Lissette facts for kids

Lissette Álvarez Chorens, known simply as Lissette, is a talented singer, songwriter, and record producer from Cuba. She was born on March 10, 1947. Lissette is famous for her Spanish version of Bonnie Tyler's hit song "Total Eclipse of the Heart" which she recorded in 1985.

Early Life and Family

Lissette was born on March 10, 1947, in Lima, Peru. Her parents, Olga Chorens and Tony Álvarez, were famous Cuban TV stars known as Olga y Tony. They were on a tour in South America when Lissette was born.

When Lissette was five years old, she lived with her parents in Havana, Cuba. She made her first recording there. It was a children's song called "El Ratoncito Miguel," which became a popular hit.

In 1961, when Lissette was 14, she and her sister Olguita moved to the United States. They were part of a special program called Operation Peter Pan. This program helped about 14,000 Cuban children move from Cuba to the United States. It was for families who did not agree with the Cuban Revolution of 1959. These families worried that the government might try to change their children's beliefs. Lissette has supported groups like Yo No Coopero Con La Dictadura (which means I Do Not Cooperate with the Dictatorship). This group works for freedom in Cuba.

Lissette's Music Career

After two years in the U.S., Lissette and her sister met their parents again in Miami. In 1965, the whole family moved to Puerto Rico. Lissette lived there until 1979 and started her career as a singer.

In 1977, Univision, a big Spanish-language TV channel, chose Lissette to represent the United States. This was for the sixth OTI Festival, a major music competition. Her song was called "Si hay amor volverá" (meaning "If there is love, he will return"). The judges really liked her song. She finished in second place, tied with the singer from the Dominican Republic.

Lissette started her singing career as a teenager in Puerto Rico. Later, she moved to Miami. She hosted her own TV shows on the Telemundo network in Puerto Rico for many years. She also created special TV shows in Miami that won Emmy Awards.

Lissette has had a very successful recording career. She has released more than 30 albums. Eight of her albums have gone gold, and two have gone platinum. This means they sold a lot of copies! Lissette is also a talented songwriter and has produced most of her own albums. She has won many awards for her singing. She even received a UNICEF award for her helpful work with children.

In Latin America, people know Lissette as a singer of romantic songs. Her music is often described as being influenced by the ballad style.

Personal Life

Lissette was first married to singer Chucho Avellanet. They hosted a TV show together called El Show de Chucho y Lissette. Today, Lissette is married to Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Willy Chirino. They live in Miami.