The Mysterious Death of Luigi Tenco: Suicide or Murder?
Luigi Tenco, an Italian singer-songwriter renowned for his poignant melodies, tragically passed away under questionable circumstances during the 17th Sanremo Music Festival in 1967. He was born on March 21, 1938, in Cassine, Alessandria. Following the elimination of his song "Ciao amore ciao" on January 26-27, 1967, Tenco was discovered dead in his hotel room at the Hotel Savoy in Sanremo by French artist Dalida around 2:00 AM. Commissioner Arrigo Molinari led the investigation, which determined it was a suicide, supported by a gunshot wound, a Walther PPK pistol, and a suicide note criticizing the festival's choices. Although the case was closed on June 24, 1967, lingering doubts and inconsistencies, including conflicting testimonies and missing funds, remain.
Key facts
- Luigi Tenco died on January 27, 1967, during the Sanremo Music Festival.
- He was found in room 219 of the Hotel Savoy by singer Dalida.
- Official cause was suicide by gunshot to the head with a Walther PPK.
- A suicide note was found, criticizing the festival jury.
- The investigation was closed on June 24, 1967.
- Witness accounts of the scene were inconsistent.
- No paraffin test or autopsy was conducted initially.
- In 2006, exhumation and autopsy supported suicide.
- Tenco had won 3 million lire at the casino that day, never recovered.
- He had a complex romantic life and had received threats.
Entities
Artists
- Luigi Tenco
- Dalida
- Lucio Dalla
- Orietta Berti
- Gianni Pettenati
- Mike Bongiorno
- Renata Mauro
- Jussin Franchina
Institutions
- Sanremo Music Festival
- Hotel Savoy
- Artribune
- New Entry
Locations
- Cassine
- Alessandria
- Italy
- Sanremo
- Hotel Savoy
- Sanremo Casino