The Journey That Shaped My Destiny
- lu1147
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Introduction of the coming book "All that I wanted" by Claes Cornelius and Gianluca Zanna
My name is Gianluca Zanna, and I am a former Italian immigrant who left Italy in 1998 to pursue my dream of becoming an international songwriter and music producer in America. This story reflects how the events and people we encounter in life can profoundly shape our future. As a young Italian boy growing up in a public boarding school from the age of 11, I had little knowledge of the English language. Yet, I nurtured my passion for songwriting by listening to music cassettes late at night, hidden under the blankets in my dormitory. Despite lacking financial resources and connections to America, the vision I held from an early age propelled me forward. In my mid-twenties, after a few years travelling around the world, I was one of the youngest music managers in Rome, then I became the publisher of Italy’s first music trade magazine, Contatto Discografico. It was during this period that I had the privilege of meeting numerous inspiring figures in the music business. Among them, the one who left the most significant impression on me was Claes Cornelius, a former executive for Mega Records from Denmark.
I first met Claes in Cannes, France, at the MIDEM music industry event in 1995 during an interview for my magazine. The interview was centered around the phenomenal success of Mega Records and their Swedish band, Ace of Base, with their global hit "All That She Wants." Claes, as the artistic mastermind and A&R executive behind Mega Records, played a pivotal role in taking the independent Danish label to the top of the world charts.
During that interview, Claes shared much more than the story of Mega Records’ triumph. His humility, unwavering dedication to his vision, and his ability to overcome obstacles against all odds deeply resonated with me. Claes helped me see the transformative power of music—the ability of a single song to inspire generations and shape new realities. That conversation ignited a spark and solidified my decision to close my magazine, leave Italy, and embark on a new journey in America. On October 15, 1998, with just two suitcases filled with memories (including a cherished copy of my magazine featuring Claes's interview) and a few dollars in my pocket, I set out to redefine my destiny.
It took nearly 30 years to reconnect with Claes, but in February 2024, I found him again through Facebook. This connection marked a profound moment for me—a chance to celebrate the legacy, journey, and impact of a man whose life and work profoundly influenced mine.
With this book, I honor Claes Cornelius—not only for his remarkable achievements and challenges in the music industry but also for his humanity and the inspiration he has given me. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision and the indelible mark one person can leave on another’s life. Claes, you have been part of my Destiny.
Gianluca Zanna
Former Italian dreamer, International Songwriter and Music Producer,
CEO of Zanna Records
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