Maria de Los Angeles de las Heras Ortiz (October 4, 1944 – March 25, 2006), professionally known as Roco Durcal, was a Spanish singer and actor. She was so successful in Mexico that she acquired the moniker Reina de las Rancheras (“Queen of Rancheras”).
Durcal got a Latin Grammy Award for musical excellence in 2005, a recognition given by the Recording Latin Academy’s Governing Board to musicians who have made innovative achievements of great artistic value during their careers.
Durcal began her musical career by competing in numerous radio song festivals and competitions, which she covertly sponsored with the help of her paternal grandfather, who always believed in her skill and became her first fan.
She appeared in the television program Primer Aplauso, broadcast by Televisión Espaola in 1959, with her parents’ agreement. She chose the traditional song “La Sombra Vendo” as her contest theme. Her talent and attitude struck Luis Sanz, a Madrid manager who watched the show. Sanz phoned the program and requested the young contestant’s name and address.
Canción de Juventud (1962), Roco Durcal’s first film, was a box office and critical triumph. In 1965, she directed Más Bonita Que Ninguna, for which the band Los Brincos wrote some songs. She began singing duets with artists such as Jaime Morey and Amalia de Isaura.
