Entertainer. A popular figure of the "Latin Bolero" genre, he was known as the "Frank Sinatra of Latin America." Born Juan Antonio Espinoza Prieto in the Northern part of Chile, his career in entertainment began after performing on a radio show contest in 1949. His collaborations with Mexican composer Roberto Cantoral yielded the hits "La Barca" and "El Reloj", but Prieto will perhaps be best remembered for the 1961 score "La Novia" (known internationally as "The Wedding"). During the course of his career, he recorded roughly 1,000 songs. His popularity as a vocalist led to a film career which consisted of more-than 30 pictures. He became known to international audiences for his role of Don Miguel Rojo opposite Clint Eastwood in Sergio Leone's "A Fistful of Dollars" (1964). He died of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Entertainer. A popular figure of the "Latin Bolero" genre, he was known as the "Frank Sinatra of Latin America." Born Juan Antonio Espinoza Prieto in the Northern part of Chile, his career in entertainment began after performing on a radio show contest in 1949. His collaborations with Mexican composer Roberto Cantoral yielded the hits "La Barca" and "El Reloj", but Prieto will perhaps be best remembered for the 1961 score "La Novia" (known internationally as "The Wedding"). During the course of his career, he recorded roughly 1,000 songs. His popularity as a vocalist led to a film career which consisted of more-than 30 pictures. He became known to international audiences for his role of Don Miguel Rojo opposite Clint Eastwood in Sergio Leone's "A Fistful of Dollars" (1964). He died of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Bio by: C.S.
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