Little Tony (singer)
Little Tony (7 February 1941 – 27 May 2013) was an Italian singer and actor, born Antonio Ciacci in Tivoli, Lazio. He was a prominent figure in the Italian rock and roll scene of the 1950s and 1960s and remained a popular performer throughout his career.
Little Tony's career began in the late 1950s, inspired by American rock and roll artists like Elvis Presley. He formed the band Little Tony and His Brothers, achieving early success with covers of American songs and original Italian rock compositions.
He gained widespread recognition in Italy with hits like "24 Mila Baci" (1961), which he performed at the Sanremo Music Festival. He participated in the Sanremo festival multiple times throughout his career, achieving further success with songs such as "Riderà" (1966) and "Cuore matto" (1967), one of his signature songs. "Cuore matto" became a major international hit, establishing him as a well-known artist beyond Italy.
Little Tony continued to release albums and tour extensively for several decades. His music blended elements of rock and roll, pop, and Italian melodies. He also occasionally appeared in films. He remained a beloved figure in Italian popular culture, known for his energetic performances and contributions to the Italian rock and roll landscape. He died of cancer in 2013.