Rocío Dúrcal
She sings Amor Eterno for the grieving, the ones who have lost someone dear. Costumbres is for those who have stayed in a relationship too long. Well past the love and far into the pain. And then there is La Gata Bajo la Lluvia. This one is for the people who feel unrequited love. Let go without bitterness; cherish the love, even if it’s not returned. She says it without saying.
She sang in a big, aching, impossible voice. You can feel the words even if you don't speak the language. They’re full of raw and unfettered emotion.
Behind that voice was María de los Ángeles de las Heras Ortiz, though the world would know her as Rocío Dúrcal.
Born in 1944 in Madrid, Spain, Rocío's interest in music began early in life. As a child, she participated in singing contests, gaining attention for her remarkable voice. The big break came at 15 when she appeared on a television talent show.
By the early 1960s, Rocío was a teen idol in Spain, working as a film actress, starring in lighthearted musical films like Canción de Juventud (1962) and Rocío de la Mancha (1963).
Simultaneously, she pursued a singing career, performing Spanish pop and flamenco-inspired music. Then, in the 1970s, Rocío took a bold step by embracing Mexican ranchera music, bringing a softer yet equally powerful touch to a genre often associated with male vocalists. The fans loved it. Her first album in 1977 became a massive success, launching her into superstardom across Latin America.
With over 40 million records sold, Rocío remains one of the best-selling Spanish-speaking artists of all time. Even after her passing in 2006 at the age of 61 from cancer, her voice continues to be a timeless presence in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Amor eterno (live performance):
Costumbres:
La Gata Bajo la Lluvia (live performance):
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Sources:
Genius, https://genius.com/Genius-english-translations-rocio-durcal-amor-eterno-english-translation-lyrics
Lyrics Translate, https://lyricstranslate.com/en/costumbres-customs.html
Musixmatch, https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Roc%C3%ADo-D%C3%BArcal/La-gata-bajo-la-lluvia/translation/english
“Spanish Singer Rocio Durcal Dies.” Billboard, March 27, 2006, https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/spanish-singer-rocio-durcal-dies-58966/
Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Foundation, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rocio_Durcal_1962.jpg
Wiseman, Andreas. “Spanish Singer And Actress Rocío Dúrcal, the ‘Queen Of Rancheras’, Subject Of Biopic From Sony Music & Altit Media Group.” Deadline, September 24, 2024, https://deadline.com/2024/09/rocio-durcal-new-movie-biopic-sony-music-altit-media-group-1236098062/
