Piero Umiliani

Piero Umiliani, an influential figure in the world of soundtrack music, alongside composers Piero Piccioni, Riz Ortolani, and Armando Sciascia, brought a diverse range of styles like jazz, funk, and bossa nova to the genre in the '60s and '70s. With a portfolio of over 150 titles, Umiliani's innovative approach made him stand out in a field dominated by orchestral scores. Born in Florence in 1926, his early passion for music led him to the conservatory before starting his career in cinema with a documentary in 1954. His work on the soundtrack for the 1968 film Svezia, Inferno e Paradiso, particularly the hit "Ma Nah Ma Nah," gained global recognition, influencing artists like Stereolab and Mr. Bungle.

Umiliani's discography includes notable soundtracks like La Ragazza Dalla Pelle di Luna, La Morte Bussa Due Volte, Il Corpo, and 5 Bambole per la Luna d'Agosto, showcasing his unique blend of samba, jazz, and brass elements. His electronic and synthesizer music was later compiled by the Italian label Easy Tempo in Musicaelettronica, Vol. 1 in 2000. Despite his passing in 2001, Umiliani's legacy lives on through his groundbreaking contributions to the world of film music.