Rafael, a legend in Hispanic music, celebrates over 60 years of career. A touching tribute from the Latin Recording Academydeclared him Person of the Year this Wednesday.
numbers like Enrique Banbury, Marco Antonio Solis, … Fito Paes or Susana Baca They landed in Sin City and sang for up-and-coming singers like Linares’ Nightingale, Elena Rose, and Ivan Cornejo, a sample of how the Spanish language influenced generations and rhythms.
Rafael, 82, was excited and with his signature smile walked the red carpet at the Mandara Bay Convention Center, offering advice to new talent. “Everything comes to you, so you have to be a little more patient with things.”expressed the interpretation of “My big night”.
Raphael, the king of ballads with masterpieces like “Como yo te amo,” advised artists to “embrace more romanticism and tone down their rhythms a little” in order to achieve more than temporary success. “The important thing is that with that rhythm they pass quickly.”the actor also smiled.
Manuel Abdo, executive director of the Latin Recording Academy, said Raphael’s distinctive style is precisely one of the challenges in paying homage to him. « When we started reviewing our arrangements, We also began to consider his interpretation.“It’s very difficult to put together[eulogies]because they are based on his personality and history,” he told AFP.
The artists invited to the traditional event, which is part of Latin Grammy Week, did not hide their nervousness about singing in front of Spanish artists. Rocker Enrique Banbury performed “I am that one.” He confessed that he was nervous about going on stage.. “I don’t know about other people, but I would probably do worse than you. So, well, it’s a little embarrassing to think that I would do worse in front of him,” the former Eros del Silencio vocalist told AFP.
“We can pay homage to him, but we cannot compare ourselves with him,” the musician added. Spanish Rosalin emphasized the influence of the singer and his legitimacy. His accomplishments “are part of our history,” he said. “This passion, this dedication was very, very his, making the song his own, saying the text and the melody as if the world were ending. I think it remains there for all of us, in our imaginations,” commented singer-songwriter Silvia Pérez Cruz.
Iván Cornejo, 21, from Mexico, has already said that he is a source of inspiration given his connections on the ground. «I noticed similarities at his fan concerts. How is it connected to the lyrics and melody? There’s something very unique about his music,” said the Californian.
For American pop newcomer Elena Rose, who sang “En carne viva” with David Bisbal, Rafael’s accomplishment is “rebellion with a cause.” “[He’s]one of those souls that says, “I am this, I feel without fear, I say what I feel, and I’m going to be me no matter what happens.” I think that’s one of the things that identifies me,” the artist commented. The Latin Recording Academy continues its celebration of Latin music with the 26th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. Also in Las Vegas this Thursday.
About The Author
