Italian singer, songwriter and film soundtrack composer, at his most popular in the 60s and 70s. He made his debut in 1960 with the song "Bella Bellissima".
On 2 June 2005, he was awarded the title of Commendatore by President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.
On 18 March 2005, the President of the Council, Silvio Berlusconi, presented him with a silver plate to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his musical debut.
He composed the soundtracks of more than 30 films.
Bongusto was also successful in South America, especially Brazil. He had collaborated with Toquinho and Vinicius de Moraes.
In the 1990s, he was elected as a PSI (Partito Socialista Italiano) town councilor in Bari.
Some of his most successful songs include "Malaga", "Una rotonda sul mare", "Spaghetti a Detroit" and "Prima c'eri tu", which won the 1966 edition of Un disco per l'estate.
Had a stepdaughter: Blyth Dolores Barrymore (b. October 28, 1962) with wife, Gabriella Palazzoli.