Spain's most famous protest singer, Joan Manuel Serrat, 61, announced last week that he had cancer of the bladder and was retiring temporarily to fight the disease. He gave his last concerts at the Albeniz Theatre in Madrid from October 26th to 31st. He had made the announcement on the eve of his first concert there and was given a standing ovation when he walked on stage. Born in Barcelona, he rose to fame in the 60s not jkust for his talent but also insisting on singing in Catalan, at a time when regional languages were frowned on by the Franco dictatorship. He was chosen to represent Spain at the European Song Contest in April 1968 but General Franco himself ordered Serrat to be replaced when the latter said he intended to sing in Catalan. The rising young singer who replaced him, Massiel, went on to win the competition.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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