Soraya Cuevas American singer, songwriter, guitarist, arranger and record producer Date of Birth: 11.03.1969 Country: USA

Biography of Soraya

Soraya Raquel Lamilla Cuevas, better known as Soraya, was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, arranger, and music producer. She was born on March 11, 1969 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, USA. Soraya's family immigrated to Colombia when she was young.

Early on, Soraya developed an interest in music after hearing her uncle play the Pueblito Viejo, a traditional Colombian instrument similar to a guitar with three strings, when she was just five years old. Her parents bought her a guitar and she taught herself to play. She later also learned to play the violin. As a schoolgirl, she began writing songs.

When Soraya was 12 years old, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. At 18, her mother was diagnosed again, and when Soraya turned 22, her mother passed away. After her mother's death, Soraya spoke about feeling an increased sense of responsibility.

After completing high school, she attended Rutgers University, where she studied English literature and French philosophy. Initially, Soraya worried that she wouldn't be able to pursue a career in music due to her shyness and fear of performing in front of crowds, but she later overcame her fears.

In 1996, Soraya signed a contract with Polygram Records/Island Records. Her debut album, "En Esta Noche/On Nights Like This," was released in both Spanish and English. Both versions received positive reviews from critics and allowed her to tour the United States, Latin America, and Europe as an opening act for renowned musicians such as Natalie Merchant, Zucchero, Sting, Michael Bolton, and Alanis Morissette. Her songs climbed to the top of the charts in many countries, with her first single, "Suddenly/De Repente," reaching number one on the Billboard charts.

Her second album, "Torre de Marfil/Wall of Smiles," was recorded and released in 1997, further establishing Soraya's global recognition. Throughout her career, she released a total of five solo albums. She won the Latin Grammy Award in 2004 and 2005.

Soraya passed away on May 10, 2006 at the age of 37 after a six-year battle with breast cancer. Prior to her, her mother, grandmother, and maternal aunts had also succumbed to breast cancer.