Raoul Casadei

Raoul Casadei earned the affectionate nickname "the king of the smooth" through his pivotal contributions to the growth of dance music across Italy. He succeeded his uncle Secundo Casadei at the helm of the region’s first dance band, based in Romagna, where he founded the "l'orchestra spettacolo" and originated the word "liscio" as a label for his ballroom style. After ending his touring career at age 80, Casadei maintained oversight of the ensemble’s artistic direction. Orchestra Casadei reached its most productive era while he served as leader. In 1970 he assumed control and redirected the band toward younger audiences by recruiting fresh musicians and devising the phrase "musica solare" ("sunny music"), which he portrayed as "a new rhythm which does not forget the waltz, polka, and mazurka but is enriched by new instruments and sounds." The orchestra also formed partnerships with international performers such as Gloria Gaynor and Tito Puente. Casadei continues to rank among Italy’s most prominent public figures; Abacus official data show that more than 90 percent of Italians recognize him. Upon his retirement, Mirko Casadei inherited leadership of Orchestra Casadei.