Born in Milan on May 2, 1980, DJ and vocalist Francesco Facchinetti first got his foot in the door of the entertainment industry at the age of 15, working as a disc jockey for a local radio station. Local industry contact Claudius Cecchetto suggested that he use his local celebrity and clout to launch a career as a singer. Facchinetti tested the waters with his first single, "La Canzone del Capitano," which earned DJ Francesco his first gold record. With his second single, "Salta," Francesco earned an invitation to the Italian Music Awards in 2003, where he was named "Rivelazione dell'Anno" (Revelation of the Year). A year later DJ Francesco made his first appearance at the Sanremo Festival, performing the song "Era Bellissimo." Thanks to that exposure, Francesco's debut record, Bella di Padella, went platinum. In 2004 came opportunities to tour, collaborate with Italian vocal legend Luciano Pavaratti, and participate in the Italian "Survivor-esque" TV show L'Isola dei Famosi. In May of 2006 Facchinetti split from manager Cecchetto, dropping the "DJ" in preference for his first name, Francesco. His first single thereafter, "Non Cado Piu," earned him yet another gold record. Audiences at 2007's Sanremo Festival were the first to hear "Vivire Normale," the title cut from that year's release, Facchinetti's first record with Sony. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi