Meller, Raquel (1888–1962)

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Meller, Raquel (1888–1962)

Spanish singer and actress. Born Francisca Marqués López, Mar 10, 1888, in Tarazona, Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain; died July 26, 1962, in Barcelona; m. Edmond Salac; m. Gomez Carillo.

Made theater debut as Raquel Meller (1907) and became known as a "cuplés" (couplets) singer and music-hall entertainer; came to international prominence with such songs as "La Violetera," "Nena," "Flor de Te," "Mimosa," "Flor del Mal," and "El Relicario" (1922); appeared in NY at Empire Theater (1926) and made a triumphant tour of US and Europe, the 1st Spanish popular singer to succeed internationally; appeared in many films, including Violettes impériales and Carmen.