Little Tony was an Italian singer and actor known for his hits like “Cuore matto”, “Il ragazzo col ciuffo”, and “24 mila baci”. Born Antonio Ciacci in 1941 in Tivoli, Italy, he became popular in the 1960s with a unique rock and roll style inspired by American music.
Personal and Family Life
Little Tony was born to a musical family, as his father was a singer and accordionist. He had two brothers, Alberto and Enrico, who played in his band. He was married to Giuliana Brugnoli, with whom he had a daughter, Cristiana, born in 1972. Later, he married Luciana Manfra and enjoyed spending time with his three grandchildren: Martina, Mirko, and Melissa.
Career Highlights
Beginning his music career in the late 1950s, Little Tony’s band, Little Tony & His Brothers, made waves in the rock and roll scene. They gained fame by performing in England and returning to Italy to participate in the San Remo Festival where they secured second place. He later achieved notable success as a solo artist, producing many hit songs throughout his career and even acting in films.
Death and Legacy
Little Tony passed away on May 27, 2013, in Rome after battling lung cancer. He left behind a legacy as one of Italy’s beloved rock and roll stars, celebrated for his extensive contributions to music and film. His songs continue to resonate with fans, and he is remembered fondly for his vibrant personality and talent.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Zum Zum Zum n.2 – Sarà capitato anche a voi | 1969-10-18 | Tony Bertozzini |
| 5 marines per 100 ragazze | 1961-08-10 | Tony Collina |
| Zum Zum Zum – La canzone che mi passa per la testa | 1969-02-13 | Tony Bertozzini |
| W le donne | 1970-09-04 | Tony Marconi |
| Cuore matto… matto da legare | 1967-07-29 | Tony |
| Marinai in coperta | 1967-07-17 | Tony Raimondo |
| I teddy boys della canzone | 1960-07-16 | Self |
| Peggio per me… meglio per te | 1967-04-03 | |
| Donne… botte e bersaglieri | 1968-07-27 | Tony |
| Quando calienta el sol… vamos a la playa | 1982-02-12 | |
| Vacanze sulla Costa Smeralda | 1968-12-06 | Tony Martin |
| Questo pazzo, pazzo mondo della canzone | 1964-12-31 | sé stesso |
| L’odore della notte | 1998-09-11 | Little Tony |
| Riderà! – Cuore matto | 1967-02-22 | Antonio Moruzzo |
| L’allenatore nel pallone 2 | 2008-01-11 | se stesso |
| Rocco e le sorelle | 1961-05-05 | |
| Un gangster venuto da Brooklyn | 1966-10-06 | Giorgio Buratti |
| Gli Squallor | 2012-09-26 | Self |
| Il professor Matusa e i suoi hippies | 1968-06-11 | |
| Raining Stones | 1993-09-09 | Cliff |
| Nerone ’71 | 1962-04-07 | se stesso |
| Sud Side Stori | 2000-09-21 | King of Rock’n Roll |
| Pesci d’oro e bikini d’argento | 1961-12-14 | himself |
| I Cesaroni | 2006-09-07 | Se stesso |
| Diamoci del tu | 1967-03-27 |