Wednesday, May 19, 2010

IVA ZANICCHI meddles with BURT BACHARACH


It's been a long time since the great Iva Zanicchi graced the illfolks blog. 2007, in fact. Her "comeback" here reflects her renewed activity…as a politician! Just a few weeks ago, she appeared at the European Parliament to discuss the importance of funding sports even during these desperate financial times.

Exactly two years ago, May of 2008, Iva became a member of the European Parliament, representing Forza, Italy. She had lost an election bid in 2004, but finally made it when she took over for a departing musically-named MP by the name of Mantovani.

Quoth Iva a few weeks ago: "I believe that the EP and the EU should continue to promote sports. Sport has a key-role today when it comes to fighting social problems such as racism. Sport also teaches respect for rules, respect for teammates and especially respect for opponents… Sport is often a vehicle for peace!” Not sure if she said this while wearing eye-catching lingerie or her "I've got my eye on you" shirt.

The election marked the third distinct career for Iva. She was first known as a singer, winning the San Remo festival in 1967, 1969 and 1974. Somewhere in there, she recorded the download medley of Burt Bacharach tunes. In 1987 she turned quiz show host for "The Price is Right," known in Italy as "Ok, il prezzo e Giusto!" There are versions of the show all over the world, but none hosted by a woman except for Iva's 13 year run. A few years later she ran for election and lost, but now her political dream's been realized.

Here's some Iva for your iPod…a vintage recording of Zanicchi (from the same album that yielded the previous item on this blog). She's meddling with maestro Bacharach this time, via a medley of "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head," "Don't Make Me Over," "What The World Needs Now" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart." All are sung in Italian except for "Don't Make Me Over," the lyrics she apparently refused to make over.


Politician, Price is Right Host and Prima Diva IVA ZANICCHI sings BACHARACH No pop-ups, porn-ads or wait-time.

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