Sabrina Salerno (real name — Sabrina Debora Salerno, born March 15, 1968, Genoa, Italy) is an Italian singer, model, actress, and TV presenter who became one of the brightest stars of the Italo Disco era and the 1980s. International fame came with her super hit “Boys (Summertime Love)”, which topped European charts and became a symbol of summer pop music.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Sabrina grew up in northern Italy and showed artistic talent from an early age. In 1984, she participated in the Miss Italy contest, after which she began her career as a model and TV host. By 1985, she debuted on Italian television in the show W le donne, and her natural charisma and striking appearance quickly made her a household name.
Musical Breakthrough
Her true breakthrough came in 1987 with the release of her debut album Sabrina and the single “Boys (Summertime Love)”. The song became an international hit, reaching number one in more than ten countries, including France, Spain, and Switzerland. The accompanying music video became iconic and cemented Sabrina’s status as a sex symbol of the Italian pop scene.
Career Development
Following the success of “Boys,” Sabrina released a string of hits — “All of Me (Boy Oh Boy)”, “My Chico”, “Like a Yo-Yo” (written by producer Stock Aitken Waterman), and “Gringo”. Her music blended elements of italo disco, hi-NRG, and eurodance, while her videos were notable for their colorful visuals and memorable choreography.
Selected Discography
- Sabrina (1987) — debut album featuring “Boys (Summertime Love)”;
- Super Sabrina (1988) — includes “All of Me (Boy Oh Boy)” and “My Chico”;
- Over the Pop (1991) — experiments with a more contemporary sound;
- A Flower’s Broken (1999) — comeback album with pop-rock influences;
- Erase/Rewind Official Remix (2008) — remixes and reissues of her hits.
Film and Television
In addition to her music career, Sabrina appeared in numerous films and TV shows. Among her credits are “Delirium” (1987), “Fratelli d’Italia” (1989), “Sons of Trinity” (1995), and the French comedy “Stars 80” (2012), where she played herself. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she frequently appeared on television as a host and guest on music programs.
Recent Years and Recognition
In the 2010s and 2020s, Sabrina has been an active participant in retro festivals and TV shows dedicated to 1980s music, including “Arena 80” and “Back to the 80s”. Her live performances continue to delight audiences, and her songs remain in rotation on radio stations worldwide.
Personal Life
Sabrina is married to entrepreneur Enrico Monti. The couple has a son, Luca Maria Monti. She is active on social media, sharing moments from her concerts, travels, and family life with her fans.
Health and Advocacy
In 2024, Sabrina publicly revealed her battle with breast cancer, highlighting the importance of prevention and early detection. Her story inspired many women to prioritize regular medical checkups. Today, she is healthy and continues performing.
Legacy
Sabrina Salerno remains an integral part of 1980s European pop culture. Her music, videos, and iconic image shaped the archetype of the Italian pop diva, and her name is still synonymous with brightness, energy, and the timeless sound of Italo Disco.
