Spanish artists come in all forms. From cutting-edge urban musicians to veteran balladeers, there’s sure to be someone for everyone here.
J Balvin, known for his hit single Mi Gente that catapulted reggaeton to global audiences, stands out amongst others as a notable reggaeton artist. Other names of note include queer Chinese-Spanish rapper Putochinomaricon and favela funk MC Buseta who has made waves online through his twerktastic take on dembow music.
Julio Iglesias
Julio Iglesias is an international star. He holds the distinction of recording songs in more languages than any other artist and selling over 75 million albums worldwide. Additionally, he has appeared on countless American television programs like Dancing With the Stars, The View and Fox and Friends; Romantic Classics from 2006 sold more than 350,000 copies on its first day alone in Spain!
Early in his career, Iglesias was a promising soccer (association football) player for Real Madrid’s youth squad. Following a car accident which severely injured his lower spine, he spent years recovering his mobility with physical therapy sessions as he learned guitar and wrote original compositions to pass time – eventually winning Benidorm Song Festival with “Gwendolyne.” Eventually representing Spain at Eurovision Song Contest with Gwendolyne was an endorsement for success!
Miguel Rios
Miguel Rios, a Melbourne musician and storyteller, has been performing to packed houses all across Australia. From Nimbin Roots Festival to Bendigo Blues Blues Fest, his songs speak directly to all.
He is an award-winning fingerstyle guitar player with strong folk and blues sensibilities, who recently released Slaughterhouse Road, featuring minimal production that recalls 1960’s-style recordings.
Miguel Rios Campana first made his recording debut at 16 and quickly rose to regional popularity with his song Dos Chicas Locas, Locas. By 1969 he recorded his debut full album Mira Hacia Ti, featuring Himno a la Alegria that paid homage to Beethoven’s ninth Symphony – making history as it marked the first time rock and roll met symphonic composition – making this hit single popular and further cementing rock’s place within Spanish pop music history.
Jose Carreras
Josep Carreras (Catalan for Jose) began singing as early as three, entertaining family trips with serenades before going into radio broadcasting. Later he studied under Francisco Puig and Juan Ruax (whom he considers his “artistic father”) who gave him his debut performance of Flavio in Norma at Barcelona Liceo that same year; Parma Voci Verdiane competition saw him make both Italian (Teatro Regio di Parma in Rodolfo in La Boheme), American (New York City Opera), debuts simultaneously that year as Pinkerton in Madam Butterfly.
From then, he became one of the world’s premier opera houses and festivals, helping introduce opera to new audiences with his beautiful lyrical voice and movie star looks. Additionally, he recorded recitals of Spanish songs before embarking on two full-length recordings: Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story with Kiri Te Kanawa (1985) and South Pacific (1986). Although his career was tragically cut short due to cancer diagnosis, he made an astounding comeback only four years after starting treatments again!
Ana Torroja
Ana Torroja co-founded Mecano with her brothers Nacho and Jose Maria Cano, becoming an influential force across Spain and Latin America in the late 80s and early 90s. Their hits, such as “Hijo de la Luna,” “Me Cuesta Tanto Olvidarte,” and “La Fuerza del Destino,” blended pop and new wave with poetic storytelling – and this success propelled Ana to become its director for over three years.
After seven Mecano albums, the Cano brothers decided to take a break and Torroja began her solo career. She released Punto Cardinales in 1997 showcasing a more introspective and personal sound; shortly thereafter she took two-year break and moved to New York City.
Torroja continued her explorations into different genres with subsequent albums such as Pasajes de un Sueno, Fragil and Sonrisa while keeping true to her lyrical depth and vocal finesse. Her timeless songs have become classics of Latin pop music while shaping generations of artists. She continues to tour worldwide collaborating with modern producers and artists.