Armando Manzanero facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Armando Manzanero
Manzanero in 2016
Background information
Birth name	Armando Manzanero Canché
Born	(1935-12-07)7 December 1935 Ticul, Yucatán, Mexico
Died	28 December 2020(2020-12-28) (aged 85) Mexico City, Mexico
Genres	Boleros
Occupations	Composer pianist singer
Instruments	Piano voice
Years active	1950–2020
Labels	RCA Victor

Armando Manzanero Canché (born December 7, 1935 – died December 28, 2020) was a famous Mexican musician. He was a singer, composer, actor, and music producer. Many people consider him one of the most important romantic composers in Latin America.

In 2014, he received a special Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in the United States. He also led the Mexican Society of Authors and Composers for many years.

Early Life: A Musical Start

Armando Manzanero was born in Ticul, Yucatán, Mexico. This was on December 7, 1935. His father, Santiago Manzanero, was also a singer and composer. His mother, Juanita Canché Baqueiro, played the jarana jarocha.

When he was eight, Armando started learning music. He went to the Escuela de Bellas Artes (School of Fine Arts). Later, he continued his music studies in Mexico City.

Career: A Journey in Music

First Songs and Professional Steps

In 1950, at just 15 years old, Armando wrote his first song. It was called Nunca en el Mundo (Never in the World). This song became very popular. It has been recorded 21 times in different languages.

The next year, he began his professional career. He started working as a pianist.

Working with Big Names

In 1957, a company called CBS International hired him. He became their musical director in Mexico. He also worked for EMI as a music promoter. The next year, he became the pianist for famous Latin American artists. These included Pedro Vargas, Lucho Gatica, and Raphael.

In 1959, RCA Victor encouraged him to record his first album. It was a collection of love songs. He named it Mi Primera Grabación (My First Record).

Winning Awards and International Fame

In 1965, Armando won first place at a song festival in Miami. His winning song was Cuando Estoy Contigo (When I'm With You).

In 1970, one of his songs became a huge hit. The song was "Somos Novios". It was given new English lyrics by Sid Wayne. Sid Wayne also wrote songs for Elvis Presley. The English version was called "It's Impossible". Perry Como sang it, and it was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Armando Manzanero in 2010

Armando won another award in 1978. He took first place at the Mallorca Festival in Spain. His song was Señor Amor (Mister Love). In 1982, his song Corazón Amigo (Heart Friend) was honored at the Yamaha Festival. In 1993, Billboard magazine gave him an award. This was for his amazing music career.

Protecting Music Rights

In 2011, Manzanero became the President of a big organization. It was the Mexican National Association of Authors and Composers. He had also been its Vice President from 1982 to 2011. He worked hard to protect copyright laws. This made the organization stronger and famous worldwide.

Manzanero in 2010

His Songs Sung by Many Stars

Many famous singers have performed Armando Manzanero's songs. Some of them include Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Andrea Bocelli, Tony Bennett, Laura Pausini, Luis Miguel, and Christina Aguilera. His music touched people all over the world.

Armando wrote over 400 songs in his lifetime. Fifty of these songs became internationally famous. He also appeared on many radio and TV shows. He recorded more than 30 albums. He even composed music for several movies.

For 50 years, Manzanero performed in many places. He sang in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Some famous venues include Madison Square Garden in New York.

Most Famous Songs

Some of his most beloved songs are:

• Voy a apagar la luz (I'm Going to Turn Off the Lights)
• Contigo Aprendí (With you I Learned...)
• Adoro (I Adore)
• No sé tú (I don't know if you...)
• Por Debajo de la Mesa (Underneath the Table)
• Esta Tarde Vi Llover (English version "Yesterday I Heard the Rain")
• Somos Novios (English version "It's Impossible")
• Felicidad (Happiness)
• Nada Personal (Nothing Personal)

Even jazz artists like Bill Evans and Abbey Lincoln have recorded his melodies.

Death: A Sad Farewell

On December 17, 2020, Armando Manzanero went to the hospital. He was in Mexico City. He had been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Sadly, he passed away eleven days later, on December 28, 2020. He was 85 years old. His body was cremated. His ashes were taken to Mérida, Yucatán. This is where he was born. There is even a house museum there in his honor.

Recognition: Honoring a Legend

Armando Manzanero received many important awards.

• In 1993, he got the Lo Nuestro Excellence Award.
• In 2010, he received the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
• In 2014, he earned the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
• He was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
• He also joined the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2003.
• In 2013, he was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.
• He received the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award in 2010.
• In 2020, he earned the Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award.

Selected Discography

See also

In Spanish: Armando Manzanero para niños

• List of Mexican singer-songwriters