Paolo Zavallone

Paolo Zavalloni, best known as Paolo Zavallone and El Pasador, was an Italian singer, bandleader and composer.

Life and career

Born in Riccione, Zavallone started his career in the early 1950s as the keyboardist in the orchestra of. In 1957 he formed his own band. He became popular in the 1970s, as the bandleader in several TV shows and as the composer and singer of its theme songs. His major hit was the 1977 disco song "", which peaked at #25 in Italian Singles Chart, #66 in Swiss Singles Chart, and #10 in German Singles Chart. Other hits include "Non stop", "Kilimangiaro" and "Papà ha la bua", a duet with his then 11 years old daughter Cristina. He also wrote songs for other artists, notably composing "Le notti lunghe" for Adriano Celentano.
In 1978 Zavallone served as conductor of the Sanremo Music Festival, and between 1989 and 2001 he was official arranger of Zecchino d'Oro.
Zavallone died on 20 June 2023, at the age of 90.