The history of Neapolitan music traces its roots back to ancient times. While forms of popular songs already existed in the 17th century, it was in the 19th century that Neapolitan song became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying its presence with the Piedigrotta Festival. Genres like the Tarantella, still alive in the folk repertoire, testify to the variety and richness of influences that contributed to the birth of this unique musical heritage.
The Neapolitan tammurriata dates back to the Greco-Roman era when dance and music represented the soul of the people. During this period, dance was considered a gift from the gods through which humans could approach divinity and experience the illusion of immortality. For the Samnites, on the other hand, dance was a propitiatory rite linked to the reproductive cycle of the land, as it was believed to favor good harvests. It is precisely during the Samnite era that the tarantella became the quintessential peasant dance of Campania.

The Neapolitan song, or classical Neapolitan song, has a rich and fascinating history. It dates back to the early 19th century and developed in the heart of Naples. These melodies and lyrics have been passed down from generation to generation, becoming an integral part of the city's cultural identity. The Neapolitan song has often been performed in cafes, theaters, and streets, carrying deep emotions and stories of everyday life.
The Neapolitan song is steeped in passion, nostalgia, and vitality. Its themes range from love to politics, from melancholy to joy. The lyrics are often poetic and rich in imagery, and the music is engaging and melodic. Traditional instruments like the guitar, mandolin, and tammorra (a frame drum) accompany the voices of the performers, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.

Throughout the 20th century, the Neapolitan song saw the emergence and success of artists who left a mark not only on music but also on Italian popular culture. Among them, figures like Enrico Caruso, the first voice to bring the Neapolitan repertoire to international stages in the early 20th century, and later on, Roberto Murolo, capable of reviving the entire Neapolitan songbook with his warm and deep voice, as well as great artistic sensitivity.

In the 1970s, Naples experienced a period of great musical ferment, and the scene was enriched by numerous artists, among whom stands out Pino Daniele, whose music blends blues with jazz, rock, and Neapolitan melodies, creating a unique and unmistakable sound that still resonates in the hearts and streets of Naples today.


Pino Daniele's voice was the soundtrack of Naples, a call to the streets, alleys, emotions, and contradictions of the city. His songs speak of love, everyday life, hopes, and dreams, and have been sung by generations of Neapolitans and beyond. His unique style and passion made Pino Daniele an immortal icon, a symbol of Naples in the world of music that undoubtedly paved the way for the so-called "Neapolitan Sound."

Neapolitan music covers all musical genres, always leaving a significant and indelible mark. Let's discover who are the most emblematic figures, both modern and from the past, of the characteristic "Neapolitan sound".

Roberto Murolo - An iconic figure of Neapolitan music, Roberto Murolo dedicated his life to exploring, interpreting, and reviving the entire Neapolitan songbook. His deep knowledge and emotional interpretation of the songs have left an indelible mark on the Italian music scene.

Renato Carosone - A musician and composer among the most celebrated of the 20th century, Renato Carosone is known for renewing Neapolitan songs with hits like "Tu vuò fà l'Americano," combining the energy of jazz swing with the typical Neapolitan irony and liveliness.

Massimo Ranieri - An expressive performer and singer, Massimo Ranieri has revisited many classics of Neapolitan songs, bringing them back to success among new generations. His career spans music, cinema, and theater, always with a deep connection to his Neapolitan roots.


Pino Daniele - A unique artist, Pino Daniele managed to blend blues, jazz, and rock with traditional Neapolitan sounds, creating an unmistakable sound. Songs like "Napule è," "Terra mia," or "'na Tazzulella e cafè" have become true icons, telling the city of Naples with original melodies and profound lyrics.

Gigi D'Alessio - A musician and singer who was able to blend the traditional Italian singer-songwriter tradition with the sound and themes of contemporary Naples.


24 Grana - 24 Grana was one of the most significant bands in the Italian music scene of the '90s and 2000s, standing out in the alternative rock landscape with strong influences of dub and reggae. They made their debut with their album "Loop" in 1995, featuring lyrics in Neapolitan dialect that explore social, personal, and political themes, with particular attention to youth issues and urban life. Their sound successfully merges Neapolitan musical tradition with more modern sounds, representing an authentic and critical voice of their generation.


Almamegretta - Almamegretta, formed in 1991, stands out for a particularly original sound that blends reggae, dub, electronic music with Neapolitan folk music. The band is famous for their deep and socially engaged lyrics, ranging from social criticism to the exploration of universal themes such as love, spirituality, and identity. Their 1995 album "Sanacore" is considered a masterpiece and an important reference point for Italian independent music, demonstrating how cultural roots can meet and enrich themselves with global sounds.


Geolier - Geolier, stage name of Emanuele Palumbo, is one of the prominent figures of the newest Neapolitan music scene, emerging in the rap and trap panorama. Since his appearance in 2019 with songs like "Emanuele," Geolier has stood out for his style that combines contemporary trap sounds with lyrics that speak about the youth reality in Naples, while keeping the use of the dialect alive. His music bridges the gap between Neapolitan musical tradition and global trends, showing how local culture can continue to renew itself and have a significant impact on new generations.