Born in Tripoli but raised in Rome, Valeria Rossi was always in love with music. Her and her parents' record collection featured everyone from Santana and Joni Mitchell to Queen and David Bowie. Taking these influences with her, Rossi began composing her own music and songs when she was 16, but she continued her education. After high school, she studied at various musical centers, including the Popular School of Music of Testaccio. Rossi also worked with Walloon Arabella during this period. Although her first love was jazz, Rossi expanded her musical horizons and began performing at any place and any time she could, including the subway corridors and stations of Rome. She also worked a series of odd and dead-end jobs during this period, including being a maid and stewardess. In 2001, her debut album Ricordateri Dei Fiori was released. Singles from the album, including "Tre Parole," were national hits and appeared on various music charts, including Britain's Top of the Pops. In 2002, Rossi released her second album, Tres Palabras on RCA. ~ Jason MacNeil