Born in Riccione, Zavallone started his career in the early 1950s as the keyboardist in the orchestra of Henghel Gualdi [it].

[2] He became popular in the 1970s, as the bandleader in several TV shows and as the composer and singer of its theme songs.

[5] Other hits include "Non stop", "Kilimangiaro" and "Papà ha la bua", a duet with his then 11 years old daughter Cristina.

[2] He also wrote songs for other artists, notably composing "Le notti lunghe" for Adriano Celentano.

[2] In 1978 Zavallone served as conductor of the Sanremo Music Festival, and between 1989 and 2001 he was official arranger of Zecchino d'Oro.