Shelley Mozelle
For Julio Iglesias Jr., growing up with a last name synonymous with Latin music royalty was both a
privilege and a challenge. The son of the legendary Julio Iglesias Sr., global sensation and renowned
Spanish singer and songwriter, and the older brother of celebrity Enrique Iglesias. Julio Jr. was born into a
family where music was not just a passion but a way of life. However, forging his own identity in an
industry where the music world expected him to follow in his father’s footsteps would require resilience,
patience, and self-discovery. What many fans don’t know is that music wasn’t what his famous father,
Julio Iglesias Sr., planned for either of his sons. His father had envisioned traditional, professional careers
for his boys. He believed that paths in law or medicine would offer stability and prestige, steering them
away from the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. However, the musical environment in
which Julio Jr. was raised had a profound influence on him. From a young age, he was exposed to the
world of performance, often accompanying his father on stage in front of tens of thousands of fans, which
would ignite his passion for music. It was only after both sons defied these expectations and pursued
music that their father accepted their choices.
To understand Julio Jr.’s journey, one must first appreciate the immense legacy of his father. Julio Iglesias
is one of the most successful Latin music artists of all time with over 100 million records sold worldwide.
A former professional soccer player, Julio Sr. became a global sensation in the 1970s and 80s, captivating
audiences with his romantic ballads and signature deep, velvety voice. His songs, such as ”To All the
Girls I’ve Loved Before” and ”Hey!” cemented his place as a legend in music history.
But with fame came sacrifice and fear. Julio Jr. recalls his childhood in Madrid, Spain when his family
was compelled to leave their home. His grandfather had been kidnapped and held for ransom. Days of
uncertainty passed, and his grandfather was finally rescued (that’s a story for another interview, I’m sure)
but it was clear to his mother and father that they needed to move the family to the States for fear of
further kidnappings.
Julio Jr. remembers his childhood days when his father, Julio Sr., was frequently away on tour. He
remembers attending school where classmates’ mothers would often inquire about when his father would
be dropping him off. At the time, he didn’t grasp the significance of their questions. It was only later in life
that he realized the extent of his father’s fame. Though their relationship was built on deep admiration,
there were inevitable gaps that time and distance created. For Julio Jr., finding his place within such a
high-profile family meant navigating his dreams while carrying the weight of expectations.
Jr. was initially interested in modeling, where he handsomely appeared in campaigns for Versace, and The
Gap, and modeled for designer John Bartlett, even winning the title of Best Latino Model in 1990. Julio Jr.
also showed interest in show business and hosted The Travel Channel’s Latin-related shows and had an
acting role in the Out of Blue TV series. But music was always in his blood. He officially ventured into
the industry in the late 1990s, releasing his debut album Under My Eyes in 1999, which blended pop and
Latin influences.
However, it wasn’t until 2005 and 2006 that Julio Jr. truly felt he had found his voice. “It took me ten
years to really understand who I was musically,” he admitted. He experimented with different sounds,
slowly carving out an identity that was distinct from his father and brother. Rather than chasing
commercial success, Julio Jr. embraced music as a form of personal expression, leading to projects that
reflected his unique style and perspective.
Julio Jr.’s love life has been as intriguing as his music career. He has been linked to several high-profile
relationships over the years, but he has largely kept his romantic life private. Despite his father’s well-
documented romances and larger-than-life public persona, Julio Jr. seems to prefer a more discreet
approach to relationships but does tell us that he has a current girlfriend and life is good. When further
asked about love, Julio Jr. has spoken about the importance of connection and authenticity. “Love should
feel natural. It should never feel forced,” he said. Perhaps this philosophy stems from growing up in a
family where relationships were often under the microscope.
Julio Jr. may have inherited his father’s musical talent, but his journey has been uniquely his own. He has
sung in multiple languages and performed around the world. But one of the most defining moments of his
career came when he was asked to sing his father’s iconic song ”Crazy” at a private event in Russia.
At that moment, something clicked. Singing romantic ballads felt like home. It was then that Julio Jr.
realized that love songs were his true calling, just as they had been for his father. This newfound clarity
reinvigorated his passion for music and gave him a clear direction moving forward.
Recently, Julio Jr. made his way to El Paso for a concert, and during our interview, I asked if he had been
able to explore the city. His response was both charming and unexpected: “Why don’t you take me on a
tour?” With a laugh, we agreed that experiencing the city together would be a great idea. It was a moment
that showcased his down-to-earth nature and love for new experiences.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Julio Jr. released his eighth album, his first all-English album, with
timeless love ballets like “Under the Covers,” another classic love song like “Into the Night,” by the late
Benny Mardones, a version of “I’m Too Sexy,” and Billy Joel’s song “Just the Way You Are,” (one of his
favorite songs of all times), and a duet with Jewel, “Careless Whisper.” But always unforgettable is when
he was on stage with his father Julio Iglesias Sr. singing “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before.”
Despite his lineage, Julio Jr. remains humble and open, always willing to connect with fans and discover
new places. It’s this genuine curiosity and warmth that makes him stand out, not just as an artist but as a
person.
So, what’s next for Julio Iglesias Jr.? With a renewed sense of direction and passion for music, he
continues to perform and create. His journey has been one of self-discovery, proving that while legacy can
shape a person, it does not have to define them.
The story of Julio Iglesias Jr. is one of perseverance and self-discovery. Julio Jr. is not just the son of a
legend—he is an artist in his own right, one who has embraced the seasons of his life with grace and
authenticity. Despite the expectations set by his father he remains true to his passion for music. His
journey underscores the importance of following one’s path. Through resilience and dedication, Julio
Iglesias Jr. has carved out his own space in the world of music, contributing to the rich legacy of the
Iglesias family. And as he continues to sing, travel, and evolve, one thing is certain: his story is far from
over.
