Tag Archives: Cuco Valoy

Los Del Río Receive Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy

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Holy Macarena! Los Del Río are getting some love more than 20 years after gaining international acclaim…

This week, the Spanish Latin pop and dance duo behind the smash-hit dance single “Macarena” received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy.

Los Del Rio

Los Del Rio, comprised of Antonio Romero Monge and Rafael Ruíz Perdigones, joined a list of honorees that includes Lucecita Benítez, João Bosco, Ilan Chester, Víctor Heredia, Guadalupe Pineda and Cuco Valoy..

The Lifetime Achievement award is presented to performers who have made unprecedented contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music and the Latin community.

Los Del Rio, who saw “Macarena” reach No. 1 in 15 countries, including the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., accepted their award with a lot of emotion, saying it was the first time they’ve received this kind of recognition in their 53-year music career.

Benitez accepted the honor given by her friend, Puerto Rican singer Olga Tañon. The 75-year-old Puerto Rican singer dedicated her recognition to her native island, emphasizing that she would never leave Puerto Rico even now that people needs help.

Pineda was presented her award from Pepe Aguilar. The 62-year-old Mexican singer had a political tone in her speech saying: “Music is a universal language. Music not only builds bridges but also breaks down walls. And, the walls fall.”

Meanwhile, Jon Fausty and Lalo Schifrin received the Trustees Award, which is given to individuals who have made significant contributions, other than performance, to Latin music during their careers. All the honorees are chosen by vote by the members of The Latin Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees.

The 18th annual Latin Grammy Awards will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on November 16, from 8:00 – 11:00 pm ET/PT on Univision.

Valoy Receives “Gran Soberano Award” at the Premios Soberanos

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It’s a Gran prize for Cuco Valoy…

The 80-year-old Dominican singer-songwriter has received the Gran Soberano award, the top arts prize at the Dominican Republic’s Premios Soberanos.

Cuco Valoy

Valoy was given the honor during a show featuring an opening performance by Juan Luis Guerra and “Merengue King” Johnny Ventura.

Valoy, who has been performing and recording for half a century, said he was dedicating the award to Los Virtuosos, the band that accompanied him early in his career, when he was a pioneer in taking Dominican music to Europe, “where few knew where our country is located.”

Earlier in the show, the legendary singer-songwriter was honored with a performance by his son, Ramon Orlando, singer Henry Garcia and popular urban music act Mozart La Para, who joined in interpreting “Juliana,” one of Valoy’s hits.

Guerra and Ventura were joined on stage by dozens of dancers, with the performance climaxing with everyone simulating Dominican pitcher Fernando Rodney throwing an imaginary strike, a gesture that became popular in the country when the Dominican Republic won the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Guerra also received an award in the category of most prominent artist or group abroad.

Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Wisin performed his hit, “Vacaciones,” and received huge applause from the audience when he received the Soberano International Prize.

The audience at Santo Domingo’s Eduardo Brito National Theater also enjoyed a performance by some members of the disbanded La Coco Band orchestra, founded about 30 years ago, which revolutionized merengue with contagious rhythm and simple lyrics.

Bachata artist Leonardo Paniagua, honored at the show for his long career, recalled the early days of the style, when it was difficult for him to be accepted on major stages.