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Luis Miguel Gallego Basteri was born on San Juan, Pueto Rico on April 18, 1970 at 11:30pm (but Luis Rey
registered him as if he was born on April 19, so this is his the date). Three months later, they went to Veracruz, Mexico
where he grew up and took (at age of 18) the mexican nationality from the hands of the mexican president (on those years,
Carlos Salinas).
He is son of Marcela Basteri, (an Italian actress) and Luis Gallego Sánchez (Luis Rey), a Spanish who in
his time (60s to 70s) was a singer and composer of certain relevance in Spain and South America, although he is very below
the level of popularity reached from his son (Luis Miguel). It would be possible to be said that Luis Miguel means the climax
of a success that Luis Rey wanted all his life. Luis Rey was a singer who enjoyed the success at determined moments, but never
managed to raise the last step that implies the consecration and the masive recognition. Nevertheless, that step was reached
by his son since first, initiating absolutely an spectacular musical career wich ist getting bigger, after staying more than 20
years in the best places.
Luis Rey decided to call his first son Luis Miguel, doing a tribute to the bullfigther who was the number
one on that time: Luis Miguel Diminguín (Miguel Bosé's father). Been born, then, Luis Miguel Gallego Basteri, and beeing definitively
frustrated the American dream of Luis Rey, the just extended family returns to Mexico (after a tour in southamerica), where
Luis hoped to retake his cereer with the aid of the Mexican delegation of his record company, the CBS.
But it was in Juárez
City where Luis Rey became aware of the enormous possibilities of the small Luis Miguel. Andres Garcia, a singer friend of
Luis Rey, was the one who gave the first opportunity to him. Andres thought of including to Luis Rey in his show so that she
could sang some songs, and, by this way, help him to promote itself.
But Andres, who visited the house of Luisito frequently, had already noticed the extraordinarily well his
son sang (inheriting this of his father). So that between both, they decided that Luis Miguel also had an occasion to sing
a song infront the public. Principaly to see how does he could face a small audience singing a short song. And it happened
that the public presented in the place remained absolutely amazed with that small blonde boy, of green eyes and a radiating
smile, that in addition to being extraordinarily likeable and eloquent, sang prodigiously well. For Luis Miguel it was a unique
and captivating experience, because its song had felt tremendously to taste interpreting before the public. But for his father,
this discovery was everything. The success that he had yearned for all its carrer could be now in front of him, coming from
his son.
After the well-known success of Micky (Luis Miguel) in his short performance in the night club of the Juarez
City, Luis Rey intensified the musical learning of his son, being the best thing he could do. No longer he made him only to
imitate Elvis Presley, now urged to him to sing mexican songs. And thus, the father playing the guitar and the son using his
wonderful voice, they began to cross transmitters of Mexican radio and television. Having like objective to obtain an appearance
in Televisa, that would mean the best springboard to obtain a contract with some record company. But to obtain this, they
needed an influential person. And it was "El Negro" Durazzo that devised the form of which the young Luis Miguel could
sing in the wedding of the daughter of a politician of the state of Veracruz.
This one was a social event of first magnitude. Luis Miguel, accompanied to the guitar by his father, acted
after the orchestra of Bebu Silvetti. Being it so magnificent and exclent interpretation that from the same politician
and his daughter, to the last one of the guests, remained astonished because the prodigious vocal torrent of the boy, and
of which nobody had heard about before.
A single month later, Luis Rey maintained the first meetings with executives of the recording company EMI,
vividly interested in the launching of the young prodigious Luis Miguel of only 12 years of old. Months after the appearance
of his first album "1+1=2 Enamorados" (1+1=2 in Love), at the end of 1982, he saw the light of its second album, "Directo
al Corazón" (To the Heart). The disc logically, was not but a continuation of the first one, an attempt to take advantage
of the phenomenon Luis Miguel to accumulate sales more and more. New songs of Ruben Amado, Javier Santos and Luis Rey (of
course) came to the light.
In hardly a year of artistic life, Luis Miguel had taken his songs right to the success. Being in its concerts
where could be seen the true artist, a young boy equipped with a splendid voice and a spectacular magnetism. He had tables,
he knew how to step on the scene, it was totally natural surroundings for him. In those performances, that frequently passed
the mexican borders, Luis Miguel began to dream up a solid and irrefutable reputation of artist, moving away of any similarity
with a product of the marketing department of a record company. He also had the opportunity to be released as an actor,
participating in the film " Ya Nunca Más" (Never More), on which he played the role of a boy, that when suffering a serious
accident, his life changes completely. In the film he would interpret several songs, which later would shape them in a new
musical album like soudtrack of this film.
1983 was a year of tours for the small Luis Miguel being some cities
of this one, countries like: Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela, among others. In those tours, the young singer, of
only thirteen years old, discovered that his father had not only infected him the seduction by music, but also by the women.
In that same year was published his third album titled "Decídete" (Decide Yourself), that in this occasion
was recorded completely in Madrid (Spain), under the production of Honorio Herrero. Luis Rey was really obsessed to succed
in Spain (his native country), so he transferred there all his equipment, and traveled there whichever times were necessary
for promotional tasks. "Decídete" was an album somewhat moved away of the noticeably infantile style of both previous, since
this album demonstrated that, as Luis Miguel was growing, its voice stopped being less spectacular by the high tones, but
of greater more ductile registry and by the fan of styles he could embrace now. All this process would have its continuation
the following year, in 1984, with the publication of its new album, "Palabra de Honor" (Word of Honor), recorded also in Spain,
and with the participation of Sheena Easton that sang on a duet with Luis Miguel the song "Me Gustas Tal Como Eres". Luis
Rey thought that Spain could be the great airdrop platform of its son in Europe, reason why they spent great time in this
country.
At the beginning of 1984, Sergio, the smallest brother of Luis Miguel and Alejandro Gallego Basteri was
born.
In 1984 he also acted on what could be his second film "Fiebre de Amor" (Love Fever), sharing protagonism
with Lucerito, another young and successful mexican singer (evidently, there would be also a sound track of this film).
Thanks
to the great success obtained, that same year Luis Rey would try to also assault the Italian market, for which his son recorded
an adapted version of the song "No Me Puedes Dejar Asi" (Non mi devi trattar cosi) (You cant leave me like this). The perspective
of its power to act in the prestigious Festival of San Remo, and the importance of the Italian market were definetly relevants.
Finally, in February of 1985, the Festival of San Remo was celebrated. Luis Miguel, thanks to the support of Toto Cotugno
(ardent admirer of the young singer), was selected to compete, although he had to do it against singers like Eros Ramazzotti
or Gigliola Cinquetti. But even so, Luis Miguel obtained the second prize, after Rechie and Poveri. Being the song with which
he compete "Noi Ragazzi di Oggi", composed by Toto Cotugno. The second prize was, without a doubt, a sensational profit for
an artist totally unknown in that country. Their voice and its presence captivated the Italian Public, who admired itself
of the naturalness of that young person adorned with an impeccable white suit.
After this, again without time for a minimum and elementary rest, Luis Miguel traveled to Chile to obtain
"La Antorcha de Plata" of the Festival Vina del Mar. Its participation in the Festival was tremendous. Yet it, the singer
and his surroundings returned to Mexico in scent of multitudes. It had been long absent time of his country, but now, with
the success obtained in Italy, and the good disposition of the Spanish market, the European challenge seemed completely within
reach.
In Mexico everything was celebrations, that agreed with the promotion of the album "Palabra de Honor" (Word
of Honor), and with the birthday of Micky, which now turned to fifteen years old. That year he also obtained his first Grammy
(that it was by the way, the first one a Latin artist obtained), thanks to his duet with Sheena Easton.
But the festivities could not last long time, Luis Rey knew that there was to make profitable the success
in San Remo, and that was the moment for making a new and extensive tour by Italy. In this tour, that Luis Miguel was going
to undertake by Italy, was going to be endorsed by an orchestra directed by Horacio Icasto, and a high number of technicians
and equipment of production. The security attention called much a special attention that already at that time the young Mexican
singer was surrounded (being by anything less than ten bodyguards that accompanied him to all sides with face of few friends),
which were needed because the great number of fans he was creating.
Luis Miguel had spent the last three years surrounded in the vortex of his meteoric carrer, obtaining success
after success, happening hundreds of hours in the airplanes, acting in tons of countries, locking itself in the hotels to
get rid of the siege of all fans... And of course always next to its father, of the person who had designed millimeter by
millimeter hir artist carrer from the beginning, who made absolutely all the decisions that concerned to him, and that controlled
all until the last currency of the fabulous income that the phenomenon Luis Miguel was generating per million.
All this
took to Luis Miguel to a gradual introversion. Little by little that likeable wild boy, that young person who released the
pressure of the tours with ocurrentes jokes to the people of his surroundings, went disappearing to take step into a hermetic
person, more and more inaccessible and less communicative.
Parallelly to the rupture with his wife Marcela Basteri (who after this returned to Italy and never returned
again), Luis Rey also had decided to brake relations with recording company EMI because some bad retations with the one on
charge in the company. Because of this, Luis Rey negotiated quickly with the record company Warner Music (WEA). The agreement
was fast. The WEA proposed a relaunching of the artist with an album that was going to produce the Spanish Juan Carlos Calderon
(who would work since then with Luis Miguel until the present time), and that would be based on versions of Pop Classics such
as: "Reach out l'll be there", "I only want to be with you", "Cuando Calienta el sol" (When the Sun warms up), "All by
myself", "Sunny", etc. All of them adapted the Spanish, including the version of "Eres Tú", the classic one that Juan Carlos
Calderón had written for Mocedades. The album was titled "Soy Como Quiero Ser"(I am as I want To be) or simply "Luis Miguel
87" (being the title one the songs included, and that had been written by Luis Rey). Being also a pair of duets, one of them
with Laura Branigan and another one with Rocío Banquells.
The singer already had seventeen years old, and therefore own
opinion of the things that were happening. A year later, in 1988, Luis Miguel recorded one of the most important albums of
his carrer, titled "Busca una Mujer" (Looks for a Woman). Which, unlike previous, was basically an album of versions, this
one seemed a magnificent compilation of new songs written mainly by Juan Carlos Calderón, producer of the album. On this album,
it could be appreciable the maturity of an all ready grown up Luis Miguel. Also Gomez Escolar and Tito Duarte contributed
with some songs for Luis Miguel. And this time the name of Luis Rey not even appeared in the credits. The disc was much more
serious that the previous one, had a present and powerful sound, and the songs had the sufficient height for an artist of
the level of Luis Miguel. Of the suitable songs and an excellent production, the results did not take control to hope, and
the album broke all the foreseeable records: nothing less than seven singles were extracted of the disc, that for more than
a year was seen by numbers one of the Latin lists, including the Billboard. Standing out, among other songs, "La Incondicional"
(the Unconditional one), one of the basic pieces of the repertoire of the singer. This is a song that denoted the signature
of its author, Juan Carlos Calderón, and whose letter seemed to perfectly frame the problematic sentimental relations of the
singer. It was a monumental success, specially in Mexico. Of this song was made a video clip, in which Luis Miguel listed
in the army, exerting as aviator, boxer, parachutist, jumper of springboard and climber. In another one of the songs,
"Porfavor Señora" (Please Lady), was constructed a magnificent story on the special attraction that the women of certain age
felt by him.
Finally, late of the summer of 1989, in the presidential suite of a luxurious hotel of Madrid, Luis Miguel
armed itself of value to communicate to his father a decision that by amply justified reasons was not going to be less hard:
he was fired (whom after one or two years would arrive at the end of its life).
The 90s began for Luis Miguel with a storm of prizes and decorations, like the World Music Award, granted
in Monaco, and that, for the first time, a Latin artist obtained. However, the most significant data was the sold salary of
more than a million of copies of its album "Busca una Mujer" (Looks for a Woman). But so many recognitions did not put off
center to Luis Miguel of which it mattered to him more then: the recording of its new disc, that was going to be the first
one since the rupture with its father. Now Luis Miguel was totally free to make all the decisions. The disc, was going to
mean for him a responsibility that he had never had in so high degree: now, there was nobody to blame at, he was alone, a
totally new Luis Miguel.
With the aid of Hugo López and Alex McCluskey (his managers), and an enthusiastic collaboration
of its recording company (WEA), Luis Miguel decided to return to count on the same equipment of production that so magnificent
results it had given him in its previous work. For that reason, Juan Carlos Calderón was again the great director and coordinator
of all the process, contributing most of the songs and producing the recording. Being the title of the album of specially
significant: "20 Años" (20 YEARS), which symbolized the maturity of an artist who walked alone, and who maintained the sight
to the front, without wanting to watch back. This it had a shining sound and a very expensive and worked production. This
time was not recorded on horse between Spain and the United States, like the previous one, but now it was completely recorded
in Hollywood. Being other shining songs included one magnifies adaptation of a subject of the Jackson Five, "Blame it on the
Boogie", retitled "Será Que No Me Amas", that became one of the most popular ones of the album, although the star single was
"Tengo Todo Excepto a Ti" (I Have Everything Except You), that remained in Mexico, the United States and almost all Latin
America several weeks in the first position. The initial sales were absolutely spectacular: six hundred thousand copies in
the first week. The new air that the artist was giving to his carrer made concrete in the same cover of the disc, that still
repeating the old attempts to take advantage of its fisic attractive to assure the sales, presented a much more modern image.
Thus they guaranteed the sales of its last disc, and the successful tour that had made, and that took to them to prevail
until in as mythical scenes as the Madison Square Garden, of New York. But in the mind of both it was the idea to give a spectacular
change to the musical trajectory of the artist. Because Luis Miguel, who began exciting a fifteen year old public, had always
had a great acceptance in the young sector of the population. But by the natural trajectory of the artist, by their innate
vocal conditions, all intuited that Luis Miguel was in situation to look for objective much more high, to embrace more adult
styles... Really, to arrive at a bigger public. Because at this point, who could doubt that Luis Miguel can be an excellent
singer of boleros? The proposal was taken in the beginning with much distrust, specially by the own singer, but little by
little all went away exciting with the new project.
The first attempts to include boleros and mariachis in the direct
ones were welcomed with hopeful acceptance. But the publication of the new album was going to give to all the measurement
of the possibilities of Luis Miguel embarking in a new musical opening. For it Luis Miguel thought of someone who could help
him with this kind of songs. Armando Manzanero seemed, of course, the suitable person for the work more than Juan Carlos Calderón.
But the recording process was going to bring another great surprise: the own Luis Miguel was going to co-produce the album
personally. In any case, such decision did not have to surprise the close friends to the artist, because of all he was known
that, since a boy, Luis Miguel got passionate to the way his albums were made on all ways. And now it was arranged to take
the alternative like not only singing, but producing. Historical romantic songs (boleros) like "La Barca", "Contigo a la Distancia"
were going to be included in this new album. In November of 1991 was sended to the market his album "Romance", an album of
boleros. Which obtains sales of almost eight million copies by everything around the world. "Romance" was not only a success
in the musical market of Hispanic speech, since also managed it to be placed in the first places of popularity in Asian and
European countries, as it were the case of Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Malaysia, Singapur, Hong Kong, the Philippines,
Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Australia, Finland, Portugal, Turkey, Holland, Greece, France, Denmark and Canada.
Once again it receives the prize World Music Award, in Monaco, and this occasion to be the Latin artist
with greater disc sale. Their tours by Center, South America and the United States continue breaking hearing records, and
the recognitions to his grate talent are every time.
In 1992, Luis Miguel is the only hispanic singer invited to participate in the record project Barcelona
Gold in the occasion of the Olympic Games. In this project the more respected artists with great international level were
the only ones who participate.
In the month of June of this same year he breaks records of ticket sale in ticket office, selling in only
one day, more than 10.000 tickets for his first presentation in the Auditorio Nacional on Mexico City.
In this same season he also breaks the world-wide record of ticket office, appearing ten consecutive nights,
with total plenty, in the Auditorio Nacional of Mexico City.
In September of 1992 its success increases, being the first Latin American singer in presenting its spectacle
in the prestigious hall Circus Maximus of the Caesar's Palace hotel of Las Vegas, Nevada, during four days with absolute plenty.
In these same dates it receives by the world-wide president of Warner Music Internacional, eight platinum discs by the high
sales of "Romance" in Mexico; a golden record by the sales in Taiwan; and one more also of gold by the sales in the United
States; four platinum discs in Chile; a platinum disc in Argentina; a platinum disc in Venezuela and one more in Colombia.
Constantly looking for a evolution in its cerrer, in 1993 it initiates the recording of its new material denominated "Aries";
its nine disc in which Luis Miguel he produce himself for the first time. In "Aries" extraordinary musicians and composers
participated, like world-wide recognized David Foster, 15 times winner of Grammys by their work within the musical industry.
With this new disc, Luis Miguel concentrated one hundred percents in the recording studio during long months. Each element
was supervised perfectly until obtaining a well-taken care of product to the maximum in where Luis Miguel consolidates as
producer.
"Aries" take Luis Miguel to cross the United States in a successful tour in the greatest and important audiences
of the nation, among them the Madison Square Garden in New York, and again to the Caesars Palace of Las Vegas in where he
displayed seven concerts sold in its totality. It also crosses Center and South America in the most extensive tour of his
race, more than 100 presentations with total plenty, recognitions to his work and extraordinary disc sales in each country
that visits.
Between both more important recognitions of "Aries" is the second Grammy in its carrer as the BEST LATIN
DISC 1993. In Viña del Mar a success without precedents is awarded like the most popular artist of the festival.
After the extraordinary success of the disc of boleros "Romance" with which it manages to transfer borders,
in 1994 it is prepared to produce "Segundo Romance" (Second Romance), a new disc of boleros integrated by legendary songs
like: "El Día Que Me Quieras", song of the Argentinean Carlos Gardel; "La Media Vuelta" of the mexican composer Jose Alfredo
Jiménez; "Todo Y Nada" of Vicente Garrido and "Delirio" of Cesar Portillo De La Luz. In this disc again he does head like
producer, having like coproducers to Juan Carlos Calderón, Armando Manzanero and Kiko Cibrian, being this last one, also musical
director of his band.
The disc was recorded in Los Angeles, California, being the responsible engineer Paul McKenna. In order
to promote the "El Día Que Me Quieras" (first single of the album), the video clip was filmed; in the Palacio de Bellas Artes
of the Mexico City. A second single of which also it was made a video clip is "La Media Vuelta", directed by the recognized
director, Pedro Torres. More than shooting of a video, the days in which the shooting was carried out, an historical event
occurred, since the most important figures of the time of gold of the National Cinema, as well as great lights of Mexican
music, met to participate like special guests in the running of the video Juan Gabriel, Ofelia Medina, Lola Beltran, Amalia
Mendoza "La Tariacuri", Carlos Monsivais, Yolanda Montes "Tongolele", Jorge Russek, Estela Moctezuma, Katy Jurado and the
Mariachi Vargas de Tecatitlán between many others.
While "Segundo Romance" was sent to the world by the end of August
1994, Luis Miguel breaks his own record presenting 16 consecutive concerts totally sold, reuniting more than 160.000 people
in the Auditorio Nacional of Mexico City. This has been recognized by international level by the centennial magazine "Amusement
Business", cataloguing Luis Miguel like the third artist at world-wide level in ticket sold consecutive in the same stage.
The magazine "Performance" assigns the second site to him in the world-wide ranking by the concentration of public in a National
Auditorium.
Perhaps one of the greatest profits in its carrer is to have recorded with Mr. Frank Sinatra the song "Come
Fly with Me" on its album "Duets II", being this song the first single released to promotion the album everywhere.
At the beginning of September, Luis Miguel initiates the tour by the American Union displaying his concerts
in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Chicago and Puerto Rico. But
of 25 concerts they consolidate it as the latin artist more consistent.
Of this tour they excel its presentations, absolutely sold, in the Radius City Music Hall of New York, in
the Amphitheater of Los Angeles, and James L. Knight Center of Miami, without lacking as every year its appointment with the
Circus Maximus of the hotel Ceasar's Palace of Las Vegas, Nevada.
November marks the beginning of its successful tour
by Argentina, 13 presentations in Buenos Aires and the inner cities, where he manages to reunite more than 300.000 spectators
with results of ticket office without precedents. 80 concerts, more of a million spectators, more than 40 cities of all the
continent and always the same constant... Sold Out. In order to conclude 1994, the single "No Sé Tú" interpreted in the
"Romance" album, acquires his first platinum disc (1 million units sold and certified by the R.I.A.A. in the North American
territory), and meanwhile "Segundo Romance" is to only 50 thousand copies to obtain such merit, beside the point historical
event since it is the first time in the anglian market of the American Union that a foreign artist and singing in his language
obtains such numbers.
1995 initiates with the right foot, Luis Miguel receives by third occasion the Grammy prize by the album
"Segundo Romance", in the category of Best Latin Pop Performance. He obtains golden record in Spain by the sales of "Segundo
Romance", opening again in this market the doors to the European territory. In May he travels to the principality of Monaco
to receive from new account the prize The World Music Awards like the best Latin Singer of the Year. In this same month, in
the city of Miami, he attends the delivery of the prize "Lo Nuestro" for Latin Music having gained better album of the year
"Second Romance", Best Masculine Interpreter of the year and Best Video: "La Media Vuelta".
During lengths nine months,
he and Kiko Cibrian again become jumbled like producers in the album "El Concierto" (The Concert), recording of their concerts
made live in the tour 1994, producing but late, as much audio one as video.
In September he initiates his tour by the American Union, beginning like every year in Las Vegas, Nevada,
and crossing the best scenes of Los Angeles, New York, Filadelfia, Washington, Miami, Orlando, Puerto Rico, Houston, Dallas,
San Antonio, El Paso, San Diego, San Jose, Phoenix, Anaheim and Denver.
The launching of the double compact disc of "El Concierto" is in October of 1995, after one releases tour
by eighteen cities of the United States, produced like result a new series of honors for Luis Miguel. This material sample
to Luis Miguel in all the ample range of its repertoire from the romantic ballads that have gained him the recognition of
Hollywood ("No Sé Tú" was included in the sound track of "Speechless", carried out by Geena Davis and Michael Keaton), to
contagious pop melodies. Mexican songs with support of a typical mariachi are also included in "El Concierto"; the celebrated
interpretation of "El Día Que Me Quieras" and the impeccable versions of boleros that have been worth him to Luis Miguel the
recognition of a vast sector of the adult public.
A new development that was developed next to "El Concierto" was its
version for home video, also in laser disc format. In addition, television channels of the entire world emitted a special
program based on "El Concierto", with enormous success of hearing and abundant critical praises. Until the present, "El Concierto"
already has sold more of a million and average one of unit anywhere in the world, obtaining the following international certifications:
Argentina: 3 platinum discs; Bolivia, 1 golden record; Central America, 2 Platinium discs; Chile, 4 Platinuim discs; Colombia,
1 Platinuim disc; Ecuador, 1 golden disc; The United States and Puerto Rico, 1 golden record (R.I.A.A.); Mexico, 1 Platinuim
disc; Paraguay, 1 Platinium disc; Peru, 1 golden disc; Uruguay, 1 Platinuim disc; Venezuela, 5 of platinum.
In order to close the year, Luis Miguel appears in the celebration of the 80 years of Frank Sinatra, being
the only Latin artist invited to sing in this so special occasion. In order to begin 1996, he records the ballad "Sueña" (Dream),
same that belongs to the sound track of the film "El Jorobado de Notre Dame" (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) produced by the
Disney Corporation. In that year, Luis Miguel concentrates itself intensely in the preparation of "Nada Es Igual" (Nothing
is Equal) his first album recorded in studies in more than two years. Once again, he has become the head of main production
and general coordination of the project. The thickness of "Nada Es Igual" was recorded between February and March in the Plant
Record Studies, of Los Angeles City, using digital technology of last generation.
The video clip for "Dame", first single of "Nada Es Igual", was filmed in June of 1996 in the desert of
Mojave, in California. For the first time, Luis Miguel trusted the direction of the video on Marcus Nispel, a prestigious
artist of German origin, that counts in its salary with processed clips of artists such as Janet Jackson, Aretha Franklin
and the B-52s.
Faithful to his style, Marcus Nispel surrounded Luis Miguel by fabulous special effects, between which
enormous fire barrages and explosions stand out that untie to forts gusts of wind. In spite of the risk which several of the
scenes implied, Luis Miguel refused to use doubles.
In September of this year, Luis Miguel inaugurates his own star in the Hall of Fame of Hollywood. The printing
of its hands in the cement of the famous avenue still on places of equality with figures such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley
and Madonna, who already have their stars gilded next to the most popular artists of the modern era making dance to all youth.
From principles of November and to end of 1996, Luis Miguel embarked in an international tour by South America that included
Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, and Ecuador, emphasizing his first performance in Brazil. Each concert with exhausted
entrances maintaining its popularity and own image. "Nada es Igual" also becomes a disc of successes, obtaining several prizes
and nominations in which they stand out the nomination to the Grammy prize in the category of Best Latin Pop Performance.
As far as sales talks about, "Nada es Igual" conquered the following prizes: 7 platinum discs in Argentina; golden record
in Bolivia; 2 platinum discs in Central America; 4 platinum discs in Chile; golden record in Colombia; golden record in Ecuador;
4 platinum discs in the United States and Puerto Rico; 2 platinum discs and 6 of gold in Mexico; disc of platinum in Paraguay,
platinum disc in Peru, platinum disc in Spain, golden record in Uruguay and 2 platinum discs in Venezuela. Beginning 1997,
Luis Miguel was inspired once again with the great spirit of the sort of the boleros, which had return into life with "Romance"
and "Segundo Romance" and began the preparations for the recording of a third volume of boleros titled "Romances".
The
production again completed in June with Luis Miguel like producer, Armando Manzanero like artistic director and Bebu Silvetti
like musical director.The first single "Por Debajo De La Mesa" (Below the Table), song written by Manzanero is one inhedit
bolero of the album sent on 15 of July, 1997. The album "Romances" goes to stores on August 12, Luis Miguel was
united with Daniela Federici, famous photographer of the magazine "Vanity" for the photos of his first single "Por Debajo
de la Mesa" which was filmed into a video clip. The film had take place in the legendary Rainbow Room of the city of New York.
This video is a return to the lost elegance of the romantic ones of forty years ago, in the true spirit of the boleros.
"Romances" include songs like "Sabor a Mi" of Alvaro Cheek, "Bésame Mucho" of Consuelo Velázquez, "El Reloj"
of Robert Cantoral and "Júrame" de Maria Grever, among others. Without doubt this new masterpiece of boleros would be a success
more in the successful carrer of Luis Miguel.
By fourth time the Mexican singer of 27 years old manages to reach the codiciated prize. "Romances", was
winning the Grammy in the category Best Latin Pop Album, granted by the National Academy of Arts and Discografical Sciences,
in a ceremony televised from the Radius City Music Hall, in New York. Luis Miguel, the first figure of the romantic song,
returned to conquer the appraised prize and by fourth time (Grammy). First he received it in 1985 with the song "Me Gustal
Tal Como Eres", a duet interpreted next to Sheena Easton. Nine years later with "Aries", "Segundo Romance", in consecutive
and now "Romance" contests, produced by Luis Miguel with the musical direction and orquestales adjustments of the teacher
Bebu Silvetti and the artistic direction of Armando Manzanero.
"I believe that this is a Right prize to the work and to the talent of Luis Miguel and all those that have
participated in this disc", said Bebu Silvetti from its residence in Miami. "Romances is a great disc interpreted by an extraordinary
singer", he added.
Luis Miguel, who has sold more than 30 million of albums in his race and more than half of them they are
of boleros, has not only revived the sort but he has crowned it with musical excellence approaching several generations. Thursday,
February 5, in the Baltimore Hotel of Coral Gables, Luis Miguel received several prizes by the profits obtained with
his production "Romance".
Surrounded by an infinity of golden and platinum discs, Luis Miguel put for the photographers in the Aragon
hall, and minutes but late in the Alhambra Hall, Andre Midani, president of Warner Latin Music America, initiated the ceremony.
"Luis Miguel is a unique mixture of superlative talent and success", affirmed the executive. The award ceremony the directors
of Warner in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Spain and the United States attended, gave their respective prizes to him. Romances,
have sold internationally more than 4 million copies.
"Part of the responsibility of these prizes is of you, by all the support that has always given me", Luis
Miguel expressed to the ones that were present. This one made an extensive tour of concerts by the United States and later
Spain travels to appear after 8 years of absence in the Iberian scenes.
After a good deserved vacations Luis Miguel began
the recording of a new record production. The composers mentioned have been Armando Manzanero and Juan Carlos Calderón. This
material includes mixed songs of Pop style with ballads as well as it was in "Aries", hoping that outside sent at the beginning
of 1999. This one without a doubt was another very important year for the cerrer of "The Sun". This new material before mentioned
is titled "Amarte es un Placer" (Love you is a Pleasure). Again appearing like producer the own Luis Miguel. The disc is integrated
by 12 songs, that were recorded in different studies from Hollywood, California. In which account once again with the collaboration
of Mr. Armando Manzanero like musical adviser, of his personal manager Mr. Alejandro Asensi and of Mr. Juan Carlos Calderón.
On July 19 the first single of this CD was released. Which is titled "Sol, Arena y Mar" (Sun, Sand, and
Sea). And on September 6 occurs the release of the second single of this new disc: "O Tu, O Ninguna" (Or You, Or No One).
Luis Miguel, isn't again only the producer of the disc, in addition, is composer of 6 of the songs that integrate it: "Dímelo
en un Beso", "Quiero", "Tú, Solo Tú", "Te Propongo Esta Noche", "Tu Mirada", and "Sol, Arena y Mar". The world-wide releaze
of the disc was on September 15,1999. But it previously appeared to the press on September 13 of the same year, in the casino
of Madrid of Spain, where they attended journalists of the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
The "Amarte
es un Placer" tour begins in Spain and by more of a month it appears in three occasions in Plasa de Toros de Las Ventas
- Madrid, continuing the tour by cities like Marbella, Barcelona, Alicante, among others with great clear success.
Towards the end of October, he arrives to Brazil, in where it has predicted 5 presentations in cities
like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. In November, Luis Miguel visits Argentina, he makes presentations in the stage of
Vlez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires, with 3 functions in the days 5,6 and 7, which were completely full. November 6 in the
evening, Luis Miguel receives the Diamond prize that is given by La Camara Argentina de Productores de Fonogramas y sus Reproducciones
(CAFIP). This prize was created in order that it is granted national and international artists to him who surpass the 500
thousand boards sold in the country (and is worth to emphasize that Luis Miguel is the first artist, who becomes creditor
to this prize). The prizes were given by their albums "Aries"(1993), "Romance" (1991), "Segundo Romance"(1994) and "Romances"(1997).
Its record seal scrubbed to him a Gold disc by the Box Set "Todos los Romances" (All the Romances). Golden record by the single
"Sol, Arena y Mar" and fourth platinum by "Amarte es un Placer".
One thing that we can emphasize, is that in the presentation of November 6, it throughout rained of incessant
form before in the concert, but his fans, did not move of their places, reason why it was a very special recital as much for
the Mexican singer as for his followers, who once again demonstrated their unconditional love towards him.
Another important
fact in the show of that day was that after he have interpreted the first songs, Luis Miguel, greeting to his fans went towards
one of the flanks of the scene, to look for what stoped all the presents would be a surprise, one of the 4 Diamond prizes
that had been given hours before to him, and was thankful for him to its public, saying to them (among other things)
that that prize he had in his hands, was not of him but of all his fans, reason why he received the applause and the shouts
of all and all those that were in the stage.
Also, it crossed the inner part of the country with performances in provinces like Córdova and Rosario,
among others. He taked his show to Chile with 5 functions in which passed by places like Santiago of Chile, Viña del Mar,
and Antofagasta with the success like its only ally.
November 22, while he was in Chile, Luis receives different prizes: Special prize to the trajectory to have
sold 1,750,000 discs in the Chilean market. Disc Lapis lazuli, by 250,000 sold copies, by its Discs "Romance"(1991), "Segundo
Romance"(1994) and "El Concierto"(1995). In as much by his last disc "Amarte es un Placer"(1999) received 4 Platinum discs
and 6 ones of Gold, which indicates that the album surpasses one hundred thousand sold copies.
These are only some of
the numbers of his shows in the country: in the National stage of Santiago, 60,000, Viña del Mar, 10,000 and Antofagasta 20,000
spectators.
After appearing in Chile, he travels to Argentina, to give his last presentation in the stage of Quilmes
in the Province of Buenos Aires. On December 1st begins the 2000 Tour and continuous presenting his disc "Amarte es un Placer"
on Mexico and the United States. This begins in Baskerfield in which there were Latin and American spectators. The hard concert
lasted two hours, although interpret the same songs basically, also was place for a ranchera song, "Mi Ciudad"(Mi City).
On February 13 is released, at world-wide level, the video "Amarte es un Placer" and on the following day,
the song was listened in all radio stations. In the United States, he passed cities like Chicago, New York, and Washington
among others.
February 24, begin with his shows in the Auditorio Nacional of Mexico in where 21 concerts with a total
plenty were made, breaking record again. In March of the same year (2000) Luis Miguel receives three recognitions in Mexico,
by disc sale and by to have imposed a new record, difficult to surpass, of presentations in the Auditotio Nacional. In one
of his last concert in the mexican capital Distrito Federal, Luis Miguel, knelt down to be able to greet and to dedicate to
the song "Besame Mucho" to Maria Felix, who was enjoying the show in first row.
After his presentations in Mexico, he returns to the U.S.A. But in April the Mexican singer returns to his
country to act in Monterrey where he made 5 concerts, in three of which his new album was filmed and recorded, titled "Vivo"
(Alive). First the single of this recording was released on September 15 at world-wide level:" La Bikina" (Author: Ruben Fuentes).
This production, was sent in CD and VHS, but Luis Miguel becomes one of the first Latin singers in removing his material in
DVD again.
In this, he gains 3 of the 4 nominations that has in the First Latin Grammys prizes, being these:
- Best
disc of the year by "Amarte es un Placer"
- Best Pop disc of the year by "Amarte es un Placer"
- Best Masculine vocal
Interpretation by "Tu Mirada".
After a calm vacations with his girlfriend, also singer, Mariah Carey, Luis dedicated himself
to select the songs for his new Pop album. This one was releazed on Nobember 16, 2001 (even though it was planed for
Nobember 20), titled "Mis Romances" (My Romances) . It includes historic songs between boleros and Pop songs, such as "Amor,
Amor, Amor" (Love, Love, Love), "Amorcito Corazón" y "Perfidia" between other. Being the first single releazed "Amor, Amor,
Amor", wich happens to be the soundtrack for the mexican program "El Manantial". This album gave him 1 gold disc in Chile,
and 1 platinium disc in Mexico, just in the first day on stores (going directly to the first chart places).
Entering 2002, he started a great tour divided in two, visiting Mexico, U.S.A., Spain, Chile, Argentina,
Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. He obtains a lot of success, but nothing compared with his three other boleros albums.
Besides "Amor, Amor, Amor", the album releazed other singles (but without a video): "Cómo Duele" of Armando Manzanero, "La
Última Noche" and "Al Que Me Siga".
On October of the same year, Mickey releazed a new album titled "Mis Boleros Favoritos"(My Favorite Boleros),
in wich he made a summary with the best songs of his 4 boleros albums. Besides, he included an inedit song named "Hasta Que
Vuelvas"(Til You Return), wich he dedicated to his mother for obvious reasons. This material has included a DVD with some
of his videos of boleros such as "Por Debajo De La Mesa" and "No Sé Tú", transforming this double disc album in a collection
material (actually, it has the emblem "Special Edition" on its front page). Besides, he receives the "Luna"(Moon) Award from
the National Auditorium of Mexico City for his trayectory; and at the beginning of 2003 the "Lo Nuestro" award of Exellence.
Now on, Luis Miguel is resting a little bit, and prepering his new album that will be releazed on september
and will be of pop music.
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