Richard Galliano, born on December 12, 1950, in Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes, France, is a renowned French accordionist of Italian heritage. He began his musical journey at the tender age of four, inspired by his father Luciano, an accordionist from Italy. Galliano's early education included lessons in trombone, harmony, and counterpoint at the Academy of Music in Nice. At 14, he expanded his musical horizons by delving into jazz, influenced by the works of trumpet player Clifford Brown.

Galliano's career is marked by his innovative approach to the accordion, integrating it into jazz music, a genre where it was previously uncommon. He achieved early recognition by winning the "world accordion cap competition" twice, in Spain (1966) and France (1967). Throughout his career, Galliano collaborated with numerous prominent artists, including Astor Piazzolla, Chet Baker, and Wynton Marsalis, and was a key member of Claude Nougaro's band.

His contributions to music have been acknowledged with accolades such as the Prix Django Reinhardt from the Académie du Jazz in 1993. Galliano's extensive discography includes albums like "New Musette," "Bach," and "New Jazz Musette," showcasing his versatility across jazz, tango, and classical genres.