Luciano Pavarotti: Legendary Italian Tenor Dies at 71

Luciano Pavarotti was an Italian operatic tenor regarded as one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. Born on October 12, 1935, in Modena, Italy, he worked as a schoolteacher before making his name in opera.

He rose to fame as Tonio in La Fille du Regiment in 1972, in which he sang nine high Cs. His aria "Nessun Dorma" became a global hit after the 1990 World Cup. He performed in the Three Tenors concerts with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, and in his Pavarotti and Friends benefits.

He won Grammy Awards and sold more than 100 million records. Pavarotti was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006 and died at his home in Modena on September 6, 2007, at age 71.

Achievements: Grammy Awards, the Three Tenors, over 100 million records sold.

Birth: October 12, 1935 - Modena, Italy.

Profession: Operatic tenor.

Interesting Facts: He raised money for refugees and children through his benefit concerts.