Francesco D’Andrea, also known as Franco D'Andrea, born on March 8, 1941, in Meran, Italy, is a pianist and composer known for his contributions to modern jazz. Initially self-taught, D'Andrea began playing the piano after experimenting with various instruments. His professional music career started in 1963 when he worked with Italian jazz pioneer Nunzio Rotondo at Rai Radiotelevisione Italiana. In 1978, D'Andrea formed his own trio and began performing as a solo pianist, releasing his solo album, Dialogues with Super-Ego, in 1980. His discography includes albums like Earthcake (1991), which showcased his versatility across various jazz styles. D'Andrea has been didactically active for decades, has taught at institutions including the Jazzakademie Siena.