(born April 3, 1881, Pieve Tesino, near Trento, Tyrol, Austria-Hungary—died Aug. 19, 1954, Sella di Valsugana, Italy) Italian prime minister (1945–53). He served in the Austrian parliament (1911–19) and sought the annexation of his native region of Tyrol to Italy. He later served in the Italian parliament (1921–27) as one of the founders of the Italian Popular Party. After 16 months' imprisonment as an antifascist, he became a Vatican librarian in 1929. In World War II he was active in the Resistance, and after the fall of the fascist regime he became leader of the newly formed Christian Democratic Party. As prime minister (1945–53), he enacted a new constitution, instituted land reform, and oversaw Italy's postwar economic reconstruction. Under his leadership Italy joined NATO, and he helped organize the Council of Europe and the European Coal and Steel Community.

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(born April 3, 1881, Pieve Tesino, near Trento, Tyrol, Austria-Hungary—died Aug. 19, 1954, Sella di Valsugana, Italy) Italian prime minister (1945–53). He served in the Austrian parliament (1911–19) and sought the annexation of his native region of Tyrol to Italy. He later served in the Italian parliament (1921–27) as one of the founders of the Italian Popular Party. After 16 months' imprisonment as an antifascist, he became a Vatican librarian in 1929. In World War II he was active in the Resistance, and after the fall of the fascist regime he became leader of the newly formed Christian Democratic Party. As prime minister (1945–53), he enacted a new constitution, instituted land reform, and oversaw Italy's postwar economic reconstruction. Under his leadership Italy joined NATO, and he helped organize the Council of Europe and the European Coal and Steel Community.

Learn more about De Gasperi, Alcide with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Pavageau started off his career as a guitarist, and sparked a dance craze in his early years which resulted in his "Slow Drag" nickname. He picked up bass in 1927, when he was 39 years old, and played with Buddy Petit, Herb Morand, and Emile Barnes. He joined George Lewis's band from 1943, and also played in Bunk Johnson's band in New York City in 1945. His tenure with Lewis included several world tours and lasted through the end of the 1950s. He worked extensively at Preservation Hall in the 1960s, and recorded one album under his own name for Jazz Crusade in 1965 in addition to frequent recording with Lewis.

Pavageau's wife, Sister Annie Pavageau, was a pianist and singer.

References

• Scott Yanow, Alcide Pavageau at Allmusic