Gino Vannelli, born June 16, 1952, is an Italian-Canadian singer/songwriter, musician, and composer. Vannelli was born in Montreal, Quebec to Russ Vannelli and Delia Vannelli. He is one of three children (Joe and Gino) who were all born there. Russ was his father and a musician in a big band. Gino was a child with a passion for music and began playing percussion as a young boy. Gino started writing songs at the age of 15. He signed his first record contract with RCA as Vann Elli right out of high school. After that, he went on to study music at McGill University. Vannelli, his brothers, and a few other New Yorkers, moved to Los Angeles to wait for an audition with trumpeter Herb Alpert. Vannelli was left with no other options but Alpert, who would be his last hope before he returned to Montreal the following day. Alpert liked the news and signed Vannelli to A two days later.
