Chris Montez, born Ezekiel Christopher Montanez on January 17, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, is an American singer and musician whose smooth vocal stylings span genres from rock and roll to jazz and easy listening. He first soared to fame in the early 1960s with his hit single "Let's Dance," which became a top 10 hit in the UK and the US, capturing the exuberant spirit of the times and establishing Montez as a significant figure in the rock and roll scene.

Montez's early success was marked by energetic, danceable tracks, but his career took a notable turn in the mid-1960s when he shifted towards a more mellow, soft-pop style under the guidance of producer Herb Alpert at A&M Records. This transition was exemplified by his cover of "The More I See You," which reached No. 3 on the UK charts and defined his new sound. The song conveyed a romantic, crooner's quality that would come to characterize his later music. Despite the changing tides of musical trends, Montez has continued to charm audiences with his graceful melodies and timeless voice, as captured in releases like "Call Me - The A&M Years," "The Standards and More," and "Time After Time." His enduring appeal and versatility as an artist are testaments to his talent and his ability to evolve with the landscape of music.

Genres

Merseybeat

Rock-and-roll

Related Artists

Sam Cooke

Paul Anka

Ritchie Valens

Del Shannon

Bobby Vee

Frank Sinatra

The Beach Boys

Otis Redding

Neil Diamond

The Temptations

Dean Martin

Chuck Berry

Latest Release

Chris Montez At His Best

Chris Montez

Album - 22 Tracks - Released September 17, 2021