Massiel

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Massiel, whose real name is María de los Ángeles Felisa Santamaría Espinosa, was born on August 2, 1947, in Madrid, Spain. She is a Spanish pop and protest singer who began recording in 1966.

Her breakthrough came with the song “Rosas en el mar” (1967), written by Luis Eduardo Aute. In 1968 she was chosen to sing “La, la, la” at the Eurovision Song Contest after Joan Manuel Serrat refused to sing in Catalan. Massiel learned the song quickly, recorded versions in several languages, and performed in Europe. She won Eurovision 1968, becoming Spain’s first winner.

Massiel also acted in the 1967 film Vestida de novia and later did theater work. She released many songs and albums over the years with several record labels, totaling about 50 releases.

In the 1980s she made a comeback with new songs and hits, including “Brindaremos por él,” which did well in many countries. She performed at the Viña del Mar festival in Chile, where she received the La Gaviota de Plata award.

Massiel retired briefly in 1996, then returned and re-recorded “La, la, la” in 1997 with a hip-hop style. In 2005 she appeared on Eurovision’s 50th anniversary show, and in 2007 she served on Spain’s Eurovision jury, singing briefly on the show Busco un hombre.

In 2012 she starred in the Madrid production of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies as Carlotta Campion.