Los Del Rio
Biography
Los del Río is a Spanish Latin pop and dance duo consisting of Antonio Romero Monge and Rafael Ruiz Perdigones. The two were born in Dos Hermanas, Andalusia, Spain, and formed the duo in 1962 when they were just 14 years old. They began their career performing traditional Andalusian folk music, specifically sevillanas, at local clubs and festivals.
Early Career
In 1965, Los del Río made their first national television appearance in Spain. They released their first album in 1966, a four-song EP recorded live. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, they gained popularity in Spain, performing in Madrid's renowned flamenco tablaos and even for King Juan Carlos I of Spain. They made their first trip to the Americas in 1969, performing in New York and Mexico City. Over the years, they have released over 20 albums.
The "Macarena" Phenomenon
Los del Río achieved worldwide fame with their 1993 hit single, "Macarena". The song was an instant success in Spain and Latin America. However, it was the 1995 Bayside Boys remix that propelled the song to international stardom. This version, which included English lyrics, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States for 14 consecutive weeks in 1996, making it one of the longest-running number-one songs in the chart's history. The song's iconic dance became a global phenomenon.
Later Career and Legacy
Following the massive success of "Macarena," Los del Río released several other albums and singles, though none replicated the success of their signature song. They have continued to perform in Spain and internationally. In 2016, they received a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to music. "Macarena" remains a cultural touchstone, featured in numerous films and television shows, and is considered one of the most iconic dance songs of all time. There are over 5,000 cover versions of the song.