Adriano Celentano, born on January 6, 1938, in Milan, Italy, is a multifaceted Italian artist known for his work as a singer-songwriter, actor, film director, screenwriter, producer, and television presenter. He is affectionately nicknamed "Il Molleggiato" due to his energetic dancing style. Celentano's career began in 1957, and he quickly became a significant figure in Italian pop music, credited with introducing rock and roll to Italy. Heavily influenced by Elvis Presley, Celentano's music spans genres such as pop, disco, and rock and roll, and he is recognized for his perceptiveness to changes in the music industry.

Celentano's discography is extensive, with around 150 million records sold worldwide, making him the second best-selling Italian musical artist. He has released 41 albums since the start of his career. His song "Il ragazzo della via Gluck," inspired by his childhood home at 14 Via Cristoforo Gluck in Milan, is particularly famous. He founded the record label Clan Celentano in 1962, which remains active today.

In addition to his musical achievements, Celentano has a prolific acting career, appearing in 39 films, mostly comedies. His films were often commercially successful, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, where he was a dominant figure in the Italian box office. As a director, he frequently cast actors like Ornella Muti and his wife, Claudia Mori, with whom he has three children: Rosita, Giacomo, and Rosalinda Celentano. Rosalinda gained international recognition for her role as Satan in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ."

Celentano has also made significant contributions to Italian television, hosting several shows and creating a unique comic genre characterized by his distinctive walk and facial expressions. His 1968 song "Azzurro" regained popularity as the anthem of Italy's national football team during their 2006 FIFA World Cup victory. Despite a long hiatus from live performances, his 2012 concert-event was a major success, drawing over 9 million viewers on Canale 5.

Adriano Celentano's influence on Italian culture and music remains profound, and he continues to be a celebrated and enduring figure in the entertainment industry.