Source Material: Armando Manzanero – “Cuando Estoy Contigo”

Armando Manzanero was a composer, pianist, and singer from Ticul, Yucatán, Mexico.  In 1950, at fifteen years old, he composed his first song, “Nunca en el Mundo (Never in the World).”  One year later, he started his career as a professional pianist.  In 1957, he was named the musical director at the Mexican branch of CBS International.  Two years later, Manzanero released his debut album, Mi Primera Grabación.  In the following years, Manzanero primarily worked as a songwriter and a pianist for several artists, like Pedro Vargas, Lucho Gatica, and Raphael.

But in 1967, Manzanero the solo artist was back; he released two albums, A mi amor… Con mi amor, and Manzanero el Grande.  Manzanero el Grande featured “Cuando Estoy Contigo (When I’m With You),” a beautiful song about love, which has been covered throughout Latin America for decades.  In the ’70s, Manzanero released more solo albums, and his work as a composer expanded internationally.  By the end of his career, he was considered one of the most important composers in latin music history.

Armando Manzanero – “Cuando Estoy Contigo”