He was born in the town of Cellino San Marco (province of Brindisi, Apulia in Southern Italy), where he still lives. His mother named him Albano because, when he was born, his father was fighting in Albania for the Italian Army during World War II. He made his debute in 1966 both as a singer, at the Festival delle Rose, and on television. He won the Disco per l'Estate, an Italian song contest, with Pensando a te in 1968. He recorded some major hits such as La siepe and Nel sole at that time.