Mannoia got involved in show business while participating in a movie called Non Cantare, Spara! at the age of 13. She recorded her first single in 1969. Mannoia's debut album, Mannoia Foresi & Co, was released by RCA in 1972. She made her first appearance at the prestigious San Remo's Festival in 1981, singing "Cafe Nero Bollente." She returned to that same event in 1984 with "Come Si Cambia." A year later, Momento Delicado was released by Ariston, followed by a self-titled record in 1986 and Di Terra E Di Vento in 1989, featuring Chico Buarque's classic "Oh Che Sara." In 1994, Mannoia teamed up with Veloso, recording "Il Culo del Mondo."