In a ceremony celebrated in the southern Spanish town of Córdoba (Andalusia), the singer Raphael has been awarded with the Gold Medal to the Merit of the Fine Arts. This recognition comes from the Spanish Head of State, King Juan Carlos I.

The Gold Medal to the Merit in Fine Arts is given in Spain to artists who have developed a huge and outstanding career. Now, Raphael, amongst other notable personalities of the artistic Spanish world, has received this award recognising a whole life dedicated to the music.

Raphael's career starts in 1962, when he won the Benidorm Song Festival. Since then, he has developed a great musical work. 326 gold discs, 49 platinum, and the only uranium disc given to an artist in the world prove Raphael's successful curriculum.

Raphael represented Spain twice. The first one, in Luxembourg 1966 with 'Yo soy aquél'. This entry came 7th out of 18 countries. The following year, in Vienna 1967, Raphael was placed 6th amongst 17 countries with 'Hablemos del amor'.