Born in Milan at 14 Gluck Street, about which he later wrote the song "Il ragazzo della via Gluck" (The guy from Gluck Street), to parents from Puglia, who had moved north for work.
One of Italy's most successful singers, selling millions of records. In the beginning of his career, he was heavily influenced by Elvis Presley and other American musicians.
Father of Rosita Celentano and Rosalinda Celentano, who played Satan on The Passion of the Christ (2004).