Miguel Rios

* Born: 1944, Granada, Spain * Active: '90s, 2000s * Genres: Latin * Instrument: Vocals, Producer, Arranger * Representative Albums: "De Coleccion," "Miguel Rios y las Estrellas del Rock Latino," "Miguel Rios" Biography Spanish singer and songwriter Miguel Rios was born in June 1944. While a student, Rios was getting closer to his passion by singing with his school's chorus and listening to the radio every time twist songs were on the air. By working at a music store, Miguel Rios had the opportunity to meet people related to the local music scene who gave him a chance to start singing in front of an audience, starting as a backup singer. After recording a demo, Rios decided to send it to a major label in Madrid, choosing Philips. The waiting ended in 1961 when the artist was contacted by the label. That same year, Rios moved from Granada to the Spanish capital city, recording an EP called El Twist in 1962 as Mike Rios. Two years later and after six EPs, Miguel Rios was starring in his first movie. That film was called Dos Chicas Locas, Locas. In 1965, the singer left Philips and after working temporarily with Sonoplay, Rios signed up to Hispavox, releasing the smash hit single "Rio" and later his first full-length Mira Hacia Ti. In May 1970, a second album came out including "Himno a la Alegria," based on Beethoven's ninth symphony, which became Miguel Rios' first song to reach a Billboard chart. After leaving Hispavox in the mid-'70s, Rios self-produced an album released by Polygram in 1977. By that time, the artist was getting worldwide recognition. In 1982, Miguel Rios consolidated his career with the live double-album Rock & Rios recorded in Madrid. ~ Drago Bonacich, All Music Guide