Los Del Rio Biography
By the time long-standing musical partners Rafael Ruíz and Antonio Romero Monge took over the top of Billboard's Hot 100 chart for 14 weeks in the summer of 1996, they had recorded over 30 albums of traditional Spanish music since their formation in Seville in the mid-60s. The song which produced their breakthrough was "Macarena", which they originally released on the independent label Zafiro Records in 1994. After gaining popularity on Latin radio stations and appearing on a number of Spanish compilations it was transferred to BMG Latin who commissioned a Bayside Boys remix for national distribution. Of the song, Monge commented: "[it] is a revelation of happiness, and that happiness is captured in the rhythm of the song. It puts the world in agreement to dance and celebrate." It was included on the duo's major label breakthrough Macarena Non Stop, and was recorded in several languages for release in different international markets. It also served to launch the "Macarena dance craze", culminating in a packed-house festival at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The song proved to be a durable international hit, including a UK number 2 slot in 1996.
Source: The Encyclopedia of Popular Music by Colin Larkin. Licensed from Muze.
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