Born December 23 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, STEFANI MONTIEL (Stefani Barela Sullivan) arrived with a rich cultural lineage extending to Mexico,
Spain, Germany and Italy. Her Mexican-American roots, nevertheless, are her source of pride and the solid foundation for her life and her music.
While growing up, Stefani would watch and listen to Emilio Barela, her grandfather, as he played his accordian along classic rancheras. Her father, Dwight
Sullivan also provided musical nourishment to the future Tejano superstar while performing with his band, Los Chavos, in New Mexico. At age three,
in exchange for a bowl of cherries and a soda pop, Stefani made her singing debut to the amazement of everyone present, showing great poise and a
naturally sweet and smooth voice.
The music world gave Stefani a warm welcome upon the release of her first single at age five. Side A featured "Rancho Grande" while side B broke into
the airwaves with "Que Grande El Amor de Dios." By age nine, Stefani recorded her first album "ANGEL BABY." Besides the classic "Angel Baby",
the album included three major hits "Las Gaviotas," "Flor De Las Flores," and "Blue Bayou." Her second Long Play album was released when she
turned fifteen years old, simply title "Listen to My Music" including a mixture of Country, Pop, and classic rancheras.
Searching for a future in the music business, Stefani moved to San Antonio, Texas in hopes of realizing greater fame. Her success was immediate with
two major hits- "Primer Beso" and "Tú y Nadie Más." She was soon signed to a long term contract with Sony Discos and released
"TE VOY A ENAMORAR" which established her as a major force in the Tejano music industry. Other hits off this album were "Celos" and
"Soy Feliz" which received national airplay, as well as the title track and accompanying video "Te Voy a Enamorar" featuring actor MARIO LOPEZ.
The first visit to Mexico, for Stefani, was a complete success due in part to her incredible charisma, impressive vocal power, and stunning beauty.
She was named the Queen of the Monterrey Fair after giving a rousing performance before more than 100,000 fans.
The second album, "TODO MI AMOR" proved that Stefani was not a "one-hit wonder" and expanded her fan-base by including more of a "Pop" feel
to some of the songs. Hits like "Sabado en la Noche", "Angel en el Cielo", and "Contigo" showcased her powerful range and smoth vocals. It became
obvious to the public and industry insiders that they were witnessing the work of a major star with the ability to crossover into any type of music. Radio
airplay increased to a frenzied level featuring hits from the previous album as well as "TODO MI AMOR."
Her next release "PORQUE SOY MUJER" (Because I am a Woman) delivered still more hits including the title track, which established an important
link of communication between the Tejano songbird and her loyal female fans. Songs that are now standards include "Porque Soy Mujer," the
gypsy-influenced "Baila Conmigo," and the driving beat of "Ven Conmigo."
Her fourth album " DULCE SENSACION" (Sweet Sensation) features one of the first songs she ever sang, "Angel Baby" with a Spanglish and a
Spanish version featuring a cumbia beat. "DULCE SENSACION" is the definitive release by Stefani Montiel. Loaded with radio-friendly hits,
the album hints at Regional Mexican, Pop, and Tropical while still strongly rooted in the Tejano sound. The first single "Ay Papi" written by Stefani,
included a Tejano, hip-hop, and "Mambolicious" tropical version which all drew immediate success and airplay throughout the country as well as
Los Angeles, Miami, and Puerto Rico. Also included on this album are "Daria Todo," "La Puerta," and the fully orchestrated, "Hermoso Amor."
The painstaking detail of the arrangements, the lyrics, the vocal delivery and the production quality speak volumes of Stefani Montiel's talent and
earned her a nomination for "BEST TEJANO PERFORMANCE" at the first ever Latin Grammys in 2000.
The most recent release, TAKIN ON THE WORLD is loaded with radio-friendly hits. The album hints at Regional Mexican, Pop, and Tropical
while still strongly rooted in the Tejano sound. The painstaking detail of the arrangements, the lyrics, the vocal delivery and the production quality
speak volumes of Stefani Montiel's talent and earned her another nomination for "BEST TEJANO ALBUM" at the Grammys in 2005. "
In the summer of 2005, Stefani Montiel joined forces with Elida Reyna and Shelly Lares to create the group and album titled, LAS TRES DIVAS.
This project brought together the three top female singers in tejano music. The collaboration was so successful it led to a Grammy nomination for
"Best Mexican/American" album and a Latin Grammy nomination for "Best Tejano" album.
