Famous Spanish Musicians
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If you may ask the generation-next as to who they think is the greatest Spanish musician of the recent times and without a doubt, the answer would be Enrique Iglesias! Well, that promptly explains his King of Latin Pop label. But is Spanish music all about Enrique only? Absolutely not! He has become an indelible part of Hispanic music but there is more to it than just him. Placido Domingo, a Spanish tenor and conductor, achieved worldwide fame for his powerful voice and versatility. Jennifer Lopez may be American by nationality but it was her fifth Hispanic album, ‘Como Ama una Mujer’ that helped her become the most influential Spanish singer of US. Nacho Cano rose to the top charts in Spanish music with his album ‘Mecano’ that became the biggest Spanish pop rock band of all time. Joan Manuel Serrat has been one of the most important figures of modern popular music in Spanish language, thanks to his lyrical style. Other popular Spanish musicians include Manuel de Falla y Matheu, Isaac Albéniz and Enrique Granados. Discover more interesting facts and trivia about Spanish musicians, their life and works in Hispanic music with this segment.
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Birthdate: February 20, 1996
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Málaga, Spain
Born to a music producer father, Cameron McVey, and a singer mother, Neneh Cherry, Mabel McVey was destined to make a career in music. The English singer-songwriter debuted on SoundCloud with her track Know Me Better. It is believed she had initially used music as a therapy for her anxiety.
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Placido Domingo(Spanish Opera Singer, Conductor and Part of 'The Three Tenors' Operatic Singing Group)
Birthdate: January 21, 1941
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Spanish opera singer and conductor Plácido Domingo has performed in a variety of languages, such as English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German. The winner of nine Grammys and five Latin Grammys, he later performed as part of The Three Tenors, with legends Luciano Pavarotti and José Carreras, releasing bestselling albums.
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Daniel Barenboim
(Pianist, Conductor, Music director)
Birthdate: November 15, 1942
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Buenos Aires
Daniel Barenboim is a pianist and conductor currently serving as the general music director of the Berlin State Opera and the Staatskapelle Berlin. He has previously been the music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre de Paris, and La Scala in Milan. He is a recipient of Spain's Prince of Asturias Concord Award among others.
Birthdate: June 27, 1999
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Sant Climent de Llobregat, Spain
Spanish singer Aitana first gained attention with her YouTube covers and then with the reality show Operación Triunfo. She then released her gold-certified debut single, No Puedo Vivir sin Ti, and later continued to release hits such as Lo Malo and Telephono. She is also known as the Spanish Princess of Pop.
Birthdate: September 23, 1943
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Legendary Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, father of singer Enrique Iglesias, won the first Guinness Diamond Disc for selling the most albums in the most languages ever. A Hall of Fame of Latin Composers inductee, he initially played for Real Madrid Castilla before an accident ended his football career.
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Belinda Peregrín
(Spanish-Mexican Singer, Songwriter and Actress)
Birthdate: August 15, 1989
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Mexican singer-songwriter and actress Belinda Peregrín, tagged as "Princess of Latin Pop" by international press is best known for her commercially hit studio albums like Belinda and Utopía and singles like Vivir, which made her the third best-selling female Mexican act. She also had screen success with films like The Cheetah Girls 2 and Mexican telenovelas like Amigos x siempre.
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Charo
(Actress Best Known for Her Sassiness, Sexy Outfits and Signature Phrase during the 1970s, ‘Cuchi-Cuchi')
Birthdate: January 15, 1951
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Murcia, Spain
Spanish-American actress, singer, comedian, and flamenco-guitarist Charo, whose birth year remains a subject of dispute for several years, is known for her seductive deep voice with Spanish accent, unrestrained and exuberant manner, and the catch-phrase cuchi-cuchi. She has released albums like Guitar Passion, featured in films like The Concorde...Airport '79 and guest starred in TV series like The Love Boat.
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Manu Chao
(French-Spanish singer.)
Birthdate: June 21, 1961
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Paris, France
Born to Spanish parents in Paris, Latin Grammy-winning artist Manu Chao is one of the pioneers of Latin alternative rock. His French rock band Mano Negra has delivered hits in English, Spanish, and Arabic. His solo career has seen him release international hits such as Clandestino and Me Gustas Tu.
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Paco de Lucía
(Spanish Virtuoso Flamenco Guitarist, Composer, and Record Producer)
Birthdate: December 21, 1947
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Algeciras, Cádiz, Spain
Died: February 25, 2014
Paco de Lucía was a Spanish virtuoso flamenco guitarist, composer, and record producer. Often counted among history’s greatest guitarists, he was one of the first flamenco guitarists to branch into classical and jazz. He was a master of contrast known for his fast and fluent picados and rasgueados. He was a recipient of the Prince of Asturias Award.
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Xavier Cugat
(Conductor, Composer, Jazz musician, Singer, Bandleader)
Birthdate: January 1, 1900
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Girona
Died: October 27, 1990
Xavier Cugat was a Spanish musician and bandleader. He studied classical violin as a child and began working in silent films to support his family. He grew up to become a successful musician and played a leading role in the spread of Latin music. Besides music, he was also a cartoonist and a restaurateur. He was married five times.
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Alejandro Sanz
(Spanish Singer-Songwriter and Composer Known for His 1997 Album ‘Más')
Birthdate: December 18, 1968
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Alejandro Sanz is a Spanish singer, musician, and composer, who has won 22 Latin Grammy Awards and four Grammy Awards. He is best known for his flamenco-influenced ballads. A versatile singer, he often experiments with different genres, such as pop, funk, rock, jazz, and R&B. He has collaborated with artists like Shakira, Alicia Keys, and Juanes.
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Miguel Bosé
(Musician, Actor)
Birthdate: April 3, 1956
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Panama City, Panama
Miguel Bosé is a Spanish pop new wave musician and actor who has been active in the entertainment industry for five decades. He studied acting, dancing, and singing and began his career as an actor. He eventually forayed into music as well. He is openly gay and is in a long-term relationship with sculptor Ignacio Palau.
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Andres Segovia(Spanish Guitarist Known for His Expressive Performances, Broad Tonal Palette, and Distinct Musical Personality)
Birthdate: February 21, 1893
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Linares, Spain
Died: June 2, 1987
Classical guitarist Andres Segovia is remembered for revolutionizing the use of the guitar in concerts. As a child, he had also learned the piano and the cello. He was mostly self-taught due to the lack of quality guitar teachers. He earned 10 honorary doctorates and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Camilo Sesto
(Spanish Pop Rock Musician, Songwriter and Music Producer)
Birthdate: September 16, 1946
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Alcoy, Spain
Died: August 8, 2019
Camilo Sesto was a Spanish singer wgo began his musical career playing in bands before deciding to go solo. He became popular for his hits like Fresa Salvaje, Algo de Mi, and El Amor de Mi Vid. He was also a successful songwriter and music producer and gained praise for his role in the Spanish version of Jesus Christ Superstar.
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Pablo Casals(Composer, Conductor and One of the Greatest Cellists of All time)
Birthdate: December 29, 1876
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: El Vendrell, Spain
Died: October 22, 1973
Spanish cellist Pablo Casals got his first lessons in instruments such as the violin and the piano from his organist father. Known for his unique technique of using flexible left-hand positions, he later formed a celebrated trio with pianist Alfred Cortot and violinist Jacques Thibaud. He won a posthumous Grammy.
Birthdate: January 9, 1991
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Barcelona, Spain
Álvaro Soler is a Spanish-German singer who rose to fame following the success of his 2015 hit single El Mismo Sol. He is especially popular in Europe and Latin America. Interested in music from an early age, he began his career by forming a musical band as a young man. As of today, he has released many albums and singles.
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José Manuel Pinto
(Association football player, Record producer, Composer)
Birthdate: November 8, 1975
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: El Puerto de Santa María
Spanish retired professional footballer José Manuel Pinto Colorado made his La Liga debut with RC Celta de Vigo and won the Ricardo Zamora Trophy with the team. He later signed with Barcelona and went on to win sixteen major titles with the team, including four national championships and two Champions Leagues.
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Pablo de Sarasate
(Former violin virtuoso, composer and conductor of the Romantic period)
Birthdate: March 10, 1844
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Pamplona, Spain
Died: September 20, 1908
Pablo de Sarasate was a Spanish violin virtuoso, composer, and conductor active during the Romantic period. He was a musical prodigy and gave his first public concert at the age of eight. He grew up to have a successful career and performed mainly opera fantasies. The Spanish Dances and the Carmen Fantasy are among his masterpieces.
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Isaac Albeniz(Spanish Catalan Virtuoso Pianist & One of the Foremost Composers of the Post-Romantic Era)
Birthdate: May 29, 1861
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Camprodon, Spain
Died: May 18, 1909
Isaac Albeniz was a Spanish composer, conductor, and virtuoso pianist. Widely regarded as one of the most important composers of the Post-Romantic era, Albeniz had a strong influence on younger composers as well as his contemporaries. Many of his personal papers are preserved in several prominent institutions, such as the Library of Catalonia.
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Francisco Tárrega
(Spanish Composer and Classical Guitarist Known for His Work During the Romantic Period)
Birthdate: November 21, 1852
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Villarreal, Spain
Died: December 15, 1909
Francisco Tárrega was a Spanish composer and classical guitarist active during the Romantic period. He is often considered the father of classical guitar and is counted among the greatest guitarists of all time. He loved music from an early age and was able to build a successful career with his father’s encouragement. He died at the peak of his career.
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Alicia de Larrocha
(Spanish Composer and Pianist)
Birthdate: May 23, 1923
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Barcelona, Spain
Died: September 25, 2009
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Pablo Alborán
(Spanish Pop Singer Best Known for His Singles ‘Perdóname’ and ‘Solamente Tú')
Birthdate: May 31, 1989
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Málaga, Spain
Pablo Alborán is a Spanish singer-songwriter and musician. He developed a love for music at a young age and learned to play several instruments. He began his career playing with a Flamenco band and has since pursued a successful solo career. He has been nominated for several Latin Grammy Awards. He openly came out as homosexual in 2020.
Birthdate: November 23, 1876
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Cádiz, Spain
Died: November 14, 1946
Spanish pianist Manuel de Falla, known for his musical nationalism, was one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Born in Cádiz, Falla initially learned playing the piano from his mother, and later went to Madrid for further training. His work also took him to France and Argentina.
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David Bisbal
(One of the Best-Selling Spanish Singer-Songwriters of All Time)
Birthdate: June 5, 1979
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Almería, Spain
David Bisbal is a Spanish singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to fame following his appearance in the reality TV show Operación Triunfo. He has since built a successful entertainment career with several live and studio albums to his name. A crossover international artist, he is popular throughout Europe and Latin America and has sold more than six million records.
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Alejandro Amenabar
(Spanish-Chilean Film Director, Screenwriter and Composer)
Birthdate: March 31, 1972
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Santiago, Chile
Alejandro Amenabar is a Spanish-Chilean music composer, screenwriter, and film director. An influential and respected personality in the Spanish film industry, Amenabar has won nine Goya Awards and two European Film Awards among many other prestigious awards.
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Luisito Rey
(Spanish Music Executive, Singer, and Songwriter)
Birthdate: June 28, 1945
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Cádiz, Spain
Died: December 9, 1992
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Joaquín Rodrigo
(Spanish Composer and a Virtuoso Pianist Best Known for Composition 'Concierto de Aranjuez')
Birthdate: November 22, 1901
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Sagunto, Spain
Died: July 6, 1999
Joaquín Rodrigo was a Spanish composer and a virtuoso pianist best known for composing the Concierto de Aranjuez. He lost his sight as a child and was encouraged by his parents to study music. He excelled in his musical education and began composing in braille as a young man. In 1983, he was awarded the Premio Nacional de Música.
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Enrique Bunbury
(Rock Singer Known for His Time as the Lead Vocalist of ‘Héroes de Silencio')
Birthdate: August 11, 1967
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain
Enrique Bunbury is a Spanish singer-songwriter who rose to fame as the lead singer of the rock band Héroes del Silencio. He built a solo career following the band’s disbandment. Active in the music scene since the early 1980s, he is known for constantly reinventing his music. He received the Icon Award from SESAC Latina Music Awards in 2019.
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Camarón de la Isla
(Former Flamenco singer known for his collaborations with Paco de Lucia and Tomatito)
Birthdate: December 5, 1950
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: San Fernando, Spain
Died: July 2, 1992
Spanish Romani flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla, counted among all-time greatest flamenco singers, is best-remembered for his collaborations with Paco de Lucía and Tomatito. The three remained instrumental in reviving flamenco during second half of the 20th century. Camarón’s albums with de Lucía include Canastera and Castillo de Arena and with Tomatito include Flamenco Vivo and Paris 1987.
Birthdate: October 13, 1971
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Lugo, Spain
Birthdate: September 1, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Abetxuko
Spanish singer Leroy Sanchez is a self-taught musician who made a name for himself through YouTube covers such as Adele’s Hello on his channel superleroyvv. He had also been a background vocalist on American Idol. Discovered by producer Jim Jonsin, he was later nominated for a Teen Choice Award, too.
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Enrique Granados(Spanish Pianist and Composer Known for His Works: ‘Goyescas’, ‘Spanish Dances’, and ‘María del Carmen’)
Birthdate: July 27, 1867
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lleida, Spain
Died: March 24, 1916
Spanish pianist and composer Enrique Granados gained fame with his nationalistic music. He is remembered for his iconic work Goyescas, which premiered as an opera in New York. Granados lost his life when the ship he was traveling to England in drowned after being torpedoed by a German submarine.
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DJ Sammy
(DJ and record producer)
Birthdate: October 19, 1969
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Majorca, Spain
Spanish music artist Samuel Bouriah, who conquered the international music scene as DJ Sammy, also rocked the Billboard charts with the track Heaven. He later followed up with tracks such as The Boys of Summer, made it to DJ Mag Top 100, and hosted his own radio show, MyClubroom.
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Antonio Flores
(Singer-songwriter)
Birthdate: November 14, 1961
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Died: May 30, 1995
Antonio Flores was a Spanish actor and singer-songwriter. He is best remembered for his pop rock style and his songs cover a wide range of genres. As an actor, Flores is known for starring alongside American actress Sharon Stone in the 1989 Spanish drama film Blood and Sand. At age 33, Flores committed suicide two weeks after his mother's demise.
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Abraham Mateo(Singer Known for His Soulful & Dance-Oriented Music)
Birthdate: August 25, 1998
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: San Fernando, Spain
Abraham Mateo is a Spanish singer, record producer, songwriter, and actor. Renowned for his dance-oriented and soulful music, Mateo has contributed to the soundtrack of popular movies, such as Minions and Frozen. Over the course of his career, Abraham Mateo has received prestigious awards like the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.
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Joaquín Sabina
(Singer-songwriter, Poet)
Birthdate: February 12, 1949
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Úbeda, Spain
Joaquín Sabina had begun writing lyrics at age 14. The legendary Spanish singer and songwriter mostly sings on heartbreak and love. Apart from releasing triple-platinum tracks such as Vinagre y Rosas, he has also penned books on poetry. He once went on a 4-year hiatus after a stroke.
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Jordi Savall
(Composer, Musicologist, Conductor, Viol player)
Birthdate: August 1, 1941
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Igualada
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Fernando Sor
(Spanish Classical Guitarist and Composer of the Early Romantic Era)
Birthdate: February 14, 1778
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Barcelona, Spain
Died: July 10, 1839
Fernando Sor was a Spanish composer and classical guitarist best remembered for writing solo classical guitar music. Widely regarded as the best classical guitarist of his generation, Fernando Sor also composed an opera, two ballets, and three symphonies. Many of his works have been studied by students and guitar enthusiasts all over the world.
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Jaime Alguersuari
(Formula One driver, Racecar driver, Disc jockey)
Birthdate: March 23, 1990
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Barcelona
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Manny Charlton
(Guitarist Founding Member of the Scottish Hard Rock Band 'Nazareth')
Birthdate: July 25, 1941
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: La Línea de la Concepción, Spain
Died: July 6, 2022
Manny Charlton is a Spanish guitarist. He is credited with co-founding the popular hard rock band Nazareth where he served as the lead guitarist between 1968 and 1990. Manny Charlton played a major role in the worldwide success of the band. Apart from playing the guitar, Manny Charlton also served as the band's producer for several years.
Birthdate: May 9, 1978
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Valencia, Spain
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Mala Rodríguez
(Hip-hop artist)
Birthdate: February 13, 1979
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
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Melendi
(Pop singer whose specialties are rock, flamenco, and rumba styles)
Birthdate: January 21, 1979
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Oviedo, Spain
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Amaia Montero
(Singer-Songwriter)
Birthdate: August 26, 1976
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Irun, Spain
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Alaska
(Singer who's led a number of music groups since the late '70s, including Alaska y los Pegamoides, Alaska y Dinarama and Fangoria.)
Birthdate: June 13, 1963
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Alaska is a Spanish-Mexican television personality, DJ, and singer. She is best known for her association with a countercultural movement called La Movida Madrileña. Considered an icon of 1980s Spain, Alaska is credited with co-founding one of the first punk rock bands of Spanish language, Kaka de Luxe.
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Dani Martín
(Singer, Actor)
Birthdate: February 19, 1977
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
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Sofia Ellar
(Singer Songwriter)
Birthdate: November 15, 1993
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom
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Bad Gyal
(Spanish Singer, DJ, Songwriter, and Model)
Birthdate: March 7, 1997
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Vilassar de Mar, Spain
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Shaila Dúrcal
(Singer Songwriter)
Birthdate: August 28, 1979
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
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Zorion Eguileor
(Actor, Composer)
Birthdate: March 15, 1946
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Mundaka, Spain