Born in Naples in 1954, Gragnaniello began writing songs at age 18. In 1977, he formed the group Banchi Nuovi. By the '80s, he'd moved on to a solo career. He released his self-titled debut album in 1983, and followed it up in 1985 with Salita Trinità Degli Spagnoli. In 1986, he won the prestigious Targa Tenco music award. The '90s saw Gragnaniello continue to release a steady stream of well-accepted albums including Fujente (1990), Un Mondo Che Non C'è (1993), Continuerò (1996), and Oltre Gli Alberi (1999). In 2003, Gragnaniello continued his exploration of Neapolitan music, collaborating with James Senese on Tribù e Passione. He then returned with Quanto Mi Costa (2005) and Erba Cattiva (2007). In 2011, Gragnaniello released the album Radice. ~ Matt Collar