The 1990s were a vibrant decade for music, and one of its standout tracks was “The Rhythm of the Night” by the Italian Eurodance project Corona.

 

Released in 1993, this infectious song quickly became a dance floor anthem, captivating audiences worldwide.

 

Its catchy melody and pulsating beat made it a staple at parties and clubs, ensuring that it was played repeatedly across various radio stations.

 

Behind this classic hit lies a fascinating story of creativity, collaboration, and a touch of deception, shedding light on the complex nature of pop music production during that era.

 

 

 

The woman behind the voice of Corona was Olga Maria de Sousa, born on July 16, 1968, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 

From a young age, her parents instilled a love for music in her, enrolling her in singing classes that showcased her natural talent.

 

After completing her secondary education, Olga took a job at a bank but found herself yearning for more.

 

Her life took a pivotal turn when she visited Italy in 1991, encouraged by the legendary footballer Pelé.

 

Captivated by the beauty of Rome, she decided to leave her stable job in Brazil and pursue a career in music, adopting the stage name Corona.

 

 

 

In Italy, Olga began teaching singing and Latin dance, performing in bars and clubs to make ends meet.

 

It was during one of these performances that she caught the attention of Francesco Bontempi, a DJ and producer known as Checco.

 

Recognizing her potential, he invited her to collaborate on a music project.

 

Checco had a vision for a dance hit that would resonate with audiences, and he set out to create a song that would become a phenomenon.

 

After several iterations, they produced “The Rhythm of the Night,” which was initially recorded by another singer, Giovana Verso, who performed under the name Jenny B.

 

 

 

Checco, however, believed that Olga’s charisma and stage presence would better serve the song’s success.

 

He decided to have her record the vocals while using Jenny B’s original version as a base.

 

This decision would prove to be a masterstroke, as “The Rhythm of the Night” was released on November 1, 1993, and dominated the Italian charts for an impressive 16 consecutive weeks.

 

The song’s infectious energy and catchy chorus propelled it to international fame, eventually reaching number one in several countries, including Spain, Portugal, and Romania.

 

In the UK, it peaked at number two, while in the U.

 

S.

 

, it reached number eleven on the Billboard charts.

 

 

 

As the song skyrocketed to popularity, Olga, now known as Corona, became a household name.

 

She performed the song worldwide, often using playback to synchronize her vocals during live performances.

 

The track received numerous awards, including over 15 gold and platinum discs, solidifying its status as one of the most played and danced-to songs of 1994.

 

However, the deception behind the vocal arrangements began to unravel when Jenny B decided to step back from the project.

 

Checco quickly enlisted Sandy Chambers to record additional tracks for Corona, yet few fans seemed to notice the change in vocalists, allowing the illusion to persist.

 

 

 

Despite the initial success, Corona struggled to replicate her debut’s impact with subsequent albums.

 

Her first official album, released in April 1995, featured several hits, including “Baby Baby,” which also topped the charts in Italy.

 

However, her follow-up albums did not achieve the same level of commercial success, and by the early 2000s, her music began to fade from the mainstream.

 

On a personal note, Olga experienced ups and downs in her relationships but ultimately found stability in her life.

 

Today, she remains a beloved figure in both Brazil and Italy, occasionally making television appearances and reminding fans of the timeless appeal of “The Rhythm of the Night,” a true classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the globe.