Alejandro Sanz Biography

Fast Facts

• His three Latin Grammys for Album of the Year are the most for any artist
• Has been involved in such charities as Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and Greenpeace
• Received the White House Vision Award for his work through the Hispanic Heritage Foundation
• Was honored at the 25th Lo Nuestro Awards with the Premio a la Excelencia, a lifetime achievement award
• Received an honorary doctorate in 2013 from the Berklee College of Music in Boston
• Has three children, Manuela, Alexander and Raquel
• Began playing guitar at age 7
• Released his debut album, Los Chulos Son Pa' Cuidarlos, at age 16
• His introduction to traditional flamenco came during annual summer vacations to his parents' native region, Andalucia
• Quote: "Flamenco can be very hard on beginners․ If you lose the rhythm, they toss you out with, 'You're no good, boy!' They're very strict and very cruel․ But it's also a marvelous education, because you either learn to play or else․"
• Made headlines during a 2007 press conference, when he criticized Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez
• Is often recognized for his distinctly raspy vocal delivery, which he attributes to his roots in flamenco
• His song with Shakira, "La Tortura," has topped numerous international charts
• Though often known for flamenco influences in his ballads, he is also recognized for music influences by rock, salsa and hip-hop
• Made history as the first Spanish artist to record an album for "MTV Unplugged․"
• Enjoys painting in his free time, as well as while trying to come up with ideas for new songs