Manuel de la Calva, an emotional sensitivity on the surface

I've always been a die-hard fan of The Everly Brothers, so when the Dúo Dinámico came to Las Palmas in the early 1960s, I thought it was an opportunity to compare them to my idols. But their manager, José María Laso de la Vega, called us to open for the Duo at the Teatro Pérez Galdós. There, a friendship was born with Manolo and Ramón that has lasted the past 65 years of our lives. Once in Madrid, the years went by, consolidating our relationship not only in music, which was obviously the most important axis, but also in other, more personal aspects. And it was with Manolo that I found the greatest connection and convergence of life and professional goals . Together we decided to fight for copyright and other union demands, and thus we expanded the circle of conscripts, which included illustrious comrades of the time such as Manolo Alejandro, Pablo Herrero, Luis Cobos, Pepe Nieto, Fernando Arbex, Manolo Díaz, Juan Pardo, Juan Manuel Serrat, Luis Eduardo Aute, and a long list of others.

But Manolo de la Calva wasn't just a great creator and artist like everyone else. He had a raw emotional sensitivity, an empathy far removed from stardom , and a smile that enabled him to handle even the most difficult moments . He knew how to be a star while still taking care of his family life with exemplary fervor and dedication, a friend to all and supportive of the less fortunate.

Our career at SGAE forced us to share joys and sorrows, but above all, to better understand the complex circumstances many of our colleagues were facing. Manolo and Ramón knew how to adapt to change and maintain their ethical compass and their affection for their audiences. Until recently, three generations of fans attended their concerts, and Manolo exuded a genuine, sincere spontaneity and vitality.

I learned about his health problems from him, without any drama or unfinished business. He kept his smile and thought of his family and friends as the whole, fulfilled human being he always was. He lived an exemplary life filled with success and surrounded by faithful friends. He wouldn't want us to say goodbye with tears, only with music and shared memories. No one dies until they are forgotten, and he leaves us his music to celebrate him wherever extraordinary beings live. I love you, my friend.