Pavone was born in
Turin, in the region of
Piedmont. Her recording of "" ("Heart") also sold a million copies in 1963 and spent nine weeks at number one in Italy. and she became a frequent musical guest there until 1970. In the summer of 1964, she had chart success in North America with a single "Remember Me", sung in English, backed with "Just Once More" (#13
Canada). The song reached number 26
in the United States and number 16
in Canada. In Canada, another single, "Wait for Me", reached number 33 in October 1964. She became popular among Spanish youth audiences, and a 2005 Spanish television documentary described her success there as uncommon for a foreign singer. In the United States, she performed on programs that also featured artists such as
Diana Ross and
The Supremes,
Ella Fitzgerald,
Tom Jones,
Duke Ellington, and
Paul Anka. She also sang at
Carnegie Hall in New York City. Returning to Italy, Pavone made her acting debut, working in five films and participating in shows such as (a children's TV show), ("High Pressure"), ("Tonight Rita"), and the variety show
Studio Uno. In 1982, she participated in ("Like Alice"), which became a hit on Italian television. Rita Pavone starred in six movies during the 1960s: (1963),
Rita the American Girl (1965), (1966), (1967),
Little Rita nel West (1967), and (1968). The two "" movies and the were directed by
Lina Wertmüller. Although her movie career was aimed at a teen audience, her films have since attracted a small following, today her films have found a cult niche. Pavone was also popular in the UK during 1966 and 1967. RCA Victor issued two of her singles; in quick succession both were hits, "Heart" peaking at number 27 and "You Only You" peaking at number 21 in the
UK Singles Chart. Pavone and her husband Reno now live in
Ticino, Switzerland. Their elder son Alessandro is a radio show host, and their younger son Giorgio is a rock singer. == Appearances at the Sanremo Music Festival ==