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Mexican composer, concert pianist, and author, best known for writing one of the most recorded songs in history. Consuelo Velazquez was a classically trained pianist who achieved global fame for composing the iconic bolero 'Besame Mucho' in her teens. Born in Ciudad Guzmán, Mexico, she studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City. Beyond her legendary song, she composed numerous others, performed as a concert pianist, served as a federal deputy in the Mexican Congress, and was a cultural ambassador.

• Velazquez wrote 'Besame Mucho' ('Kiss Me Much') around 1940, reportedly without having ever been kissed herself at the time, drawing inspiration from Enrique Granados's opera 'Goyescas' and the emotion of young love.
• The song gained immense popularity during World War II, becoming an anthem for soldiers separated from loved ones. It was notably banned in Francoist Spain for being 'too sensual', though Velazquez maintained it was innocent.
• She married Mariano Rivera Conde, a prominent radio executive, in the early 1940s. They had two sons. Her husband managed her career for many years.
• Velazquez continued composing throughout her life ('Cachito', 'Amar y vivir', 'Que seas feliz') and had a significant career as a concert pianist, often performing classical repertoire.
• She served as a federal deputy (Congresswoman) in Mexico from 1979 to 1982.
• Velazquez died in Mexico City in 2005 at the age of 88 due to complications from a public fall she suffered a few months prior, specifically cardiopulmonary arrest.