Vikki Carr

by Stephen Thomas ErlewineAfter singing in various school functions, local groups, and Pepe Callahans Mexican-Irish band, Carr began her professional musical career in earnest in the early 60s. Her solo debut was in Reno, supported by the Chuck Leonard Quartet, which led to a record contract with Liberty. While not gathering much attention in the U.S., her first single (Hes a Rebel) was a hit in Australia and led to numerous television appearances, and a spell as a regular on The Ray Anthony Show. In the late 60s, Carr scored three Top 40 hits, including the number three It Must Be Him. Her American sales dwindled in the beginning of the 70s. With the release of her 1980 album, Vikki Carr y el Amor, Carr gained enormous success in the Latin music world. In 1991, Carr won a Best Latin Pop Album Grammy for her Cosas del Amor. Reta Manda y Provoca followed in 1998, and the next year saw the release of Memories Memorias.