Crooner Martin Nievera is often called the "Concert King" of the Philippines. The son of Filipino balladeer Bert Nievera, Nievera was born on February 5, 1962, in Manila, Philippines. Nievera spent most of his childhood in Hawaii as his father sang for the group S.O.S. (otherwise known as A Society of Seven). Inspired by his father's talent and success, Nievera returned to the Philippines to pursue his own musical career in 1982. Nievera released his first LP, Martin...Take One, in June 1982; the album went platinum in five months. Nievera also began co-hosting the TV variety show Penthouse Live! with future wife Pops Fernandez, the Philippines' "Concert Queen." Nievera's second LP, 1984's The Best Gift, was also certified platinum. In 1987, Penthouse Live! was changed to Martin and Pops Twogether, reflecting the duo's marriage. Although his cloyingly sentimental music usually lulled rock & roll critics into an early slumber, Nievera's affable on-stage personality had mass appeal, and throughout the '80s and '90s his albums and live performances were fanatically devoured. Nievera's 1997 album Journeys was a hit in Hawaii as well as the Philippines. The track "You Are My Song" earned Nievera Awit and Katha Awards for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist. Nievera and Fernandez separated a year later. Nievera then recorded Forever to win back his wife. However, the attempt failed; Forever, originally intended to be only heard by Fernandez, was distributed to the public. Forever became the second best-selling album ever in the Philippines; in addition, the album spawned two sequels in 1999, Forever Forever and Return to Forever. Consisting mostly of covers, Forever Forever reflects Nievera's anguish over losing Fernandez while Return to Forever is about his acceptance over their breakup. Both albums went platinum. An international superstar, Nievera has toured the U.S., Canada, Guam, the Middle East, and Singapore.
from Wikipedia:
Martin Ramon Razon Nievera (born February 5, 1962, in Manila, Philippines) is a singer, songwriter, and actor. He is one of the main hosts of musical variety show ASAP on ABS-CBN
Early life
Nievera was born on February 5, 1962, in Manila, Philippines with twin sister, Victoria, to Bert Nievera and Conchita Razon. Nievera spent most of his childhood in Hawaii with his mother and father, as his father sang for the group Society of Seven. The Nievera family also took up residence in the Bay Area in California for a short time in the late '70s. He graduated from Clayton Valley High School (Concord, California)in 1980.
Personal life
He was previously married to singer-actress Pops Fernandez and had two children with her.
Career
Inspired by his father, Bert Nievera, also a singer, Nievera returned to the Philippines in 1982 to begin his own singing career and by June 1982 he released his first LP, Martin...Take One. Nievera began co-hosting the TV variety show Penthouse Live! with Pops Fernandez, who would later become his wife. Nievera's second LP was 1984's The Best Gift. In 1987, Penthouse Live! was changed to Martin and Pops Twogether, in celebration of their marriage. His recording Forever led to two sequels, Forever Forever and Return to Forever.
As an actor, Nievera has appeared or starred in eleven movies and seven television series and specials. Nievera's film credits include dramas, romance, science fiction, comedy and action.
He appeared with Hawaii's Society of Seven and Lani Misalucha at the Flamingo Las Vegas from February 13 through April 13, 2008. He performed a pre-Valentine/post-birthday concert with Pops Fernandez titled "Missing You" on February 6, 2009, at the Araneta Coliseum. He co-hosts the weekly music show called ASAP XV.
In July 2010, Nievera's album, As Always was released.
In May 2011, his album, Himig Ng Damdamin was launched and contains all of his covers.
Filmography
Television
Mirasol del Cielo - Gregory Rosario (1986–1987) (GMA Network)Martin After Dark - host (1988–1998) (GMA Network/ABS-CBN)Haybol Rambol - Pedro Molina (1993–1995) (GMA Network)A.S.A.P - host (1995–present) (ABS-CBN)Martin Late @ Nite - host (1998–2002) (ABS-CBN)S.O.P. - host (1998–2002) (GMA Network)Twist & Shout - host (2010) (ABS-CBN)
Movies
1986 Always and Forever1986 Si Mister at Si Misis (Mister and Misis)1986 Payaso (Clown)1987 Shoot That Ball1987 Stupid Cupid1988 Maria Went to Town1988 Sa Puso Ko Hahalik Ang Mundo (The World Shall Kiss My Heart)1989 Magic To Love - Zerox1997 Adarna: The Mythical Bird - voice1998 Alyas Boy Tigas: Ang Probinsyanong Wais - James Bond2004 Masikip sa Dibdib (Tight to the Chest)2006 Wrinkles
Albums
Studio
Martin...Take One (1982)The Best Gift (1984)Martin (1985)Miracle (1987)Dream (1989)A New Start (1991)Roads (1994)Journeys (1997)Forever (1999)Forever Forever (2000)Return to Forever (2001)Chasing Time (2002)Chasing Time Vol. 2 (2003)Martin Nievera MedleyMartin Nievera Live @ PPOBest Wishes (Wedding Songs)Unforgettable (2004)When Love is Gone (2005)Awit ng Puso (2006)Milestones (2007)Ikaw Ang Pangarap (2008)For Always (2009)As 1 (with Gary Valenciano) (Universal Records & PolyEast Records, 2009)As Always (2010)Himig Ng Damdamin (2011)
Compilation
Greatest Hits (Vicor Music Corp., 1992)Be My Lady (Vicor Music Corp., 1994)Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin (Vicor Music Corp., 1994)My Souvenirs (MCA Music Philippines, 2001)More Souvenirs (MCA Music Philippines, 2002)Best Wishes (A Wedding Love Song Collection) (PolyEast Records, 2004)Martin Nievera's 18 Greatest Hits (Vicor Music Corp., 2010)Unforgettable Souveneirs (PolyEast Records, 2010)
Collaboration
Gold Ito! (Dyna Music, 1982)6th Metro Manila Popular Song Festival (Vicor Music, 1983)2001 Metro Pop Song Festival (Infinity Music "now GMA Records"/Sony Music Philippines, 2001)Only Selfless Love 2 (Universal Records, 2003)OPM Rewind (Universal Records, 2004)Best of OPM Inspirational Songs (Universal Records, 2005)OPM Superstars Christmas (Universal Records, 2006)Remember The OPM In The 80s (Vicor Music, 2007)Yes FM! It's Christmas Time (Vicor Music, 2007)Life Songs & Life Stories with Boy Abunda (Star Records, 2008)OPM Love Album (Universal Records, 2008)Musika At Pelikula: A Star Cinema Music Collection (Star Records, 2008)No.1 Signature Hits OPM's Best (Vicor Music, 2008)GV 25: All Star Tribute (Star Records, 2008)Kris Aquino The Greatest Love (Universal Records, 2008)Christmas Memories (Viva Records, 2008)Hanep! Ultimate Pinoy Hits Collection (PolyEast Records Philippines, 2008)OPM No. 1's (Star Records, 2009)No. 1 Signature Hits OPM's Best Vol. 2 (Vicor Music Corp., 2009)Senti 3 (Viva Records, 2009)Paalam, Maraming Salamat Pres. Aquino (A Memorial Tribute Soundtrack) (Star Records, 2009)I-Star 15: Best Of TV & Movie Themes (Star Records, 2010)60 Taon Ng Musika At Soap Opera (Star Records, 2010)Senti Four It's Complicated (Viva Records, 2010)I Love You (Star Records, 2011)A Perfectly Acoustic Experience (PolyEast Records, 2011)Bida Best Hits Da Best (Star Records, 2011)
Live
Martin Live: with the Phil. Harmonic Orchestra (2000)
Christmas
A Martin Nievera Christmas (1989)Martin Nievera's Christmas List (2008)
Singles (Originally performed by himself)
"Be My Lady""Each Day with You""Ikaw ang Aking Pangarap""Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin""Kahit Isang Saglit""You're On the Right Track""Please Don't Throw My Love Away""Pain""You Are to Me"
Cover Versions by Martin
"Because Of You" (original by Keith Martin)"We Are The Reason""Now & Forever" (original by Richard Marx)"Maybe This Time" (original by Michael Murphy)"On The Wings Of Love" (original by Jeffrey Osbourne)"Forever" (original by Kenny Loggins)"When I Met You" (Original by APO Hiking Society)"Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin" (Original by Joey Albert, also covered by Joey Generoso and Lani Misalucha)"Closer You And I" (Original by Gino Padilla)"Somewhere Down The Road" (Original by Barry Manilow)"Right Here Waiting" (original by Richard Marx)"Just Once" (original by James Ingram)"Only Selfless Love 2" (original by Jamie Rivera, also covered by Jerome John Hughes and Karylle)"Narito" (original by Gary V.)"Iisa Pa Lamamg" (original by Joey Albert)"Kung Ako Na Lang Sana" (original by Bituin Escalante)"Before I Let You Go" (original by Freestyle)"Can't take my eyes off you" (Original by Frankie Valli)"Of All The Things""Search Is Over"
Websites/Links
Official Websitegmanews.tv/video, Pops Fernandez still at odds with Martin Nievera - 29 January 2008 (in Filipino)
