Why does Luis Mariano continue to fascinate thirty-five years after his death?

Roberto Alagna:

"He possesses all the qualities necessary to be a truly great tenor. He's got a radiant voice which reaches the high notes with ease, and at the same time, he's musical with stage presence and charm; he's heroic yet vulnerable, and has always thrilled a large public with his popular voice par excellence.

"Great opera singers - such as Beniamino Gigli and Georges Thill to name but two - have often ventured into the repertoire of light music. But although Luis Mariano remains an emblem of French music in the 1950s, he became a 'truly great tenor' almost without ever appearing on the opera stage, but singing instead the operettas and popular songs to which his luminous voice predisposed him.

"Inseparable from a repertoire largely created for him, he became the first overwhelmingly popular performer of his time, one of the first modern stars.

"People have often been sarcastic about his personal image, his sequined side; but he did succeed in creating a real personality, as did Elvis Presley with rock ‘n roll.”

Track Listing:
1. C’est Magnifique!
2. Mexico
3. La Belle de Cadix
4. Zambra Gitana
5. L’Amour est un bouquet de violettes
6. I love Paris (Duet with Jean Reno)
7. Salade de fruits
8. Rossignol de mes amours
9. Aïe, pourquoi on s’aime? (Duet with Arielle Dombasle)
10. Maria Luisa
11. Vaya con Dios
12. Quand on est deux amis (Duet with Elie Semoun)