Singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat receives Princess of Asturias Award

Joan Manuel Serrat is one of the most influential and respected Spanish singer-songwriters of recent years. With an impressive career spanning more than 50 years, 500 songs and 40 albums, he has left an indelible mark on Spanish music history. Serrat is best known for his poetic lyrics and his intertwining connection with Mediterranean culture.

In 2024, Joan Manuel Serrat received the prestigious Princesa de Asturias Prize for the Arts. This honor recognizes his exceptional career and contribution to Spanish music. The prize is awarded annually by the Fundación Princesa de Asturias and is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the Spanish cultural sector.

Serrat is an important figure in Spanish music history. He has written more than 500 songs and recorded more than 40 albums. Serrat set poetry by major Spanish-language poets to music and was a pioneer of the Nova Cançó movement in Catalonia. He was known as a prominent voice against oppression and injustices during the Franco regime.

Serrat has had a lasting influence on Spanish music with songs such as ‘Mediterráneo’, ‘Penélope’ and ‘Palabras de amor’. His music reflects the struggle for freedom and justice during the Franco period and is considered an important cultural heritage.

In 2021, Serrat announced his retirement from the stages with the tour ‘El vicio de cantar 1965-2022’. He concluded this tour with a memorable performance at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona on December 27, 2022. Prior to this farewell, he also gave two large-scale concerts in Zaragoza.

One of the most notable moments in Joan Manuel Serrat’s career was his refusal to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1968. This led to a major scandal that would long influence the Spanish music scene.

In 1968, Spanish singer Massiel won the Eurovision Song Contest with ‘La, la, la’, a song written by Serrat. Serrat refused to sing it in Spanish and chose Catalan, was fined and exiled to Mexico. This made him a symbol of resistance against Franco’s regime and suppression of regional languages ​​and cultures in Spain. The incident would continue to affect his career and Serrat was ignored by the Spanish media and stages for a long time.

Serrat refused Eurovision, but still broke through in Spain as a singer-songwriter. He returned from exile and continued to fight against injustice. His determination and talent led to widespread recognition.