María de los Ángeles de las Heras Ortiz
- Born:
- October 4, 1944, Madrid, Spain
- Died:
- March 25, 2006, Torrelodones, Madrid, Spain
- Nationality:
- Spanish
- Profession(s):
- Singer, Actress
Early Life and Education
- Began her career at age 15, participating in the "Primer Aplauso" television program.
- Her artistic name, Rocío Dúrcal, was chosen by the Spanish filmmaker Luis Sanz.
Career and Major Achievements
- Rose to fame as a child actress and singer in the 1960s.
- Achieved international recognition primarily as a singer of rancheras and ballads.
- Worked extensively with Mexican composer and singer Juan Gabriel, producing numerous hit albums.
- She recorded over 40 studio albums and sold millions of records worldwide.
- Won numerous awards, including a Latin Grammy Award for Best Ranchero Album in 2001.
- Her album "Alma Ranchera" won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Ranchero Album in 2004.
- Among many albums, the album containing the song 'Olvidalo Con Rocio Durcal' remains a very popular request.
Notable Works
Discography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Genre |
| 1977 | Rocío Dúrcal canta a Juan Gabriel, Vol. 3 | Ranchera |
| 1984 | Amor Eterno | Ranchera |
| 2004 | Alma Ranchera | Ranchera |
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1962 | Canción de Juventud | Rocío |
| 1963 | Rocío de La Mancha | Rocío |
Legacy and Impact
María de los Ángeles de las Heras Ortiz, known professionally as Rocío Dúrcal, was a highly influential figure in Spanish and Latin American music. Her career spanned several decades, and she is remembered for her powerful voice, her interpretations of ranchera music, and her contributions to popularizing Spanish music globally. She remains one of Spain's most beloved and iconic artists.