Julio Iglesias, a Spanish singer and songwriter, has achieved continued success for over 40 years. He rose to prominence in the 70s and 80s and has received platinum and gold certifications for over 2,600 records. Julio Iglesias is also an incredibly prolific artist, having recorded 80 albums, which have sold nearly 300 million copies internationally in 14 different languages. His net worth is estimated to be $600 million.
Early Life
He discovered his musical talent which helped him learn to play the guitar. While in recovery at the hospital, a nurse actually gave him a guitar to exercise his hands. However, a serious car accident left him unable to walk for two years, as his lower spine and legs were severely injured. Despite this, he used to play as a goalkeeper for Castilla Madrid in Segunda Division. During his youth, he alternated between playing professional football and studying law at the University Pablo San CEU in Madrid. Julio Iglesias, better known as José Julio Julio de la Cueva Iglesias, was born on September 23, 1943, in Madrid, Spain. His father, Sr. Julio Iglesias, was a medical doctor from Ourense with Galician ancestry, while his mother, Maria Perignat y Cueva la del Rosario, had Jewish ancestry.
Personal Life
Married in August 2010, Iglesias and Rijnsburger have five offspring together: Miguel (born 1997), Rodrigo (born 1999), twins Cristina and Victoria (born 2001), and Guillermo (born 2007). He actually became a citizen of the Dominican Republic in 2005. They reside together in the Dominican Republic. He then resided with Dutch model Miranda Rijnsburger, who is younger than him by 22 years. They legally separated in 1979. She is a member of the affluent aristocratic Perez de Tagle family. In January 1971, Iglesias wedded Isabel Preysler, a Filipina of Spanish descent. Together, they had three offspring: Chabeli, a socialite (born 1971); Julio Jr., A vocalist (born 1973); and Enrique Iglesias, also a vocalist (born 1975).
Entertainment Career
He was selected to represent Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest 1970 with his song “Gwendolyne”, finishing in fourth place. Following his win at the International Song Festival in Benidorm, Spain in 1968, Iglesias quickly released his debut album “I Sing” (“Yo Canto”) and signed to the Spanish branch of Columbia Records, Columbia Records Spain.
He has worked with other famous artists, including Art Garfunkel and Sting, Dolly Parton, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder. His album “Bel Air Place” sold 1,100 duets featuring prominent American musicians, including Diana Ross and Willie Nelson. It is widely considered to be his English-language debut, which was released in 1984. His first hit song in English was a cover of “Begin the Beguine,” and he began releasing English material. He signed a deal with International CBS and moved to Miami, Florida in 1979. During the 1970s, he enjoyed widespread popularity across Europe, thanks to his songs sung in multiple languages. He even sang a song in Galician, “A Canto Un,” in honor of his father, in various languages including Italian, German, Portuguese, French, and English.
(Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images).
Awards and Accolades
In 2015, he was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from the Berklee College of Music, in acknowledgement of his impact on and contributions to music and international culture. Other accolades he has received include the Spanish National Honors of the Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts and the Gold Medal of the Community of Madrid, as well as international honors such as the Knight of the Legion of Honor from France and the Medal of the City of Paris. Additionally, in 2013, Iglesias was granted two awards in China. He was bestowed with the First & Most Popular International Artist of All Time in China, a recognition given by Sony Music China, which was presented to him by the renowned Chinese musician Lang Lang. The other award he attained during his time in China was the Guinness World Record for the Best-selling Male Latin Artist. In 2013, he became a member of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, as he is a composer and lyricist who writes his own songs. In 2001, he was honored as the Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy, and a year later in 2002, he was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame. In 1995, he was granted the Excellence Award at the 1995 Lo Nuestro Awards. A decade later, he was once again nominated for Best Latin Pop Album at the 1998 Grammy Awards for his album “Tango” (1996), but lost to Mexican singer Luis Miguel. At the 1988 Grammy Awards, Iglesias emerged victorious in the category of Best Latin Pop Album for his album “Un hombre solo”.
Net Worth From Other Ventures
Iglesias owns an extremely valuable real estate portfolio. In July 2017, he listed four empty lots on Indian Creek Island in Miami for $150 million. His main residence is a house worth $20-25 million on the same island, which he bought for $15 million in 2012. His real estate portfolio is worth alone between $200-300 million worldwide. In addition, he co-owns the main airport in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, with other joint investors including Oscar de la Renta. He also owns several hotel complexes throughout the Dominican Republic.
We welcome all feedback and corrections using the button below. Unless otherwise indicated, the estimates are only possible and we diligently work to ensure that our numbers are as accurate as possible. Additionally, we incorporate private feedback and tips received from representatives or celebrities. All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources.
