Singing sensation and songwriting superstar Paolo Nutini was born in Paisley, Scotland. His father, Alfredo, is of Italian descent, from Barga, Tuscany, and his mother, Linda (Harkins), is Scottish.
Nutini was expecting to follow his father into the family fish and chip shop business. He was first encouraged to sing by his music-loving grandfather, Jackie, and a teacher at his school, St Andrews Academy, who recognised his talent.
Nutini left school to work as a roadie and to sell t-shirts for rock band Speedway. He spent three years learning the music business and performing live. He also worked as a studio hand and gofer at Glasgow's Park Lane Studio.
His big chance came when he attended a concert staged by 102.5 Radio Clyde 1 for David Sneddon's return to his home town of Paisley at the beginning of 2003. Sneddon was delayed, and as the winner of an impromptu pop quiz, schoolboy Nutini was given the chance to perform a couple of songs on stage during the wait.
The favourable reaction of the crowd impressed another member of the audience, Brendan Moon, who offered to become his manager. Brendan and his business partner, Mike Bawden, continue to manage Nutini.
Paolo aged 17,moved to London and performed regularly at The Bedford pub in Balham and other small venues in order to be spotted by music executives. Other radio and live appearances followed, including acoustic spots on Radio London, The Hard Rock Cafe, and support slots for rock legends The Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse and KT Tunstall. Nutini became known for singing with his eyes closed during his entire performances.
Colin MacFarlane is the best selling author of Tom Jones' first biography The Boy From Nowhere (WH Allen, St Martin's Press, New York 1988) and The Real Gorbals Story trilogy (Mainstream Publishing 2007-2010)
