Piero, the Italian-Argentine singer-songwriter known for songs about peace, freedom and family, died on Oct. 7 at age 81, the EFE news agency reported.
Born Piero Antonio Franco De Benedictis, he was a prominent voice in Argentine popular music for decades. His songs included “Mi viejo,” “Para el pueblo lo que es del pueblo” and “Los americanos.” On stage he sang about parents, freedom, love, peace and the people, while keeping his family life away from the spotlight.
His first son, Mariano, died suddenly 40 days after birth. Piero and his first wife, María Laura Lampreabe, later had a son, Juan, who became a musician and actor. Juan performed in his father’s band, toured with him and became the father of Piero’s granddaughter, Ámbar De Benedictis. Piero and his second wife, arts teacher Mariana Schettini, had two more children, Giuliano and Fiorella.
Piero and Fiorella recorded the EP “Lo mismo que vos,” which he described as “a social tenderness.” In an interview with La Nación, Fiorella said her father taught her to live with tenderness and showed vulnerability when speaking about peace and love. In recent years, he lived more quietly between Buenos Aires and Córdoba.
Piero was hospitalized in Ecuador in 2023 with a respiratory infection. His son Juan posted a message of support at the time. La Nación did not report a cause of death.