The renowned Spanish singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat received the Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts 2024, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the Hispanic cultural sphere for his contribution to music and poetry throughout his career.
"I come from a long post-war period and from a humble family that gave me the best they could find in me. On this random journey, I found the reasons to keep moving forward, and with the drive of dreams, I reached here," Serrat mentioned during his speech of gratitude to his family, friends, and the audience who has accompanied him throughout his career.
Also, during the award ceremony, Joan Manuel Serrat took the stage alongside violist Úrsula Amargós to perform "Esas Pequeñas Cosas" after his emotional speech from the Campoamor Theater, located in Asturias, Spain.
Joan Manuel Serrat has an artistic career spanning more than six decades during which he has been constantly honored for his works; however, this award is a recognition of the prolific career of “Nano,” as he is also known, firmly establishing his place as a central figure in Ibero-American music, where the jury of the Princess of Asturias Award praised his "contribution to Hispanic culture and his defense of freedom and human dignity through music."
Originally from Barcelona in 1943, Serrat began in music during the 1960s, gaining national and international recognition thanks to his music that fuses folk and poetry. From his first steps, Serrat stood out for his ability to blend music with poetry, interpreting and musicalizing verses from great poets such as Antonio Machado, Miguel Hernández, and Mario Benedetti, bringing their poetry to a new audience.
Songs like "Mediterráneo," "Cantares," and "Aquellas pequeñas cosas" have been considered true anthems, not only for their musical beauty but because they touch sensitive fibers that endure in the collective memory.
Moreover, Serrat has always been a voice committed to social causes. His music and words have been a call for justice and human dignity, making him a cultural reference and an important figure in the defense of human rights and freedom.
