Friday, April 26, 2013

Timeless lover - Taipei Times

On Tuesday Julio Iglesias, one of the world’s most romantic crooners, will bring his charm to the Taipei Arena. Iglesias is the ageless Spanish heartthrob who has released 80 albums, selling more than 300 million records over the past four decades. As one of the top five best-selling music artists in history (according to Sony Music), he has conquered fans worldwide with his sultry vocals and sexy persona. 

 “Music is my life,” Iglesias told The Taipei Times in an e-mail interview. “Music is a universal language, which turns into a magic bond between people all over the world.” The concert is part of Iglesias’ 45th anniversary world tour, and will mark his fifth visit to Taiwan. The sex symbol is known for delivering Latin pop, sultry salsa numbers, piano-driven love odes and staggering ballads.

The superstar won a Grammy for his Latin album Un Hombre Solo (A Man Alone) in 1988 and numerous other music awards around the globe. He has performed duets including My Love with Stevie Wonder, All of You with Diana Ross and To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before with Willie Nelson. Iglesias has delivered songs in 14 languages. Asked about his willingness to tackle different languages, he said: “It is not easy, it requires many hours and the patience of a good teacher. But singing the lyrics in people’s mother tongue helps you communicate better with them.” 

The music icon will perform songs from his latest album Numero 1, backed up by a 23-person music team. This release includes all the signature hits from his career but are re-recorded and re-arranged. 

 “I truly believe I sing better now than years ago,” the singer said. “I am sure this will be a very emotional concert. I love you (Taiwan).”

(Source: Taipei Times http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2013/04/27/2003560814)

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Congratulations Julio!

Julio Iglesias is one of the first five artists who entered the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, located in Miami.

The 2013 Latin Songwriters Hall Of Fame inductees have been selected from international nominees in both Performing and Non-Performing Songwriter categories.

On April 23rd, the first awards gala took place in Miami. The inductees received “La Musa” award.

(Source: julioiglesias.com)

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Interview: "Julio Iglesias is my homeboy"

 
Julio Iglesias is cooler than cool—he’s ice cold (word to Andre 3000). Once we got on the phone with the legendary Spanish crooner, it was as if we were talking to our hip Tio Julio who schools you on love and has done it all . . . twice. Iglesias is truly the most interesting man in the world: he wrestles lions, he kicks Chuck Norris’ ass, and he flirts with your mom every chance he gets—swag!

Here Iglesias talks to us openly about his #1 Greatest Hits Deluxe Edition, which is out today, his tanning tips, oh, and, a special message for all the mothers of the world. Boss!

Do you want to do the interview in Spanish or English? Just be warned my Spanish is a bit shaky.

But why, if your last name is Trivino?

Yes, but Spanish is not my first language, so forgive me.

Spanish is your second language?

Yes, it’s my second language. I was born here but my parents are from Ecuador.

Ecuador? What part, Guayaquil or Quito?

Guayaquil.

I sang there the other say, I sang there about two months ago.

Yeah? Awesome!

I ate two crab legs—huge crab legs! They were absolutely delicious!

Yeah, the seafood there is really good.

Just amazing. So tell me. What do you want me to tell you?

Whatever you want to say!

[Laughs]

Let’s talk about your greatest hits album—there have been many before, so what makes this one different?

This one is an album where I redid everything—the bass, the guitar, the rhythm, the voice. I only kept the atmosphere and mood of previous albums, but I also put new vocals in. When I first started singing, I felt I was bad, and it’s not that I’m perfect now, but I am a little better, so there’s the difference.

[Laughs]. So tell me, after so many years of performing, what do you do to keep it fresh for you?

Jesús, it’s all about passion. How old are you, Jesús?

I am 32 years old.

Still so young. Are you single or married?

I’ve been married for almost six years, and I’ve been working in the field for 12 years.

So you’re a natural! So look, for me, what’s keeping me fresh is passion. Passion for everything. I mean, if I didn’t have passion, I wouldn’t be doing this interview. The passion I have is what keeps me alive and motivated to keep going.

Aside from being one of the greatest singers of all time, you’re also viewed as one of the most legendary Latin sex symbols of all time.

Yup!

So who do you—

You want to know about my sex life?

No, no, no, no — God, no!

[Laughs].

But you’re viewed as—I remember my mother was a huge fan of your singing but probably for something else too [laughs].

Your mother is a lady with beautiful taste!

What does it take to be a sex symbol in your opinion?

You know, sex symbol is bulls--t. What does this symbol mean? I love to sing. Singing is my passion. Everything else pales in comparison. Other than that, I guess I should say that I’m thin. I try to stay fit and healthy. I do a lot of sports, like swimming. But the most important thing in my life is my passion for singing. Think of it like this — in the ‘70s and ‘80s, I was your age, and my passion led me to have already sold millions of records by then.

You’ve recorded in many languages. How do you convey the same suaveness that comes across in your native tongue of Spanish in Chinese?

That’s a good question. First, the most important thing for me is to acknowledge what I’m talking about when I’m singing in Chinese. When I know exactly what I’m talking about phrase by phrase, I can have an actual interpretation and acknowledge what I’m singing. But in any case, for me to sing in Chinese, to sing in Japanese, to sing in Tagalong, or in German — it’s not very easy. The language is so strong, it makes a lot of difficulties for me to pronounce, and it’s very difficult.

What’s been your proudest moment as a father?

You never forget the day that your kid born, when the mommy gives birth to your baby, that’s an amazing day. But you know it’s important for a father to keep being a father throughout his life. I feel that the most important thing is the dedication that you give to being that father figure to your children.

You’re also known for having a great complexion. Do you have any tanning tips you can share?

Well, the sun has always been a good friend of mine, but not these days. I think I’ve been in the sun for too long.

Do any of today’s singers impress you?

My son Enrique. I love my son (laughs).

I knew you were going to say that! Anyone besides Enrique?

I like my son Julio after Enrique (laughs).

No one else?

Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber. I think they’re great!

Do you have any final words for our female readers?

Thank you for your kindness and support, from your fathers, grandparents and especially from your mothers (laughs)!
 
 
(Source: julioiglesias.com)

Beijing Concert Photo

Julio Iglesias performs in Beijing, China as part of his World Tour this week.

(Source: julioiglesias.com)

Beijing Welcomes Julio Iglesias

Twenty years have gone by since his first performance in the Asian giant, but the Chinese never forgot him - the voice of Julio Iglesias, “Huliao” in Mandarin, was heard once more over the weekend in Beijing at a concert where the audience gave itself up to the rhythm and charisma of an artist whose career goes on and on.

The singer’s voice and popular lyrics echoed Sunday through the theater of the Beijing Exhibition Center before more than 2,000 people, an audience he held in the palm of his hand and who “sang” along with the artist on some of his hits and those of other well-known performers.

“He’s a very good singer. It’s the first time I’ve heard him and he reminds me of Spain, a country with passion and with good music and dancing,” Zhou Li Na, who went to see the show, told Efe.

The language in no way hindered Julio from connecting with the audience, with whom he constantly interacted during the almost two-hour concert.

“Thank you China, thank you Beijing,” the artist said on numerous occasions, winning over the audience from the moment he went onstage by dedicating a few words to those hurt by the recent earthquake in Sichuan province.

“This is a difficult day for the Chinese people. The earthquake has changed the lives of thousands of people. My heart, my feelings, my emotions, my praise and my passion go out to those who are suffering,” the 69-year-old singer said.

After three stops in China, Iglesias leaves for Singapore and Taiwan, after which he will return to his own country, Spain, on a tour that has taken him around the world, from Russia to Asia. 

(Source:  http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/latino-daily-news/details/beijing-welcomes-julio-iglesias/24005/)

Sunday, April 14, 2013

SiriusXM Interview (part 2)



In the second part of the SiriusXM interview, Julio discusses working with Willie Nelson.

(Source: SiriusXM & YouTube)

Friday, April 12, 2013

Julio: 'The artist I like the most is my son Enrique'

The iconic Spanish artist Julio Iglesias - who is currently promoting his latest album of greatest hits, ' 1 - Greatest Hits'- has confessed that the singer likes his son Enrique, and his his first-born son, country singer Julio José Iglesias most in the current musical scene.

"[What I like the most is] my son Enrique, I love him. After Enrique, I like the music of my oldest son Julio José", replied Julio to the question about his favorite artist in an interview with Latina Magazine.

But despite this strong statement, that may have surprised many by the so-called bad relationships between the youngest of Iglesias and his father, the Madrid singer also highlighted the work of other young singers today.

"I like Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber, I think they are just phenomenal!", admitted the vocalist.

His taste for these artists could represent the image that he himself embodies for years: that of a sex symbol; a description that does not convince you because he considers his success with women is not more than the result of the "passion" that the singer feels towards his work.

"Thing of being a sex symbol is a nonsense. I love to sing, it is my passion. Anything else falls short in comparison. Passion is everything an artist, in fact it is what keeps me fresh and in form, which gives me life and helps me to continue later", explained the artist.

Julio knows that to compete in the music industry and continue to Captivate women as it did during its best years, it is important to keep in good physical shape, something that is very conscious.

"I am slim and try to keep in shape and healthy. I practise many sports, including swimming. But the most important thing in my life is my passion for music. Think of it this way: in the 70's and 80's, I was very young and yet my passion took me to sell millions of records all over the world."  It's honest.



(Source: http://www.la-razon.com/la_revista/espectaculos/Julio-Iglesias-artista-gusta-Enrique_0_1812418806.htm)

Iglesias combines 45 years on one album

Julio Iglesias is releasing a new album gathering the biggest hits from his 45-year career, saying that he has "travelled through life, singing with everyone and learning from everyone".

"I've travelled through life," said the artist calmly, adding that he had sung about human concerns.

"It doesn't bother me if I've sung them well or badly; I (interpreted) them and I sang them.
"The negative part of my life, the criticism, the intrigues - I've overcome them."

Thus did the 69-year-old artist summarise his career as one of the 10 best-selling singers in history in an interview with Efe in Miami with an eye towards the April release of his first album since 2006.

"I'm living happily here," he said before travelling to Asia, where he is currently on tour to promote 1: Greatest Hits, which hits the market with recently-recorded versions of some of his most popular numbers.

Overall, Iglesias holds the Guinness record for the Latino artist who has sold the most albums worldwide.

The double album contains 37 songs in Spanish, English, French, Italian and Portuguese, including duos with music greats like Willie Nelson, Sting, Diana Ross, Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton, Stevie Wonder and Art Garfunkel, among others.

"When you join your voice with an artist like Sinatra or Placido (Domingo), you're fascinated. It's an occasion on which to learn. I've always learned from those who play it better than I," he said, adding that he never feels tired.

"My arms, my legs hurt me, yes, but I don't like to go to sleep. I like to wake up.

"I'm (watching) everything. I deeply live any circumstance that affects daily life."


(Source:  http://au.news.yahoo.com/entertainment/a/-/entertainment/16698124/iglesias-combines-45-years-on-one-album/)

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Julio on ExtraTV



(Source: ExtraTV & YouTube)

Seoul Concert Pictures

Photos from Julio's performance in Seoul, South Korea provided by julioiglesias.com 



(Source: www.facebook.com/julioiglesias)

Dubai Concert Review: "Julio Iglesias gets hearts pounding in Dubai"


Julio Iglesias still has star power at age 70.
Julio Iglesias still has star power at age 70.

Twenty four hours after his much-anticipated one-night-only concert at the Dubai World Trade Centre was called-off at the eleventh hour due to a technical glitch, legendary Latino singer Julio Iglesias stormed back on Friday night to charm the pants off a sell-out crowd with stellar renditions of some of the most beautiful love songs every written.
The Spanish heart-throb, who turns 70 this year, was in fine voice as he relied on his trademark light, lyric tenor and generous use of vibrato to deliver classics like ‘Crazy’, ‘Nathalie’, ‘Je n’ai pas change’, ‘Let It Be Me’, ‘When You Tell Me That Your Love Me’ and ‘To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before’.
With over 300 million albums sold Iglesias has a vast repertoire of music, which would take a lifetime to fully explore. So it was interesting to note that he depended, for the greater part, on his Spanish and French catalogue of hits to entertain his Middle Eastern fans at the two-hour concert.
“Tonight was going to be a very special night, because there are so many different nationalities at this concert,” he told his enthusiastic audience. “Hello to the people from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Italy, France, Britain, Lebanon and Dubai.
“You are so lucky to be living here in this beautiful city among so many different nationalities. I once passed through Dubai many, many years ago, and somebody told me that one day something special was going to happen to Dubai. And it has, this is one of the most beautiful cities that I have seen.”
Iglesias made admirable use of his charm to keep the audience entertained all night with his infectious humour, illuminating anecdotes and sheer brilliance on the microphone. However, I would have to admit that the sound quality in parts of the Shaikh Rashid Auditorium truly let the singer down on the softer ballads only to be rescued during his trademark up-tempo flamenco-tinged chansons like the seventies hit Mammy Blue that has been covered by the likes of Demis Roussos, Celine Dion and Lara Fabian.

Despite his age Iglesias showed that he can still embrace a melody with a rare tenderness to have the women in his audience swooning in exaltation.
Cries of ‘we love you Julio’ frequently rent the air as male members on the audience made unsuccessful attempts to restrain their partners who seemed only to have eyes for the incredibly handsome man in the spotlight, who for the most part, stood almost motionless, holding the microphone his left hand and using his right hand to express a thought or emotion.
Particular highlights on the night included Iglesias’ version of George Harrison’s My Sweet Lord, from his 1970 multi-platinum selling triple album All Things Must Pass, an upbeat adaptation of the George Michael debut solo single Careless Whisper and his own monster hit Je n’ai pas change (I Haven’t Changed).
It was a mixed effort and Iglesias, who has an extraordinary ability to phrase a song, was on fairly sold ground. As a vocal stylist Iglesias showed that he is still capable of handling almost any kind of material, even if he does handle them pretty much the same way – exhibiting flawless technique and complete emotional involvement.
It was 43 years ago that he had his first single with the Eurovision song Gwendolyne, but Iglesias’ proved that his gifts have not diminished one bit.

By Leslie Wilson Jr
(Source:  http://www.albawaba.com/entertainment/julio-iglesias-dubai-479748)

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Julio Iglesias on His Career and Wanting to Work with Justin Bieber

Julio Iglesias on His Career and Wanting to Work with Justin Bieber
 Getty Images


“Extra’s” Jerry Penacoli sat down with Latin singing legend Julio Iglesias, who is preparing to release the album “1," which highlights 45 years of his hit songs. Iglesias opened up about his career and who he would still like to work with.
The 69-year-old said his career-defining moment in America was the song, “To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before,” his duet with Willie Nelson. Julio explained, “I remember I couldn't speak English at all, and it took me a long time to sing, ‘To all the G-G-G-G.’ Now when I go back to that moment, I am very thankful because I think without that music, that song and Willie Nelson, I would not be here today.”

Speaking of duets, Iglesias said he would love to work several artists. “Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber. I love that little guy... I was watching him the other day with the guitar singing and it was magic. He’s a guy who is going to stay on the road longer than people think.”



(Source:  http://www.extratv.com/2013/04/10/julio-iglesias-on-his-career-and-wanting-to-work-with-justin-bieber/)

Interview on SiriusXM



Julio talks about meeting Frank Sinatra during this SiriusXM interview

(Source: SiriusXM & YouTube)

Julio triumphs in South Korea


Julio Iglesias performed a great show in Seoul (South Korea), on April 9th, in front of 12.000 enthusiastic people, who packed out the Olympic Gymnasium.

The artist will sing in China, Singapore and Taiwan, in the upcoming 10 days.
(Source: julioiglesias.com)

Julio honored in China



Julio Iglesias received two historic awards in Beijing, on April 1st 2013:

-          First & Most Popular International Artist of All Time in China, an award given by Sony Music China and which was presented to Julio by the World renowned Chinese artist Lang Lang.

-          The Guinness World Records for the Best-selling Male Latin Artist.

“This is one of the most exciting moments in my career.”, Julio’s voice thrilled after receiving the awards. “I came to China for the first time in 1971. I imagined China as a great country, full of passion. And I was right. For me, dancing on the Great Wall, 20 years ago, was a moment of magic in my life.  This award comes from a country that’s been in my heart for decades. Thank you so much, China!”

(Source: julioiglesias.com)

Interview with Julio Iglesias

INDIAN CREEK, Fla. - In Julio Iglesias' recipe for success, talent is only a tiny ingredient. And although the Spanish crooner says singing was not an innate gift for him, he says he's gotten better — and he wants to show that to fans with his latest album.

"Good timing is the first thing you need in order to achieve success," says one of the 10 best selling Latin artist in history. "Then you need good luck and then a little talent ... and a lot of passion, a lot of drive, and discipline."

In a recent interview with The Associated Press at his luxurious house on the island of Indian Creek, Iglesias spoke about the reasons he recorded "1 - Greatest Hits", a double CD with songs he made popular in English, Spanish, French and Italian, like "Begin the Beguine (Volver a Empezar)," ''Crazy," ''Hey," ''Me Olvide de Vivir," and "Me Va, Me Va."

"I wanted to be practical and sing better the songs that deserved to be better sung," he said.
He also said he didn't care much about critics anymore and spoke about his fear of sleep, his next birthday and why he wouldn't sing with his famous son, Enrique.

AP: What would you like to say with this album?
Iglesias: Nothing. I want to make things better. I want people to know that I sing better, that sound today is a lot better. I don't want anyone to hide my voice in 20 years and put the orchestra they want in. I don't want anyone to do dirty tricks with my music. I want to do it myself.

AP: Throughout all these years, your profession surely has given you many things and also taken things away from you.
Iglesias: It has taken nothing... How unfair it would be for a guy like me to say...

AP: Hasn't it taken time from you with your family?
Iglesias: Not at all. My family has all the time in the world. My family lives the way it lives because I have this time marginalized for them, not in a sense of reproach but happiness. All my children and all my direct family must be really happy that I spent less time (with them).

AP: What did your career give you?
Iglesias: The gaze of the people. The applause, the recognition. When I go to a restaurant and they give me the freshest food (laughs). No, what this career has given me is the chance to know people inside and out; the looks with just the eyes, the cultures. If I ride with you in an elevator and there are six different cultures, I get five right for sure. That's wonderful.

AP: What makes you happy?
Iglesias: (Silence) No, no, happiness for me is not a special motivation. There are things way more important than happiness. Emotion is much more important ... Excitement and passion is 100 times better than happiness.

AP: And what excites you?
Iglesias: Many things. Waking up, that excites me a lot because I don't like to sleep.

AP: Are you afraid of not waking up?
Iglesias: I am afraid precisely of ... the time I lose, the fear that I don't like to go to sleep, I don't feel like it, I don't want to.

AP: How many hours do you sleep at night?
Iglesias: Oooh, I must sleep four. Very little.

AP: What makes you go on?
Iglesias: Discipline. Success.

AP: Are you afraid to lose it?
Iglesias: Not anymore. The only thing I'm going to lose at this point is life. It's not a very modest answer, but is a fair one. After three generations, there will always be a place where I can sing for 10 people at any club in Stockholm or any little corner of your country in Syria. There will always be a moment, there will always be people for me. Less, much less probably, but even if there are 100 I communicate.

AP: You turn 70 this year. Is this something special or just one more number for you?
Iglesias: It is crap. 70 years. (He pauses). Not an easy number, 70. Nor was easy 60, or even 50. I think I haven't had an easy number because I've had to learn how to live continuously. I wasn't born knowing. There are people who are born with everything in place but I was born with all the pieces separated and I have been putting them together. And now that I'm 70 I am approaching that crossword where many things get completed. And I don't want to get things completed, because the day I do I will get screwed.

AP: How do you view your son Enrique's career?
Iglesias: Enrique is magical. Enrique is like that miracle to a parent... We want our children to be successful and stand out, but as much as we can imagine it we can never think that our own children will have such an outstanding success.

AP: When are you going to sing together?
Iglesias: My son and I singing together is something that may seem very commercial, (but) I think that neither he nor me are going to do it, ever. ... I don't believe in a commercial duet between myself and my children.

(Source:  http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/julio-iglesias-wants-to-show-his-improved-chops-in-new-hits-album-1.107098)