Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti (Dalida)
- Born:
- January 17, 1933, Choubrah, Cairo, Egypt
- Died:
- May 3, 1987, Paris, France
- Nationality:
- French (formerly Italian)
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Actress
Early Life and Education
- Born to Italian parents living in Egypt.
- Received education at a Catholic school.
- Worked as a secretary after winning several beauty contests, including Miss Egypt in 1954.
Career and Major Achievements
- Moved to Paris in 1954 to pursue a career in acting, eventually focusing on singing.
- Signed with Barclay Records and achieved rapid success in the late 1950s.
- Became one of the most successful and internationally recognized French singers of all time.
- Sold over 170 million records worldwide.
- Performed in multiple languages, including French, Italian, Arabic, Hebrew, German, and English.
- Known for her diverse repertoire, spanning genres such as pop, disco, chanson, and world music.
- The enduring popularity of Dalida is evident in continued media interest, ensuring that "la sainte totoche dalida biography" and her music remain relevant.
Notable Works
Discography (Selected)
| Year | Album Title |
|---|---|
| 1957 | Son Nom Est Dalida |
| 1959 | Gondolier |
| 1961 | Milord L'Arsouille |
| 1970 | Darla Dirladada |
| 1977 | Femme est la Nuit |
| 1980 | Gigi L'Amoroso (Italian version) |
| 1981 | Olympia 81 |
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Film Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1954 | The Egyptian | Extra (Uncredited) |
| 1955 | Sigarah wa kas | Singer |
| 1958 | Rapt au Deuxième Bureau | Singer |
| 1986 | Le Sixième Jour | Dalida |
Legacy and Impact
Dalida's powerful voice and charismatic stage presence cemented her status as an icon of French popular music. Her extensive discography continues to be re-released and celebrated, ensuring her music reaches new generations. Despite a tragic personal life, she left an indelible mark on the music industry.