Víctor Manuel, Veteran Singer-Songwriter, Reveals Musical Influences & Past Political Activism
Madrid – singer-songwriter Víctor Manuel, renowned for classics like “I’m a heart lying in the sun,” has publicly shared his current listening habits, revealing a diverse range of artists including Guitarricadelafuente, Jimena Amarillo, Michel Legrand, Ana Belén, Fetén Fetén, mapi Quintana, and surprisingly, Olivia Rodrigo. The revelation came during a recent appearance on laSexta, where Manuel explained the inclusion of the teen pop star was due to his 15-year-old daughter’s taste. “Well, your daughter has very good taste,” Manuel responded to host Gonzo.
Manuel’s openness about his musical preferences underscores a lifelong commitment to artistic integrity, a principle that extends to his decades-long fight for authors’ rights. This dedication, coupled wiht his history of anti-Franco militancy during years of censorship, positions him as a key figure in Spain’s cultural and political landscape. The interview also touched upon his enduring personal and professional relationship with Ana Belén, his partner of half a century.
The artist expressed skepticism towards music streaming algorithms, recounting an instance where a James Taylor selection lead to a recommendation for Julio Iglesias. “That’s it, it’s over. I don’t pay any more attention to you,” he stated ironically. He further emphasized his belief in learning from established artists, stating, “I am very fond of [Julio Iglesias], but there are many people much better than Julio or me. Why am I going to waste time listening to myself or listening to Julio? I better listen to the teachers. And those I consider teachers are others.”
Beyond his musical tastes, the laSexta program highlighted Manuel’s political engagement, including his support for José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero in 2008. However, he recently indicated he would not offer the same support to current Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, though he did sign a manifesto backing Sánchez following the arrest of Santos Cerdán.
