Not everyone starts out their life thinking they’re going to be a musician – or even thinking it’s possible. Alejandro Sanz sure didn’t, or if he did, he didn’t think it was realistic. Which is why he started off his young adult life going to trade school. He was willing and ready to be a respectable part of the workforce, but the world had other plans. Something within him told him to take a chance on all those songs he wrote just for fun in his youth and pursue music full time. The result of that hunch? A successful career that won him three Grammy Awards.

Growing Up Sanz

Alejandro was born in Madrid in 1968. He was the youngest in his family and learned guitar from his father. Alejandro showed an interest in music very young – even playing at some local venues.

He started trade school in his teens, as he’s a practical man at heart. But when he met Miguel Angel Arenas, his dreams looked realistic. He told his rational side to quiet down and set out on a musical career. His first album came out in 1989, with uninspiring success. Luckily for Alejandro, he had signed a 7-album deal, and he was able to keep trying.

Success in the ’90s

While his debut album didn’t take him very far, his early ’90s albums did. They had multiple hit singles and allowed him to make a name for himself in the Latin market. It was his song, “La Fuerza del Corazon,” however, that launched him into an international success. He was nominated for three Grammys in the early 2000s, which he won – uncontested. Since then he’s made music with everyone who’s anyone in the Latin music scene, including Shakira!