Cantaré, Cantarás

Ricardo Montalbán utilized his celebrity in service of others, from helping form Nosotros to his work with Easter Seals.  He also lent his voice to serve as narrator and chorus singer on the 1985 charity anthem “Cantaré, Cantarás.”  Travel back with us to the 1980s and learn more about the song, the cause, and how Ricardo Montalbán helped.  

Hermanos (Brothers and Sisters)'s Executive Director Luis Media, UNICEF, and song writers Albert Hammond, Anahi Van Zandweghe , and Juan Carlos Calderon united to create the song "Cantaré, Cantarás" with the goal of bringing awareness and resources to the poor of all nations, especially those in Latin America and Africa.

Recorded in April of 1985 in Los Angeles, "Cantaré, Cantarás" included the participation of many Latino and Latina entertainers, including Jose Jose, Julio Inglesia, Cheech Marin, Sérgio Mendes, The Miami Sound Machine, Apollonia, José Feliciano, José Luis Rodríguez, Lalo Schifrin, Placido Domingo, Roberto Carlos, Menudo and a young Ricky Martin, and of course, Ricardo Montalbán.  The song was available on the radio, CD, audio tape, and a music video was made.  There was also the "Cantaré, Cantarás" Television Special which was hosted by Ricardo Montalbán that was shown on Spanish speaking networks in many nations. 

Please enjoy these videos of "Cantaré, Cantarás." This first music video is from Musica Peru Vision and features Ricardo Montalbán singing with the chorus.

This video, posted by YouTube's Yoryi1960, is about the making of the song and features Ricardo Montalbán throughout, and him offering words of hope for imaging a better world at time index 4:44 minutes.

Ricardo Montalbán's service to others continues to inspire, and more than 25 years after "Cantaré, Cantarás," UNICEF continues its mission of bringing hope and resources to those who need help.