Born Marina Restuccia in Rome in 1969, singer Marina Rei grew up in a musical environment. Between 1991 and 1995 she released several singles and two dance-oriented albums under the name Jamie Dee, but then began singing in Italian under the name Marina Rei. She signed with Virgin and in 1995 released the singles "Sola" and "Noi" and the acid jazz and soul-influenced album Marina Rei. She participated in the Sanremo Festival on several occasions and issued a number of popular singles and albums over the years, including 1997's Donna (with the single "Primavera"), 1998's Animebelle (with singles "T'Innamorerò" and bonus track "Un Inverno da Baciare," an Italian number one hit), 2000's Inaspettatamente (with single "I Miei Complimenti"), and 21st century albums produced by Daniele Sinigallia. ~ Aurelio Pasini