Lucho Barrios facts for kids

Luis Barrios Rojas (born April 22, 1935 – died May 5, 2010), known by many as Lucho Barrios, was a very popular Peruvian Bolero singer. He was famous all over Latin America, especially in Chile. People also called him "Mr. Marabú."

Lucho Barrios was born in Callao, Peru. He lived there until he was nine years old, then moved to the Barrios Altos area in Lima. He had children named Luis, Armando, Angelica Maria, and Milagros.

Early Life and Music Journey

In the 1950s, when Lucho Barrios was still starting out, he was a finalist in a music contest called "The Stairway of Triumph." This competition took place in theaters in Lima. After that, he formed a music group called "Los Incas," but it didn't last very long.

First Steps in Music

Lucho recorded some small albums with the Smith record label. However, it was another singer, Edith Barr, who helped him become known internationally. She took him to Radio Callao, where he met Julio Jaramillo, a famous singer. Julio Jaramillo was impressed by Lucho's voice and invited him to sing in Ecuador. In 1957, Lucho Barrios joined the National School of Opera and studied there until he was 19.

Becoming a Star

After his studies, Lucho Barrios recorded his first albums. One of his first big hits was a waltz song called "Juanita." He became very famous in Ecuador. Because of his success, Lucho decided to go back to Peru. There, he continued to release many popular songs, which made him a star across all of the Americas.

Famous Songs and Albums

During this time, Lucho Barrios signed with Manuel Guerrero's record label, "MAG." He released many well-known songs, including "Marabu," "Mentirosa" (which means "Lying woman"), "Te alejas" ("You drift away"), "Copas de licor" ("Cups of liquor"), "Mala" ("Evil Woman"), "Mirando y sonriendo" ("Looking and smiling"), "Borrasca," and "Nido de amor" ("Love nest"). One of his most loved songs of all time was "Amor de pobre" ("Poor Man's Love").

Reaching Across the Americas

Lucho Barrios's albums became popular throughout all of America. On September 18, 1960, he performed in Arica, Chile, at a place called "El Rosedal." More than a thousand people came to each of his shows.

Popularity in Chile and Beyond

In 1961, Lucho Barrios returned to Chile. In Santiago, he recorded his first full-length album (LP). This made him even more famous in Chile and helped his music spread to Argentina, Mexico, and even some parts of the United States.

Later Life and Legacy

On May 3, 2010, Lucho Barrios was taken to a hospital in Lima because of a serious health problem. He stayed in the intensive care unit. He passed away two days later, on May 5, 2010. His body was displayed at the Museum of the Nation so people could say goodbye.

His Final Days

Lucho Barrios left behind a huge collection of music that continues to be loved by many people across Latin America. His songs are still played and remembered today.

See also

In Spanish: Lucho Barrios para niños