1970 Miguel Ríos – A Song Of Joy
Miguel Ríos Campaña was born in Granada, Spain, in 1944. By the time he turned fifteen, Miguel was singing in local bars. He moved to Madrid the next year and began recording songs as Mike Ríos, the King of Twist.
Miguel appeared regularly on television in the early sixties, eventually using his own name again. More recordings were made as well, but his breakthrough as a singer came in 1970.
Waldo de los Rios adapted a portion of Beethoven’s ninth symphony into a more modern setting, and Orbe created some Spanish lyrics for the song. Miguel recorded the song, and it became an overnight success. Ross Parker wrote English lyrics, calling the translation A Song Of Joy, and Miguel recorded a version in that language as well.
His record reached the top of the US Adult Contemporary chart and #1 in Australia, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. The single also crossed over to the pop charts and peaked at #14 on the Hot 100 in 1970.
The record eventually sold over three million copies. His live performances were elaborate!
Sadly, Miguel was arrested and jailed for possession of hashish. His career never quite recovered from that blow.
He recorded more progressive albums in the eighties and recorded some music that was pivotal in Spain. His career never recovered in the US, and A Song Of Joy remains his only entry on the Hot 100.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_R%C3%ADos
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Song_of_Joy
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