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/)
Friday, April 12, 2013
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Seoul Concert Pictures
Photos from Julio's performance in Seoul, South Korea provided by julioiglesias.com
(Source: www.facebook.com/julioiglesias)
(Source: www.facebook.com/julioiglesias)
Dubai Concert Review: "Julio Iglesias gets hearts pounding in Dubai"
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)
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
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.
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)
"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)
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Dubai Concert Postponed
Julio Iglesias Deeply Upset Over Dubai Gig Equipment Mix-up
21 March 2013Veteran Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias is "deeply upset" after he was forced to postpone his Thursday night (21Mar13) show in Dubai when his equipment failed to turn up in time.
The 69-year-old star was scheduled to perform at the Dubai World Trade Centre, but promoters had to axe the gig at the last minute when they discovered Iglesias' gear had not arrived at the venue. A statement from organisers reads, "(We) regret to announce the re-scheduling of tonight's World Legends Tour concert
with Julio Iglesias
due to the delay in dispatch of the concert equipment... Iglesias
sincerely apologises to his fans, sponsors, people and Government of
Dubai".
Iglesias says of the equipment problems, "I love Dubai and was very much looking forward to sharing my show
with you tonight. I am deeply upset that my concert equipment did not
leave as scheduled to arrive in Dubai on time. Had this have happened
anywhere else in the world, we would not have been able to reschedule
the concert so quickly because in Dubai everything is possible."
The concert has been pushed back to Friday night (22Mar13).
with Julio Iglesias
due to the delay in dispatch of the concert equipment... Iglesias
sincerely apologises to his fans, sponsors, people and Government of
Dubai".Iglesias says of the equipment problems, "I love Dubai and was very much looking forward to sharing my show
with you tonight. I am deeply upset that my concert equipment did not
leave as scheduled to arrive in Dubai on time. Had this have happened
anywhere else in the world, we would not have been able to reschedule
the concert so quickly because in Dubai everything is possible."The concert has been pushed back to Friday night (22Mar13).