Nino Bravo

by Craig HarrisWhen Spanish vocalist Nino Bravo (born: Luis Manuel Ferri Llopis) died in an automobile accident on April1 6, 1973, the world lost one of its greatest romantic balladeers. Bravo had been attracting acclaim since 1959 when he sang with the youthful pop group, Aielo De Malferit. He continued his success as a member of early-1960s trio, Los Hispanicos, and after serving a breif stint in the military, with the group, Uamado Superson. Launching his solo career with a recital at El Teatro Prinicpal of Valencia in 1968, Bravo signed a five year recording contract with Fonogram. His first single, Como Todos b/w Es El Viento, composed by Manuel Alejandro, was a major hit in Spain. Bravo reached his apex in 1972. Shortly after marrying vocalist Maria Amparo, he represented Spain with a crowd-pleasing set at the Festival de Rio de Janeiro. In 1997, Alejandro produced an album, Duetos 2, featuring remixes of his songs and electronically-simulated duets with various artists.