Spanish Song and National Identity in Francoist Spain: Manolo Escobar

Abstract

It is well know that Franco particularly liked the copla and the "Spanish song" which stimulated the feeling of national identity. Every year, during the commemorations of July 18th (the day of the uprising of the national army) the stars of the moment such as Conchita Piquer, Juanita Reina, Lola Flores, Antonio Amaya, Antonio Molina etc., were invited to interpret the favourite songs of the Generalissimo.

Among the "Spanish song" performers, Manolo Escobar was the most popular singer of the sixties and seventies, in spite of the impact of ye-ye music and The Beatles on the young people. Throughout the sixties his repertoire evolved from the Andalusian song to the Spanish song which refers to Spain and Spanish people in general. From 1963 to 1980, he was the main protagonist of movies, one per year over this period, and his plentiful discography showed his increasing popularity. His songs addressed a simple public, being described himself "as the people’s singer". What was the key of his success? Is there a link between his success and the support of Franco’s regime? And finally, how the Escobar’s songs contributed to a feeling of national pride?