Trivia

His controversial TV show Rockpolitik (2005), on which he criticized Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for undermining the freedom of press, drew an average audience of 46%.

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.

Was trained to be a watchmaker.

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 Apulia, who had moved north for work.

Since starting his career as a singer in 1958, he has released 40 albums.

Father of Rosita Celentano, Giacomo and Rosalinda Celentano, who played Satan on La Passion du Christ (2004).

His most popular songs include "Stai lontana di me" (1962), "Il ragazzo della via Gluck" (1966), "Azzurro" (1968), Italy's secret national anthem, "Sotto le lenzuola" (1971), "Er più" (1971) and "Ti avrò" (1978).

After 18 years without live performances, Celentano's 2012 live concert was broadcast on Mediaset channel Canale 5, attracting over 9 million viewers.

Supports Inter Milan.

He is dubbed "il Molleggiato" (the flexible one) because of his dancing.

Celentano started playing in a rock and roll band with Giorgio Gaber and Enzo Jannacci.

In 1962, Celentano founded the Italian record label Clan Celentano (which is still active) with many performers such as Don Backy, Ola & the Janglers, Ricky Gianco, Katty Line, Gino Santercole, Fred Bongusto and his wife Claudia Mori.

His parents were from Foggia, in Apulia, and had moved north for work.

Celentano is also recognized for being particularly perceptive of changes in the music business. He is credited for having introduced rock and roll to Italy, a genre that held great appeal to young people at that time.