The Many Meanings of Mina: Popular Music Stardom in Post-war Italy

Mina is an Italian popular music icon who has represented diverse meanings throughout her sixty-year career. She is one of the best-loved popular music stars in Italy and abroad, with a large fan base across Europe, Asia, and South America. This book explores the different mediums Mina has been involved in, shaping her career and significance. It is suitable for students and academics in Italian Studies, Popular Music Studies, Stardom and Celebrity Studies, Media Studies, and Cultural History.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2022
Publisher: Intellect Books

Mina, the iconic Italian popular music sensation, has left an indelible mark on the music industry, captivating audiences for over six decades. Born in Lombardy in 1940, she has emerged as one of the most beloved and celebrated artists in Italy and worldwide. With a vast fan base spanning Europe, Asia, and South America, Mina's career began to flourish in the late 1950s, reaching its zenith in the 1960s and 1970s. Despite retiring from public appearances in the late 1970s, Mina's popularity and success have remained unwavering. Her latest albums consistently top the Italian charts, showcasing her enduring appeal.

What sets Mina apart is her remarkable ability to transcend boundaries and represent a diverse range of meanings. While she is first and foremost recognized as a popular music star, her multifaceted career has also included roles as a film star and television personality. Mina has endorsed prestigious Italian brands on television, served as a magazine writer, and even provided advice as an agony aunt. Her multifaceted persona is a testament to her extensive work in various fields and the promotional materials and commentary that have shaped her public image.

In this captivating book, Rachel Haworth, a renowned researcher of Italian popular music and culture of the twentieth century, delves into the various mediums through which Mina has expressed herself. Through meticulous analysis, Haworth traces the process by which Mina has evolved into a symbol of multiple identities, values, ideologies, and ways of behaving. The book explores the impact of these mediums on Mina's career and significance, shedding light on the values and ideals that underpin contemporary Italian society.

This book is a valuable resource for students and academics interested in Italian popular music, culture, and society. It provides a comprehensive understanding of Mina's career, exploring the various stages and influences that have shaped her artistic journey. The book's interdisciplinary approach, drawing on musicology, cultural studies, and media analysis, offers a fresh perspective on the role of popular music in shaping cultural identities.

With its engaging narrative, comprehensive analysis, and rich insights, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the captivating world of Mina and the profound impact she has had on Italian popular music and culture.

Dimension: 244 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789385601
Edition number: New ed