Nicola Salerno, also known by his pseudonym Nisa, was born on March 11, 1910, in Naples, Italy, and passed away on May 22, 1969, in the same city. He was a renowned Italian lyricist who gained fame for his collaboration with composer Renato Carosone. Their partnership led to the creation of several iconic songs, including the globally recognized "Tu vuò fà l'americano," which Carosone composed in just fifteen minutes. Other notable hits from their collaboration include "'O suspiro," "Torero," "Caravan Petrol," "Pigliate 'na pastiglia," and "'O sarracino."

Salerno's career began with his first hit, "Eulalia Torricelli," in 1947. He also worked with other songwriters, producing famous lyrics such as "Guaglione," which won the Naples Song Festival in 1956, and "Non ho l'età," performed by Gigliola Cinquetti, which won both the Sanremo Music Festival and the Eurovision Song Contest in 1964.

In addition to his songwriting, Salerno was an illustrator, designing covers for Neapolitan music scores during the 1920s and 1930s. His legacy continued through his son, Alberto Salerno, who also became a successful lyricist.