Ella Baila Sola

In the mid-1980s the Spanish Latin pop duo Ella Baila Sola began shaping original material once producer Gonzalo Benavides encountered a demo by the local band the Just, whose leaders were Marta Botía and Marilia Casares, and reached out to them shortly afterward. The two singers had already become acquainted as students at Madrid’s San Agustín School, where a shared enthusiasm for music drew them together. Benavides persuaded the pair to perform in Spanish and, in the same move, prompted a change in the group’s name. Ella Baila Sola issued its debut self-titled album in 1996. Recognition followed the next year with a Best Spanish Band trophy at the Premios Amigo. After playing across Spain and appearing at major venues throughout Latin America, the duo released e.b.s. in 1998, which included the hit single “Y Quisiera.” Three years later came the album Marta & Marilia.