Gian De Martini

Gianluca De Martini was born in Genoa (Italy) and soon started performing live in clubs while educating his voice, at first according to the Classical method then following his real passions: Soul, R&B, Blues and Gospel.
He attended several master-classes by famous musicians and singers such as Shawnn Monteiro (Marvin Gaye's background singer), Bobby Durham (Ella Fitzgerald's drummer) and Carl Anderson (Judas in the movie Jesus Christ Superstar). Gian also became Carl Anderson's personal assistant in Italy for one year.
In 2000, he had the chance to move to the US to sing Gospel music in the Churches of North and South Carolina thanks to The Harlem Gospel Singers and he also took part in a Coca Cola commercial.
In 2001, he was a member of The Montecarlo Orchestra and sang in front of the Monaco Royal Family with many famous artists.
In 2003, he was a contestant in the TV show Amici, the most famous italian talent show watched by 9 million people (30% share). He reached the finale and won the Press Award. He also learned to dance and to act, because the competition is open to singers, dancers and actors.
After the TV show, from 2004 to 2007, he became one of the protagonists of the italian version of the musical Footloose, directed by the British director and producer Christopher Malcolm. The italian Footloose is still the best selling version of this show all over the world.
In 2007 he had the chance to write a new show called "My own Chance" with the famous Italian music producer Michele Centonze (Pavarotti's last producer) and the legendary Tony and Emmy awards winner Debbie Allen (director, actress and choreographer in Broadway and Hollywood).
In 2008, he performed in "Wonderland", a tribute show to Stevie Wonder, "Voices in Blue", which is acoustic smooth jazz group, and "Love Stuff", a run through the American love songs from the '70s and '80s. In 2009, he took part in the italian version of the musical Hair playing the role of Hud till he became the lead singer of the Orchestra Maniscalchi, a famous italian swing big band which plays the European standards of the '30s. Gianluca recorded two cds and is still on tour with the Orchestra in Italy's most prestigious theaters. In December 2010, he will be the solo singer of Gospel hammond player Rodney Bradley from Philadelphia, US, and his band.
He recently moved to London, UK and performed his own music in prestigious venues such as the Kensington Roof Gardens.
In september and october 2011 he'll be on tour in Philadelphia with the Massimo Faraò jazz ensemble and with the hammond player and choir director mr. Rodney Bradley.