Camilo Sesto

Camilo Sesto
Camilo Sesto in 2017
Camilo Sesto in 2017
Background information
Born
Camilo Blanes Cortés

(1946-09-16)16 September 1946
Alcoi, Spain
Died8 September 2019(2019-09-08) (aged 72)
Madrid, Spain
Genres
  • Melodic song
  • latin pop
  • rock
OccupationsSinger, songwriter, producer
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, drums
Years active1964–2019
LabelsMovieplay
Ariola
BMG
Elica Records
Universal
Sony Music
Websitecamilosestooficial.com

Camilo Blanes Cortés (16 September 1946 – 8 September 2019),[1] known professionally as Camilo Sesto, was a Spanish singer, songwriter and producer.

His career achieved international recognition in the 1970s and 1980s. He was one of the leading voices in Spanish-language music. It is estimated that he sold more 100 millions of copies throughout his career.[2][3][4][5]

Biographical summary

Sesto sang in two pop bands during the 1960s and won a contest in a Madrid television show. He played a part in the Spanish filming of Hamelín. Later, he teamed up with singer and producer Juan Pardo, but success would come on its own accord, with his own music works. From the 1970s to 2000s Sesto created many hit songs, with almost everyone coming from his own inspiration, being the author, performer, composer, and producer of all his works.[6] Camilo Sesto acted on several occasions at Madison Square Garden in between 1970s and 1980s.[7][8][9]

Most of Sesto's works are in Spanish, but he also recorded songs in English, Valencian, Italian, German, Japanese and Portuguese. Camilo released at least one album in English.[10] Billboard estimated that he sold 180 million albums worldwide.[11]

As a composer, Sesto wrote songs for artists such as Ángela Carrasco, Miguel Bosé, Lucía Méndez, Lani Hall, Charytín Goyco and José José, among others.[12] He also produced and translated to Spanish the lyrics of an album by the popular Australian rock band Air Supply. Throughout his career, he remained one of the most influential pioneer artists of pop and rock in Spanish, that would inspire many newer acts in the Latin music world as well as across Europe, America and Asia.[13]

Career

The mid-sixties marked the beginning of Sesto's career. After producing his first record with his band Los Dayson, in 1965 they traveled to Madrid to appear on Televisión Española's Salto a la Fama. In 1966, Sesto joined another band, Los Botines, whose music was influenced by The Beatles.[14] In 1967, the band appeared in the film Los chicos del Preu. At the beginning (1969) he participated in the chorus of the song "O Tren" by Andrés do Barro, produced by Juan Pardo.[15] In 1970, he recorded various singles including: "Llegará el Verano" and "Sin Dirección", with the artistic name "Camilo Sexto". He became his own producer, as well as the producer of other artists. His solo career started in 1970, the same year he won the "Revelación" price, at the "Olés de la Canción" festival.[16]

After meeting producer, Juan Pardo in 1972, he launched a solo career under the stage name Camilo Sesto.[14] He appeared on Spanish TV's program "Buenas Noches" singing "Algo de Mí" (his first No.1 record). Algo de Mi reached the Number 1 slot in Spain and most of the Spanish speaking world, and it maintained that top position for a whole year in most of Latin-America.[17] In 1973, he represented Spain with the song "Algo Más" in the second edition of the OTI Festival, which was held in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte.[18] In 1974, his success as a pop singer continued with record sales escalating rapidly. His concerts took him around the world with such songs as "¿Quieres ser mi amante?", "Llueve sobre mojado", "Isabel" and "Ayudadme".[19] In 1975, "Jamás" and "Melina".(a song about Melina Mercouri),[20]

On 6 November 1975, Sesto starred in the role of Jesus on the Spanish version/adaptation by Jaime Azpilicueta of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar at the Alcalá-Palace Theatre in Madrid (Spain).[21] The production was very costly[22] as he financed it entirely.[23] His work was a success and received positive reviews. The public filled the theatre and shows were extended to four months.[24] Both in terms of interpretation and musically speaking, Sesto's show was considered of great quality by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

After successfully starring in the Spanish version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" catapulted him to superstardom, Sesto continued gaining fame as a singer and composer. Notable hits from Sesto include "Mienteme", "Vivir Así es Morir de Amor", "Perdóname" and "Donde Estes, Con Quien Estes".[25]

Nomination 26th Annual Grammy Awards (1984): Nominated for Best Latin Pop Album Lani Hall. This recognition was linked to Camilo Sesto, who composed and produced the album and also performed a duet Corazón Encadenado for Lani's album.[26] Sesto went through a retirement in 1987 until he returned to the music scene in 1991. That year, he released A Voluntad del Cielo (Heaven Willing).[27] The album's lead single, "Amor Mío, ¿Qué Me Has Hecho?" (My love, what have you done to me?), reached number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in the United States. The track was nominated for Pop Song of the Year at the Lo Nuestro Awards of 1992 and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Latin Awards of 1993, respectively.[28]

He survived a liver transplant in August 2001 and released an album, Alma, two years later.[29] Sesto returned to the stage in 2004 at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile. Sesto won many awards at Viña del Mar in 2004. His last musical work was the singing of Bujalance's football team's hymn.

In 2008, Camilo announced his retirement from the studio, and in September 2009 he announced that he would go on a farewell tour. He would tour the Americas (United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and other countries) for the next two years. In October 2010, he gave his last two concerts in Madrid, which were released as his first "live" (and also last) album. A live DVD called "Todo de Mí" recorded in Madrid, was released around the same time.[6]

Controversies

In 2011, there were rumours of another Sesto "farewell tour", that some news media called "La Gira del Adiós" ("The Farewell Tour"). Allegedly, tour dates were made, radio stations spoke about it, tickets were sold, etc. There were many convincing ads in local newspapers, and magazines. However, Sesto later communicated that this was nothing but a "hoax" to get people to buy fake tickets for a tour that he himself was not even aware of. Many radio stations and music media threatened to take legal action against the singer if he would not "meet with the responsibility", and Sesto was forced to once again come back into the media to try to clear his name. The courts ruled in favour of some institutions that eventually did sue.[30]

Death

Sesto died on 8 September 2019 at a Madrid hospital from kidney failure, eight days shy of his 73rd birthday.[31] He was due to release a new album on 13 September, as well as embark in a tour in the United States the following month. Spain's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wrote on Twitter: "Spain and all of Latin America mourn the loss of Camilo Sesto. His melodies will always be part of our memory."[32]

Awards and honors

  • Revelation Award (1971): Received at the Festival de los Olés de la Canción.[33]
  • A.C.E. Awards New York (1972): Most Outstanding Male Singer.[34][35]
  • A.C.E. Awards New York (1974): Lucía Bosé and Camilo Blanes: Songwriters of the Year / Amor, Amar.[36]
  • Nomination 18th Annual Grammy (1976): Nominated in the category of Grammy Award for Best Latin Recording for ¿Quieres Ser Mi Amante?.[37]
  • A.C.E. Awards New York (1979): Best Album of the Year / Entre Amigos.[38]
  • Platinum Record (1979): He was the first Spanish artist to receive it for selling 13 million copies.[33]
  • Viña del Mar International Song Festival (1981): He was the first artist to receive the Silver Seagull by popular acclaim at the event.[33]
  • A.C.E. Awards New York (1981): Latin American Superstars: Best Show / Madison Square Garden.[39]
  • A.C.E. Awards New York (1984): Following his performances at Radio City Music Hall, he was awarded Best Foreign Artist and Best Foreign Show.[33]
  • Camilo Sesto Day (1985): February 21 was officially proclaimed in Puerto Rico by Governor Rafael Hernández Colón.[33]
  • Lo Nuestro Awards (1992): Amor Mío, ¿Qué Me Has Hecho? was nominated for Lo Nuestro Award for Pop Song of the Year.
  • Destino Awards (1997): He Named Ambassador of Latin American Tourism.
  • Golden Heart (2001): Awarded to the best male artist by *Diez Minutos* magazine.[40]
  • Viña del Mar International Song Festival (2004): He returned to the festival and received the Festival Medal, Silver Torch, Gold Torch, and again the Gaviota de Plata.[41][42]
  • 50 Diamond Records (2004): Recognition awarded by BMG of his career and for 50 million records sold.[43]
  • Cultural Ambassador (2007): He Named Ambassador of the Alto Guadalquivir region for his work in culture and sports.[44]
  • Maximum Hispanic Pride Gold Medal (2011): Awarded in Las Vegas, U.S., for his 50-year career.[45][46]
  • Camilo Sesto Day (28 May): An official day proclaimed by the state of Nevada, U.S..[47]
  • Mr. Gay Pride Spain (2011): On 1 July, during the Madrid Pride celebrations, Camilo Sesto received the Mr. Gay Pride award in Plaza de Callao, in recognition of his musical career.[48]
  • Charlotte Excellence Award (2014): Awarded in North Carolina, U.S., for his artistic career.[49]
  • Favorite Son and Gold Medal (2016): Highest honors granted by his hometown, Alcoy, in recognition of his entire international career.[50]
  • Sony Music Spain Honorary Recognition (2016): For his 70th birthday and for surpassing 100 million records sold.[51]
  • Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (2017): Official induction in recognition of his prolific career as an author (La Musa Awards).[52]
  • International Gold Excellence Award (2018): Peruvian American National Council, Washington D.C.[53]
  • Alameda Camilo Sesto (2018): The main artery of his hometown was renamed in his honor (formerly Alameda de Alcoy).[54]
  • Honorary Member of the Círculo Industrial de Alcoy (2018): Tribute to Camilo Sesto on the 150th anniversary of the institution.[55]
  • Latino de Oro (2019): Granted by the Foundation City World at the Latino Awards, in recognition of his impact on Ibero-American culture (posthumous).[33]
  • Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts (2019): Granted from the Spanish government as a essential figure in the national arts (posthumous).[56]
  • Cultural Ambassador (2019): He is Posthumously named Ambassador of the Valencian Community.[57]
  • Ondas Award (2019): For his artistic career, granted posthumously.[58]
  • Adoptive Son of Torrelodones (2019): Granted posthumously; he lived there for more than 30 years.[59]
  • Camilo Sesto Park (2020): Unanimously approved to rename the "Casa Rosa" park in Torrelodones in honor of Camilo Sesto, including a commemorative plaque (posthumous).[60]
  • Statue in his hometown (2025): A 1.90m bronze statue was inaugurated at the Camilo Sesto Museum in Alcoy.[61]
  • Camilo Sesto Museum (2026): On 11 June, a museum dedicated to his personal and professional life inaugurated in Alcoy, Spain, featuring 2,000 objects.[62][63]

Discography

Studio albums, live, remastered and compilations.[64]

Groups

  • 1964: Los Dayson
  • 1966: Los Botines

Studio Albums

  • 1970: Llegará el verano/Sin dirección
  • 1971: Algo de mí
  • 1972: Sólo un hombre
  • 1973: Algo más
  • 1974: Camilo
  • 1975: Amor libre
  • 1975: Jesucristo Superstar
  • 1976: Memorias
  • 1976: Look in the eye
  • 1977: Rasgos
  • 1977: Entre amigos
  • 1978: Sentimientos
  • 1979: Horas de amor
  • 1980: Amaneciendo
  • 1981: Más y más
  • 1982: Camilo (In English)
  • 1983: Con ganas
  • 1984: Amanecer/84
  • 1985: Tuyo
  • 1986: Agenda de Baile
  • 1991: A Voluntad del Cielo
  • 1992: Huracán de amor
  • 1994: Amor sin vértigo
  • 2002: Alma (Isabel Patton)
  • 2003: Alma (Second edition) (Andrea Bronston)

Compilations

  • 1982: Muy Personal
  • 1997: Camilo Superstar
  • 2004: Camilo Sesto Nº 1
  • 2016: Camilo 70 (70 years of Camilo Sesto)
  • 2018: Camilo Sinfónico
  • 2022: Camilo Forever

Live

  • 2010: Todo De Mí (Live on 1 and 2 October in Madrid)
  • 2025: Camilo Love Sound Typhoon (Osaka '85 In concert)

See also

References

  1. ↑ Pareles, John (7 September 2019). "Camilo Sesto, Spain's Romantic Hitmaker, Is Dead at 72". The Newyork Times. The New York Times.
  2. ↑ Rtve (7 September 2022). "Las 8 cosas que siempre quisiste saber del famoso cantante". rtve (in Spanish). Retrieved 18 June 2026.
  3. ↑ "10 cosas que no sabías de Camilo Sesto" (in Spanish). Guioteca. 14 April 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  4. ↑ "The 2nd volume of the authorised biography of Camilo Sesto is presented". The Diplomat in Spain. 28 September 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  5. ↑ "Muere el cantante español Camilo Sesto a los 72 años" (in Spanish). CNN en Español. 8 September 2019. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  6. 1 2 "Las razones de Camilo Sesto". Efe Eme. 30 September 2010. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  7. ↑ "Welcomes to New York and Miami Its Exclusive Artist: Camilo Sesto" (PDF). Record World. Vol. 30, no. 1450. 5 April 1975. pp. 48–49. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  8. ↑ "New York, resultó un éxito absoluto la presentación de Camilo Sesto en el Felt Forum del Madison Square Garden" (PDF). Record World. Vol. 35, no. 1645. 13 January 1979. p. 52. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  9. ↑ Holden, Stephen (13 October 1981). "Pop: 'Gran Fiesta,' Galaxy of Spanish-Speaking Stars". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  10. ↑ "Camilo Canta en Inglés". lafonoteca. February 2008. Retrieved 9 September 2014.
  11. ↑ Cobo, Leila (8 September 2019). "Camilo Sesto, Towering Icon of Romantic Spanish Pop, Dead at 72". Billboard. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  12. ↑ "CAMILO SESTO". Camilosesto-sinuhe.blogspot.com. 31 March 2013. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  13. ↑ "CAMILO SESTO". Formula-Romantica. 22 July 2011. Archived from the original on 24 December 2014. Retrieved 9 September 2014.
  14. 1 2 Bonacich, Drago. "Camilo Sesto: Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  15. ↑ Román, Manuel (29 August 2015). "La vida atormentada de Andrés do Barro". Chic (in European Spanish). Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  16. ↑ Calle, Tommy (8 September 2019). "Camilo Sesto ya no pudo cumplir con su público de Los Ángeles, la muerte se llevó al ídolo español". Los Angeles Times (in Spanish). Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  17. ↑ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  18. ↑ Cheky (9 September 2019). "Beloved Spanish Singer Camilo Sesto Dies at 72". Remezcla. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  19. ↑ Molero, Julián (23 November 2011). "LaFonoteca, Disco: Camilo". La Fonoteca (in European Spanish). Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  20. ↑ "Camilo Sesto: ¿A quién le dedicó la canción Melina?". La Republica (in Spanish). 8 September 2019. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  21. ↑ Pardo, José F. (8 September 2019). ""Jesucristo Superstar": el origen del musical con el que Camilo Sesto hizo historia en España". abc (in Spanish). Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  22. ↑ "Biografía de Camilo Sesto". Radio Pasion Ecuador: Grandes Biografias. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  23. ↑ "Jesucristo Superstar". lafonoteca. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  24. ↑ "Camilo Sesto: Biografia". CMTV. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  25. ↑ Roiz, Jessica (8 September 2019). "'Algo de Mi,' 'Perdoname' & More Timeless Ballads to Remember Camilo Sesto". Billboard. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  26. ↑ "Lani Hall Grammy". Grammy Awards. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  27. ↑ Molero, Julián. "Camilo Sesto – A Voluntad del Cielo" (in Spanish). La Fonoteca. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  28. ↑ Lannert, John (11 January 1992). "Billboard Latin Meet Celebrates Prospering Genre". Billboard. Vol. 105, no. 21. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 71. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
  29. ↑ "Camilo Sesto un artista clásico de la balada". El Universo (in Spanish). 8 June 2003. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  30. ↑ "Camilo Sesto advierte a sus fans "La gira del adiós" es una estafa". ABC. Spain. 8 November 2013. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  31. ↑ "Spanish singer-songwriter Camilo Sesto Dies at 72". The Washington Post. 8 September 2019.
  32. ↑ Harmata, Claudia (8 September 2019). "Latin Pop Icon Camilo Sesto Dies at 72, Days Before Release of New Album". People. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  33. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Gala Acción Social. "Camilo Sesto – Miembro Honorífico de Premios Latino" (in Spanish). Retrieved 16 May 2026.
  34. ↑ "Camilo Sesto (Mejor Cantante del Año 1972) premiado por la Asociación de Cronistas de Espectáculos" (PDF). Billboard. p. 14. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  35. ↑ "A.C.E. Awards New York (1973): Best Singer" (in Spanish). A.C.E. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  36. ↑ "A.C.E. Awards New York (1974): Songwriters of the Year" (in Spanish). A.C.E. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  37. ↑ "Camilo Sesto Grammy". Grammy Awards. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  38. ↑ "A.C.E. Awards New York (1979): Album of the Year" (in Spanish). A.C.E. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  39. ↑ "A.C.E. Awards New York (1981): Best Show / Madison Square Garden" (in Spanish). A.C.E. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  40. ↑ "Camilo Sesto, Corazón de Oro" (in Spanish). YouTube. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  41. ↑ "Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar 2004" (in Spanish). Prime Video. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  42. ↑ "El día en que Camilo Sesto conquistó al "Monstruo" de Viña del Mar" (in Spanish). El Dínamo. 10 September 2019. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  43. ↑ "Camilo Sesto presenta su nuevo álbum" (in Spanish). La Nación. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  44. ↑ "Camilo Sesto, embajador cultural de la comarca del Alto" (in Spanish). ABC. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  45. ↑ "Maximo Orgullo Hispano". Cooperativa. 28 May 2011. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  46. ↑ "Camilo Sesto, máximo orgullo hispano". Elimparcial.es. 18 June 2014. Retrieved 9 September 2014.
  47. ↑ "Homenaje a Camilo Sesto en Las Vegas" (in Spanish). La Razón. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  48. ↑ "Camilo Sesto, Premio Mr. Gay Pride España 2011" (in Spanish). Mr. Gay Pride España. 9 January 2011. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  49. ↑ "Premio Excelencia Charlotte 2014" (in Spanish). YouTube. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  50. ↑ "Camilo Sesto, el hijo predilecto de Alcoy" (in Spanish). Excélsior. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  51. ↑ "Camilo Sesto: 70 años y 100 millones de discos vendidos" (in Spanish). El Comercio. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  52. ↑ Estevez, Marjua (20 October 2017). "Erika Ender, Carlos Vives & More Inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame". Billboard. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
  53. ↑ "Peruvian American National Council Official Page". Facebook. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  54. ↑ "Camilo Sesto ya da nombre a la Alameda" (in Spanish). El Nostre Ciutat. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  55. ↑ "Camilo Sesto recibe el homenaje del Círculo Industrial" (in Spanish). Levante-EMV. 28 November 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  56. ↑ "Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes a Camilo Sesto" (in Spanish). Ministerio de Cultura Gobierno Español. 13 September 2019. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  57. ↑ "La Generalitat entregará mañana las altas distinciones a Camilo Sesto, Sol Picó y Carmen Llorca" (in Spanish). El Nostre Ciutat. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  58. ↑ "Camilo Sesto, Premio Ondas" (in Spanish). Mujer Hoy. 14 November 2019. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  59. ↑ "Camilo Sesto nombrado Hijo Adoptivo de Torrelodones" (in Spanish). La Voz de la A6. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  60. ↑ "Camilo Sesto tendrá un parque con su nombre en Torrelodones" (in Spanish). La Vanguardia. 7 July 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  61. ↑ "La estatua de Camilo Sesto ya luce en el futuro museo" (in Spanish). Información. 15 September 2025. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  62. ↑ "El Museo de Camilo Sesto en Alcoy abrirá sus puertas" (in Spanish). Ayuntamiento de Alcoy. Archived from the original on 19 May 2026. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  63. ↑ "Así es por dentro el nuevo museo Camilo Sesto" (in Spanish). El Nostre Ciutat. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  64. ↑ "Camilo Sesto: Album Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 September 2019.
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