[photo - NINO and SANTOS of the group AMERICAN EAGLES performing live in 1978.]
The 'Esmeralda' thing really started in 1974 with the QUASIMODO single on Castel Records. Sporting the flamingo percussive elements, it introduced a distinctive Spanish element into EURODICO. Various groups and singers would follow the lead in years to come.
The most notable and successful group was SANTA ESMERALDA. Featuring the American singer LEROY GOMEZ. the SANTA ESMERALDA cover of THE ANIMALS' hit 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' would grow to become one of the most popular recordings in the world by the end of 1977. In the following years the 'Esmeralda thing' intensified. Here are some examples:
| Esmeralda Quasimodo - 7" - CASTEL |
| Funky Flamenco (When Philly Goes To Barcelona) Soul Iberica Band - 7" - POLYDOR |
| La Esmeralda Alec R. Costandinos & The Syncophonic Orchestra - The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (LP) - RCA VICTOR |
| The Green Talisman Santa Esmeralda - You're My Everything (CD) - HOT PRODUCTIONS |
| Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood Santa Esmeralda starring Leroy Gomez - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (LP) - PHILIPS |
| Esmeralda Suite Santa Esmeralda starring Leroy Gomez - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (LP) - PHILIPS |
| Sevilla Nights Santa Esmeralda - Thank God It's Friday (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 2LP - CASABLANCA |
| The House Of The Rising Sun + Quasimodo Suite Santa Esmeralda (starring Jimmy Goings) - House Of The Rising Sun (LP) - PHILIPS |
| Fiesta (Spanish Version) Raffaella Carrà - 7" - CBS |
| Let Me Dream Tonight Santa Esmeralda Feat. Leroy Gomez - Let Me Dream Tonight (CD) - ESSENTIAL MEDIA GROUP |
| Back To America Paradise - 12" - CBS |
| Barcelona American Eagles - Kokka (LP) - CARRERE |
| Porompompero American Eagles - Kokka (LP) - CARRERE |
| Another Cha Cha Santa Esmeralda Feat. Leroy Gomez - Santa Esmeralda Featuring Leroy Gomez – Presents Spanish Disco Nights (CD) - ARIOILA EXPRESS |
| Another Cha Cha Cha (Version XXX3 Remix Extended by Dj B D'Leone) Santa Esmeralda - |
| Cést Magnifique + Sweet Suite Santa Esmeralda featuring Jimmy Goings - Don't Be Shy Tonight (LP) - CASABLANCA |
| Copacabana Santa Esmeralda Feat. Leroy Gomez - Let Me Dream Tonight (CD) - ESSENTIAL MEDIA GROUP |
| Tanti Auguri Raffaella Carrà - 7" - COLUMBIA |
| Toca,Toca La Rumbamania Rumba Tres - 12" - DINO MUSIC |
| Amor Amore Rumba Tres - 12" - DINO MUSIC |
| Amor, Amore American Eagles - Kokka (LP) - CARRERE |
| Malagueña (I) G.M.T. Sound - 12" - BARCLAY |
| Malagueña (II) - Suite Espagnole Op. 45 G.M.T. Sound - 12" - BARCLAY |
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Looking forward to your show. I loved the Santa Esmeralda
11:31 AM, September 23rd, 2023