Milva & James Last

Born Maria Ilva Biolcati in Goro on July 17, 1939, singer and actress Milva reigned for decades among the most popular and far-ranging performers in her native Italy. At 20, she beat out more than 7,000 rivals to claim top honors in an influential talent showcase, and in 1960 cut her debut single, a cover of Édith Piaf's "Milord." In 1961 Milva earned third place at the influential San Remo Music Festival. A year later she came in second and returned to the competition often in the years to follow despite never earning first prize. In 1962 Milva headlined Paris' legendary Olym...