Raphael Lives His Grand Night Honored by the Latin Grammys

Hispanic music legend Raphael celebrated his over six-decade-long career by being honored with an emotional tribute from the Latin Recording Academy, which this Wednesday named him its Person of the Year in Las Vegas.

Figures like Enrique Bunbury, Marco Antonio Solís, Fito Páez, and Susana Baca descended upon Sin City to sing for the "Nightingale of Linares," alongside emerging voices such as Elena Rose and Iván Cornejo, among others. The event served as a testament to how the Spanish artist has influenced generations and musical styles.

Moved and with his distinctive smile, the 82-year-old Raphael walked the red carpet at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center with a piece of advice for new talents.
"You have to do things with a little more patience, and everything will come to you," expressed the interpreter of "Mi gran noche."

The king of the ballad, known for classics like "Como yo te amo," advised artists to embrace "more romanticism and a little less rhythm," in pursuit of less ephemeral hits.
"It's just that with rhythm, they pass by quickly," smiled the also-actor.

- "Passion, Dedication" -

Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, said that Raphael's characteristic style was precisely one of the challenges in paying tribute to him.
"When we started reviewing the arrangements and also began looking at his interpretations, they are so him, they are so based on his persona, his histrionics, that it's a real challenge to put it [the tribute] together," he told AFP.

The artists invited to the traditional event, which is part of Latin Grammy Week, did not hide their nerves about performing for the Spanish divo.
Rockero Enrique Bunbury, who performed "Yo soy aquel," confessed to being nervous about taking the stage.
"I don't know about the others, but I for sure will do it worse than you do. So, well, knowing that I'm going to do it worse in front of him makes me a bit embarrassed," the former vocalist of Héroes del Silencio told AFP.
"We can honor him, but we cannot compare ourselves," the musician added.

Spanish artist Rozalén highlighted the singer's influence and his continued relevance.
His legacy "is part of our history," she said.
"This passion, this dedication that is so, so his—making the song his own and delivering the lyrics and melody as if the world were ending. I think that has stayed with all of us, in our collective memory," commented singer-songwriter Silvia Pérez Cruz.

Meanwhile, the regional Mexican revelation Iván Cornejo, 21, described him as a source of inspiration, given his connection on stage.
"I notice a similarity in his fans' concerts, how they connect with the lyrics and the melodies. There's something super unique—it's his music," said the Californian.

For Elena Rose, a new face in American pop who sang "En carne viva" alongside David Bisbal, Raphael's legacy is his "rebellion with a cause."
"[He is] one of those souls who says, 'I am this, I am going to feel without fear, I am going to say what I feel, and I am going to be myself, no matter what.' That, I believe, is one of the things that even I identify with," commented the artist.

The Latin Recording Academy will continue its celebration of Latin music with the 26th edition of the Latin Grammys this Thursday, also in Las Vegas.