If you’re learning Spanish, here are a few artists you should include on your playlist. From classic to modern hits, here are a selection of Spain’s finest musicians.
Montserrat Caballe is a classical singer and one of Spain’s best-known musicians. Her voice possesses an inimitable tone which many appreciate and admire.
1. Joaquin Sabina
Joaquin Sabina, one of the current famous Spanish singers, is widely recognized for his lyrically dense pop/rock. He first gained widespread recognition with Malas Companias (which featured the hit single “Pongamos Que Hablo de Madrid”) before going on to experience success with later albums such as Baladas para un Loco and 19 Dias y 500 Noches.
He appeared in several musical theater productions, such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Man of La Mancha. His signature rough and croaky voice attracts fans, with songs often covering love and heartbreak themes. Additionally, he’s known for his political activism – in particular campaigning against Spain joining NATO – while recording numerous live albums such as 2005’s Alivio de Luto (his first studio release was 1978’s Inventario).
2. Thalia
Thalia was born in Mexico City and is an accomplished multi-talented artist: singer, actress, dancer and writer. Her father Ernesto Sodi was an eminent scientist, doctor of pathology and criminologist while her mother Yolanda Miranda was an academic painter. Thalia has four sisters Laura Zapata Gabriela Federica and Ernestina who are all famous as well.
In 1994, she signed with EMI Latin and released the album En extasis with number one hits Sangre and Love; also featured on this album was her Spanish-French adaptation of Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose song.
In 2012, she made a comeback with Habitame Siempre – an album which rose quickly up the charts both in Mexico and America. Additionally, Macy’s announced they would carry her fashion line.
3. Mana
Mana is an influential Latin pop/Rock en Espaol band that has been performing together for more than 42 years, producing numerous hit records that have reached millions of fans around the globe. Their sound has been heavily influenced by pop rock, Latin pop and reggae genres.
Fher Olvera, Alex Gonzalez and Sergio Vallin make up this band of musical artists, featuring vocalist Fher Olvera as vocalist, drummer Alex Gonzalez as drummer and guitarist Sergio Vallin as guitarist/guitarist respectively. Together they have recorded multiple albums such as Falta Amor, Cuando los Angeles Lloran, Suenos Liquidos and Revolucion de Amor to name just a few.
Mana has won multiple awards, such as a Billboard Spirit of Hope award. Furthermore, they established Selva Negra Foundation that funds projects that support sustainable development and preservation of the environment.
4. Maria Sanchez
La Rosalia is an iconic Catalonian artist best known for her Flamenco songs. Growing up playing music alongside her family, La Rosalia eventually found success in the industry as one of the first Spanish-language musicians to win a Grammy and perform globally multiple times.
Her songs span from reggae to ska, often featuring skillful instrumental accompaniment. She sings at a slow tempo with clear lyrics that are easily followed by Spanish learners. Additionally, she’s an accomplished actress and author; her acting talents have allowed her to star in many low-budget movies that became huge hits – Perdona Si Te Llamas Amor and Physics or Chemistry among them; plus she’s currently working on her tenth book!
5. Lola Flores
Lola Flores, or “La Faraona,” passed away in 1995, leaving a significant void in flamenca dancing circles. Jerez recently honored their sister’s memory by opening a museum dedicated to her — one which pays homage to one of Spain’s great cultural figures.
Maria Dolores Flores Ruiz (18 January 1923-16 May 1995), better known by her stage name Dame Dolores Flores Ruiz was an iconic dancer and actress from Jerez de la Frontera who gained worldwide attention due to her incredible charisma onstage.
She began her professional career in 1939 when she performed in Luces de Espaa and then in Martingala (1941). However, the pivotal event in her artistic journey came in 1943 with Manolo Caracol’s Zambra performance where she made history in terms of fame and fortune.