Adelmo Fornaciari Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI[2] (Italian pronunciation: [aˈdɛlmo fornaˈtʃaːri]; born 25 September 1955), more commonly known by his stage name Zucchero Fornaciari or simply Zucchero (pronounced [ˈdzukkero, ˈtsuk-]), is an Italian singer-songwriter and musician. His stage name is the Italian word for "sugar", as his elementary teacher used to call him.[3][4] His music is largely inspired by gospel, soul, blues and rock music, and alternates between Italian ballads and more rhythmic R&B-boogie-like pieces.[1] He is credited as the "father of Italian blues", introducing blues to the big stage in Italy.[1] He is one of the few European blues artists who still enjoys great international success.[1]