Enrique Iglesias Biography

Enrique Iglesias, the son of world famous Julio Iglesias, probably never anticipated that he would become the best-selling Latin recording artist before he even turned thirty. But the Spanish native was born with music in his blood, and when a childhood move to Miami exposed him to a blend of European, Hispanic, and America musical influences, Enrique took the experience and turned it into a formula for success.

While attending a private school in Miami, Enrique made his debut in a school production of the play Holly, Dolly. His performance was a surprise to his parents, who had no idea he’d started singing at all.

A year of studies at the University of Miami left Enrique Iglesias unsatisfied, and so he decided to pursue a career in music instead. He did so at first under the name Enrique Martinez, not wishing to bias the music industry with knowledge of his parentage. His first record deal, with Fonovisa, was secured solely on his own merit and talent.

Enrique Iglesias was released in 1996, and went gold within three months, selling more than a million copies. Vivir (1997) was equally successful, with sales exceeding five million. Enrique Iglesias followed up with a tour, and within three years, he’d sold more than seventeen million Spanish-language albums. Vivir also garnered Enrique a Grammy for Best Latin Performer, Billboard awards for Album of the Year and Artist of the Year, two American Music Awards, and numerous other awards.

Cosas del Amore came in 1998, and Enrique followed, his first English album. Enrique earned Iglesias worldwide sales in excess of twenty million, plus gold or platinum status on the album in more than thirty countries.

Escape followed in 2001, Seven in 2003, Insomniac in 2007, and Euphoria in 2010. Enrique Iglesias has continued to alternate between English and Spanish for his albums throughout the years, earning critical acclaim and record sales in both languages.

In total, Enrique Iglesias has established himself as one of the best selling Spanish language performers of all time, with sales exceeding one hundred million worldwide. He has had two number one hits and five singles chart in the Top Ten. Collectively, he has earned sixty-eight number-one spots on the Billboard charts. Known as The King of Latin Pop, Enrique Iglesias continues to perform, record, and entertain his fans around the globe.