Fred Bongusto — one of Italy's most treasured singer-songwriters and soundtrack composers — has died. The artist passed away overnight in hospital, according to his press office. While a cause of death was not revealed, Bongusto had been struggling with health problems for some time. He was 84.

Born in Campobasso, Italy, in 1935, Bongusto first made his debut in 1960 with the song "Bella Bellissima," which was written by his friend Ghigo Agosti. This soon led Bongusto to a celebrated career as a romance-loving crooner in the vein of hero Frank Sinatra, with various other hits including "Malaga," "Una rotonda sul mare," "Spaghetti a Detroit" and "Prima c'eri tu."