Also known as La Pradera, Maria Dolores is a Spanish melodic singer and actress, widely recognised in the Spanish and Latin American film and theatre scene. Born in Madrid (in August 29, 1924), she gained international fame for her exceptional voice and great dramatic talents on stage.

Maria Dolores started her career as an actress both in theatre and movies, including the famous Inés de Castro (1944), Yo no me caso (1944), Los habitantes de la casa deshabitada (1946), Niebla y sol (1951), La danza de los deseos (1954), among others.

As a film and stage actress, she was very much active in the 1950’s and 60’s with much appreciation and recognition coming her way as one of the best dramatic artists of that time. However, as far as professional singing is concerned, she came with more of her works during 1950’s and eventually concentrated more in singing from the latter half of 1960’s.

Her singing has deep rooted elements of traditional Spanish and Latin American music such as bolero, ballad, vals, along with a variety of folk styles.

She performed and worked with some of the finest composers, while for many years, accompanied by guitarists James and Julian López Hernández, known as The Twins, she toured around South America and achieved enormous success.

Her works, both in her theatrical career and as a singer, has earned her numerous international as well as Spanish awards, including the National Theatre Award (Premio Nacional de Teatro) and the Medal of Fine Arts (Medalla de Bellas Artes) and the prestigious Lara Award (Premio Lara).

* This article is open for modification, in case you want to contribute to the write up with additional information about Maria Dolores Pradera and her work.