popular music from the 1960s onwards.

She was instantly recognisable for her red curls and voice that shifted effortlessly from a smoky alto to clear, penetrating heights.

With over 50 million records sold, Vanoni frequently collaborated with other high-profile artists from George Benson and Herbie Hancock to Franco Califa

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