Julio Iglesias

Julio Iglesias, a renowned Spanish singer and songwriter, was born on September 23, 1943, in Madrid, Spain. With a career spanning several decades, Iglesias has become one of the most successful European commercial singers globally. He originally pursued a career in football, but turned to music after a car accident left him unable to continue playing. Over the years, Iglesias has sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide, making him one of the bestselling artists of all time.

In 1968, Julio Iglesias's music career took off after he won the Benidorm International Song Festival with his song 'La vida sigue igual'. This victory led to a record contract with Discos Columbia, the Spanish branch of Columbia Records. This event marked the beginning of his successful music career. Iglesias's triumph at the festival was pivotal, setting the stage for his future as a global music icon.

Julio Iglesias represented Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1970 with the song 'Gwendolyne', finishing in fourth place. This was a significant moment in his career as it exposed him to a wider European audience and showcased his talent on an international platform. The song 'Gwendolyne' was performed in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and has since become one of his early hit songs, contributing to his growing popularity.

On November 17, 1971, Julio Iglesias married Isabel Preysler, a Filipina journalist and television host. The couple had three children together, including the famous singer Enrique Iglesias. Their marriage attracted significant media attention in Spain and beyond, both due to Julio's rising fame as a singer and Isabel's prominent social status. Despite their eventual separation, their marriage remains a notable part of Julio's personal life.

In 1979, Julio Iglesias signed a contract with CBS International, marking a significant milestone in his international career. This deal was important because it allowed Julio to record and release albums in multiple languages, expanding his global reach. His success in Latin America, Europe, and Asia was solidified through this partnership, making him one of the few artists to achieve international stardom across such diverse markets.

In 1981, Julio Iglesias released the album "De Niña a Mujer", which included the hit single "Begin the Beguine". This album was dedicated to his daughter, Chábeli Iglesias, and marked Julio's increasing influence in the English-speaking market. The album sold millions of copies worldwide and became one of his most successful releases, helping to cement his reputation as a leading figure in the global music industry.

In 1983, Julio Iglesias became the first Spanish artist to achieve platinum status for an album in the United States with "1100 Bel Air Place". The album included the hit single "To All the Girls I've Loved Before", a duet with Willie Nelson, which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This achievement solidified Julio's status in the U.S. market and highlighted his crossover appeal as an artist.

On June 27, 1985, Julio Iglesias was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the music industry. This accolade acknowledged his status as an international music icon and celebrated his success globally. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard and is a testament to his enduring impact on the entertainment world.

In 1988, Julio Iglesias released the album "Non Stop", which included collaborations with various artists. The album featured the famous song "My Love", a duet with American country singer Stevie Wonder. It showcased Julio's versatility as an artist and his ability to blend different musical styles. "Non Stop" was successful worldwide and further cemented his reputation as a versatile and enduring talent in the music industry.

In 2013, Julio Iglesias was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. This prestigious award was given to recognize his exceptional career, influence on Latin music, and accomplishments as an artist. Julio Iglesias's impact on the Latin music scene has been profound, and this award celebrated his contributions and legacy in the industry.