Amazon Music presents an exclusive version of the song, “big person” Performed by 2021 Grammy Best New Artist Juliana Velasquez. It was written in 1986 by composer Omar Alfano and sung by salsa music legend Willie Colon with his band Legal Alien.

“Salsa is a genre that has had a significant influence on my musical career and it tells many stories that inspire my songwriting. “Covering El Gran Varon, a song ahead of its time that expresses the difficulties and struggles of the LGBTIQ+ community, is a great addition to the tribute to this movement,” noted Juliana Velázquez.

For independent artist services company ONErpm, this campaign, which was carried out in partnership with Amazon Music and Latin Grammy artist Juliana, is an opportunity to To amplify the voice of the LGBTIQ+ community and their fight for equality through the power of music and art.

“At Amazon Music, we continue to bet on exclusive content to continue to amaze our customers. In accordance with the above, we present to you one of the most recognized salsa classics “El Gran Varon”, performed by a female voice that represents new generations“said Federico Pedersen, head Amazon Music Latam.

The exclusive track is available on the “Orgullo” playlist, one of the initiatives Amazon Music has developed to support and give visibility to artists from the LGBTIQ+ community. This interpretation is also included in playlists such as Platinum, made in Colombia and Tierra Tropical, where you can also watch the video.

big man

The song tells about the life of Simone, who was rejected by Andres, his father, for being a transvestite. Simon travels to the United States and begins his transition. His father went to him and rejected him. Years later, Simon dies of AIDS at the age of only 30; The father repents, but it is too late. According to Alfano, El Gran Varon is a biography of his childhood friend, to whom he dedicates the song.

El Gran Varon was the first song in Spanish to address the topic of HIV. However, the song is not only considered a standard for LGBT rights, but also an example of homophobic thinking, which sees homosexuality as a deviation from nature. In fact, it was banned from many radio stations at the time of its release.

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