Biography by Drago Bonacich After graduating in 1968 from Milan's Catholic University, Italian singer/songwriter Roberto Vecchioni started sharing his passion for teaching and music. After composing for prominent local numbers, the artist decided to start his solo career in 1971, recording Parobola, which was released that same year. Saldi Di Fine Stagione followed in 1972 and L'uomo Che Si Gioca Il Cielo A Dadi in 1973; Vecchioni received an award from the local recording critics association a year later. Roberto Vecchioni's breakthrough came in 1977 with "Samarcanda," his first smash. In 1983, the talented composer published a book of poetry and lyrics called Grande Sogno (The Great Dream).