Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Carlos Vives
August 7, 1961
Santa Marta, Colombia
65 Years Old
Leo
Who Is Carlos Vives?
Carlos Alberto Vives Restrepo is a Colombian singer, songwriter, and actor, renowned for his vibrant fusion of traditional vallenato music with pop and rock. His innovative sound has significantly broadened the global appeal of Colombian folklore.
He achieved widespread recognition after starring in the 1991 TV series Escalona, performing the titular composer's songs. This pivotal role steered his career toward a distinctive musical path, earning him national acclaim.
Early Life and Education
Born in Santa Marta, Colombia, Carlos Vives grew up in a family immersed in music, with his father, Luis Aurelio Vives Echeverría, a doctor, and his mother, Aracely Restrepo Flórez, a homemaker. The vibrant local culture deeply influenced his early artistic development.
He moved to Bogotá at age twelve, where he cultivated a passion for rock music while studying advertising at Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, playing in local bars and cafés.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances has marked Carlos Vives's personal life, including his first marriage to actress Margarita Rosa de Francisco. He later married Herlinda Gómez, with whom he had two children.
Vives is currently married to former Miss Colombia Claudia Elena Vásquez, and they share two children. He maintains an active co-parenting relationship for his four children.
Career Highlights
Carlos Vives's genre-bending approach redefined Colombian music, notably with his 1993 album Clásicos de la Provincia, which blended vallenato with rock and pop. This groundbreaking work earned him a Billboard Latin Music Award and introduced his unique style to a global audience.
Beyond his recordings, Vives established Gaira Música Local, his own record company, in 1993 to promote local artists. He also co-founded the RíoGrande music school in 2016, fostering Colombian musical identity in younger generations.
To date, Vives has collected two Grammy Awards and eighteen Latin Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honor in 2024, cementing his status as a Latin music icon.
Signature Quote
“I believe we are all children of God, and I can't view a black person as different from me. My music is the living proof of the equality of all people.”