Born in Oleggio, Massara graduated in composition, clarinet and saxophone from the Milan Conservatory.[1] He started his career in 1959, as a member of the band I Ribelli; when the group was put under contract by Clan Celentano, he started collaborating as a songwriter with Adriano Celentano, notably penning the hits "Grazie prego scusi" and "La festa", as well as with other artists of the label such as Gino Santercole and Ico Cerutti [it].[1]
When I Ribelli disbanded, Massara formed his own orchestra with whom he toured nationally and abroad.[1] In 1970, he was employed by Ricordi as composer, arranger and conductor.[2] He was a longtime collaborator of Pino Donaggio, serving as conductor in most of his musical film scores from 1974 onwards, as well as of Milva and Mia Martini; his collaborations also include Mina, Rita Pavone, Donatella Rettore, Equipe 84, Dik Dik, Il Guardiano del Faro, Wilma Goich, Antoine, Wess and Dori Ghezzi.[2]
Massara served as conductor in nine editions of the Sanremo Music Festival, notably in six consecutive editions between 1969 and 1974.[1][3] In 1971, he composed and recorded two albums of instrumental music, Politica and Amore giovane.[2]
