Manuel Alejandro, the brilliant composer whose mind gave birth to some of the songs that have moved the Spanish and several million Spanish speakers the most, has received the International Medal of Arts awarded by the Community of Madrid. His unforgettable songs, performed by voices of the stature of Raphael, Plácido Domingo, Rocío Jurado and Julio Iglesias, have earned him this distinction that the regional government considers he deserves for “his contribution to the promotion of the Spanish and Hispanic language heritage.” through hit lyrics that have been heard around the world.
Anyone under 40 has never hummed “I am that one” by Raphael, “The best of your life” by Julio Iglesias or “As I love you” by Rocío Jurado. These songs and many others are part of the musical and sentimental education of many Spanish-speaking citizens. Their songs have been performed, let us recall, in the Culture space, directed by Mariano de Paco, by a multitude of artists such as Rocío Jurado, Raphael, Plácido Domingo, Julio Iglesias, Nino Bravo or Alejandro Sanz. Jeanette became famous with another of her songs, “I am a rebel”. And other artists from across the Atlantic have appreciated her compositions, such as the Venezuelan José Luis Rodríguez “El Puma”, or the Mexican Luis Miguel.
The list of pieces with which he moved millions of people is almost endless: “Black Neck Swan”, which Basilio immortalized; “In Flesh and Bone”, “What Do We Know”, “Say What They Say”, “Let the Night Not Break” or “Talk to Me About the Sea, Sailor”, which Marisol made famous, are some of the romantic ballad works that he composed throughout his prolific career.
At its meeting on Wednesday, the Governing Council will approve the award of this International Medal of Arts, one of the most important distinctions granted by the Madrid executive, to this 92-year-old Andalusian from Jerez de la Frontera.
His ballads have been sung by all the greats: Raphael, Plácido Domingo, Julio Iglesias, Rocío Jurado…
His creations have been the favorites of some of the most emblematic artists of romantic song. Among them, without wanting to be exhaustive, songs such as “That’s how we were born”, “As I love you”, “Manuela”, “I close my eyes”, “A touch of madness”, “I try to forget you”, these are eternal works of the author from Jerez, and compositions that are part of the memory of several generations, whose verses and melodies have been proclaimed by singers of all musical genres from then until today.
Manuel Alejandro was born Manuel Álvarez-Beigbeder and, in addition to being a composer, producer and arranger, he is also a singer. His style is romantic and sober, influenced by his extensive musical training and his cult of literature. He studied musical subjects with his father, Germán Álvarez-Beigbeder, and completed them at the Madrid Conservatory. His 20 years spent in his native country also had a notable influence on his work.
Throughout his brilliant career, recognition and awards have showered him. He is an Honorary Academician of the Real de San Dionisio; Favorite Son of his hometown, the province of Cádiz and Andalusia; Gold Medal of Fine Arts, Music Award of the General Society of Authors of Spain and winner of a Latin Grammy for his career. For more than 30 years, a street in Jerez de la Frontera has also been named after him in honor of his city.
The International Medal of Arts of the Community of Madrid is awarded in recognition of the merits of people and institutions of international importance in the field of the arts, whose creations have contributed to spreading the status of the Community of Madrid as a center of cultural influence. Among others, the actress Carmen Maura, the singer Raphael, the dancer Tamara Rojo and the painter Antonio López have received this distinction. Now, this man will also have it, ‘the one who is waiting for you, the one who dreams of you, the one who would like to own your love…’.
