Nino Bravo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nino Bravo
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Bravo in 1970
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Luis Manuel Ferri Llopis |
| Born | 3 August 1944 Aielo de Malferit, Valencia, Spain |
| Died | 16 April 1973 (aged 28) Villarrubio, Cuenca, Spain |
| Genres |
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| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1969–1973 |
| Labels | Fonogram, Polydor |
| Associated acts | Los Hispánicos, Los Superson |
Luis Manuel Ferri Llopis (born August 3, 1944 – died April 16, 1973) was a famous Spanish singer. Many people knew him by his stage name, Nino Bravo. He was known for his powerful voice and popular Latin ballad songs.
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Early Life and Musical Start
Luis Manuel Ferri Llopis was born in Aielo de Malferit, a town in Valencia, Spain. When he was three years old, his family moved to the city of Valencia. His father, Luis Manuel, was a salesman.
In 1958, young Luis met bassist Vicente López. Vicente introduced him to other musicians in Valencia. One day, on a trip with Vicente and Paco Ramón, Luis discovered he could sing. Vicente was surprised to hear him singing "Libero" by Domenico Modugno. Vicente was very impressed and believed Luis would become a superstar.
Luis also worked as a jeweler and helped his mother at her supermarket. When he was 16, he became a big fan of the Chilean singer Antonio Prieto. Prieto's song, "La Novia" ("The Bride"), was a huge hit in Spain. Bravo and his friends formed a band called "Los Hispánicos." They even recorded their own version of "La Novia."
Becoming a Singer
Nino Bravo also loved Rock & Roll music. He started singing at a hotel, where he often sang his favorite English song, "Only You." A recording company wanted him to sign a contract, but he said no. He wanted his whole band, "Los Hispánicos," to be included.
In 1964, "Los Hispánicos" changed their name to "Los Superson." They won a local radio contest. After that, they became very popular in Benidorm.
Later, Ferri Llopis had to serve in the military. He felt sad and thought about quitting music. While he was away, his manager, Vicente López, met Miguel Siurán. Miguel was a radio personality who liked "Los Superson." He wanted to help them get a recording contract. Vicente insisted that Luis should be part of the deal.
When Luis returned from the military, Vicente told him about the contract. At first, Miguel Siurán wasn't sure about Luis's singing. He asked if Luis could sing like famous singers such as Tom Jones.
However, Miguel Siurán soon became very impressed with Luis. He took him to a music festival. Even though Bravo didn't win, Siurán was convinced he would become a star. Soon after, Siurán gave him the stage name Nino Bravo.
Nino Bravo and Siurán first tried to get a contract with RCA, but it didn't work out. Then, they went to Fonogram in Madrid. Fonogram offered them a contract for an album with the band. In March 1969, their album was released. Nino Bravo sang live for the first time. After the concert, fans were so excited they tore down his posters!
Family Life
On April 20, 1970, Nino Bravo married María Amparo Martínez Gil. Their first daughter, María Amparo Ferri Martínez, was born in 1972. They would have a second daughter, Eva, after Nino's death.
Fonogram wanted Nino Bravo to sing by himself, not with the band. In 1970, José Meri became Nino Bravo's new manager.
Rise to Fame
In 1970, Nino Bravo performed at the famous Barcelona Music Festival. He became internationally known after two more festivals. He received good reviews from a festival audience in Athens, Greece. Then, he impressed people at the Rio de Janeiro Festival.
After performing for audiences in Europe and Latin America, Nino Bravo and José Meri decided to go their separate ways. Bravo got a new manager. His first solo album was released soon after. The song "Te quiero, te quiero," written by Augusto Algueró, became a huge international hit. Many music critics in Hispanic countries still consider it a classic.
Bravo's first album, "Tu Cambiarás" ("You Will Change"), sold very well, especially in Colombia. Bravo then went on tour in Colombia and Brazil. In 1971, he recorded his second album, which was later released on CD as "Puerta de amor" ("Love's Door").
Later Success and Final Songs
In 1972, Nino Bravo released his third album, "Libre" ("Free"). This album was a massive success. It made him widely known in many countries, including Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and among Spanish-speaking people in the United States.
A song he released in 1973, "Un beso y una flor" ("A Kiss and a Flower"), became one of his biggest international hits. The chorus of the song talks about saying goodbye with "a kiss and a flower, an 'I love you,' a caress and a farewell." On March 14, 1973, Nino Bravo performed his last concert for his fans in Valencia.
Tragic Death
On April 16, 1973, Nino Bravo was driving his BMW 2800 car. He was with the Humo duo and Miguel Diurni. His car was in a crash about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Madrid. He was only 28 years old. He passed away on the way to the hospital from his injuries.
He had just signed a five-year record deal with the European music company Polydor.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Te Quiero, Te Quiero (1970)
- Nino Bravo (1971)
- Un Beso y Una Flor (1972)
- Mi Tierra (1972)
- ...Y Volumen 5 (1973)
See also
In Spanish: Nino Bravo para niños
