RIP Enrico Ciacci

Enrico Ciacci, a great guitarist, has died: he had a long career with his brother Little Tony

By Alessandra Vitali

March 13, 2018

Enrico Ciacci, guitarist, composer and brother of singer Little Tony died in Rome. This was announced by Pasquale Mammaro, manager of both brothers. Born in Tivoli 75 years ago, an excellent guitarist, composer of soundtracks, rock and roll enthusiast, it was he who transmitted his passion for American music to his brother Antonio.

Antonio and Enrico, and the other brother, Alberto, had started while very young to take their first steps in show business, and to study music, thanks also to his father Novino, singer and accordionist, and his uncle Settembrino, guitarist. A long collaboration, that between Enrico and Little Tony, who passed away in May 2013, had brought them to perform together on the stages of half the world and to share together a long career. Also similar in appearance: even for Enrico pompadour hair, dark glasses, leather clothes and strictly fringed jackets in the name of Elvis.

With Little Tony, Enrico had collaborated in the writing of songs like Quando vedrai la mia ragazza e Il ragazzo and il ciuffo. Among the films for which he had composed the music, “I’ll Sell My Skin Dearly”, “Marinai in coperta”, Peggio per te, meglio per me”, all in the late sixties. Among his most prestigious collaborations, the one with Ennio Morricone for the soundtrack of “A Fistful of Dollars”, is his guitar that made an icon the music that the maestro created for the film by Sergio Leone.

"I'm very sorry for the news of Enrico Ciacci's disappearance: he was a superfine guitarist": this is how Fiorello remembers him, announcing a salute, tomorrow, to Radio Deejay. "He has always lived alongside his brother Little Tony - remembers Fiorello - following him with love and accompanying him in his successes". And remember when "at VivaRadio2 he delighted us by playing his magic guitar live".

Born: 11/21/1942, Tivoli, Lazio Italy

Died: 3/13/2018, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Fistful of Dollars - 1964 [guitar]
I'll Sell My Skin Dearly – 1968 [composer]

Blindman – 1971 [sitar]