About

"...It's no secret. I was raised by Drag Queens. That's why I'm so good at what I do." - Raquela in New York's 'The Village Voice', 1999 RAQUELA® is an American Theatrical Dance-pop, House music and Hi-NRG singer/songwriter. She has successfully released several dance tracks that have made her a recognized Billboard artist today. She often loves to jokes around about how tough it was growing up a nerdy geeky German/Mexican hybrid, in Northern California, USA. Raquela began fascinating the audience since she was 7 years old. At 9, she began performing professionally on stage. She wrote and performed her 1st Folk/Pop song on guitar at the age of 11. After studying voice and drama in Los Angeles, she was endorsed into two California Proclamations by former San Diego Mayor, Maureen O'Connor for her civil duties as the 1st Mexican American crowned, "Miss Orange County". She later found herself playing leading roles on Broadway! She is humbled to have worked with so many Tony award winning masters. While in New York, she made regular appearances on local live shows hosted by good friends like, Scotts Nevins, Shequida Hall and Hedda Letuce. While on the world’s biggest stages, she enjoyed working alongside celebrities like Carol Burnet, Cloris Leachman, Bernadette Peters, Toni Collette, Don Rickels, Elaine Stritch, Chita Rivera, Angela Bassett, Joan Rivers, and Tom Bosely. (…to name a few) “Before there was Lady Gaga, there was… RAQUELA!” Thanks to the successful release of Raquela’s 1999 award winning album, “Confessions of the Disco Diva”, she officially earned the title “1st Lady” of Theatrical Dance-Pop! RAQUELA's powerhouse vocals have gotten her seen opening for legendary dance artists like Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta), Deborah Cox, Lisa Lisa, Erika Jayne, Kristine W, Judy Torres, Luciana, Robin S, CC Penniston, Crystal Waters, George Lamond, Stevie B, Georgie Porgie, Jessica Sutta and Grammy artist, Little Louie Vega. RAQUELA has worked alongside many world renowned producers, like Chris “The Greek” Panaghi, Rod Carrillo and the legendary, MICKEY Mixin' OLIVER with the release of, "NOTHIN' MORE 2 GIVE" that received Billboard Magazine's "Break-Out" for Hot New Club Play. Today, Raquela can be seen in the new independent, dance variety television series called, “Intensi-T TV” filmed out of Las Vegas. Currently RAQUELA is in the studio, working alongside producer greats like Steely M., Cary August, Keith Kemper, Matt Sietz, DJP, LA Rush and Qubiq. Her worldwide release for the remake of Taylor Dayne’s, “TELL IT TO MY HEART” (on CAPP Records, “Best Of 80's Dance, Volume 3 - #1 80's Dance Club Hits Remixed”) has made enough noise to get it maxi-singled on ISV Entertainment's label, now out on CD Baby and iTunes! RAQUELA played a key role in launching Children’s Theater companies, HIV/AIDS charity benefits and USO show acts. RAQUELA is currently a member of ASCAP, AEA and The Grammy's. She also teaches voice privately.

Education

• Biola University
• Florin Christian Academy
• Valley High School

Favorite saying

• "I try the best I can. Everybody else is their own problem. "If a child cannot learn the way it is taught, it is better to teach the child the way he or she can learn". -Marion Welchmann On Raquela's, TELL IT TO MY HEART... "... This cover of the classic really lives up to the original. Raquela's vocals are just perfect for this..." -Mike Macharello, LETS DANCE IRS RECORD POOL ..."... Now this is one up and coming artist, her vocals just take you away on a journey and she never stops! This is one were going to chart..." -Gary Canavo, MASSPOOL "... Wow! This is a hard song to remake considering how the incredible Taylor Dayne sang the original. That being said, this cover should do well with today's crossover audience and should bring a smile to the faces of the older crowds..." -Bill Keart & Alan Chasan, OUR MID ATLANTIC POOL (OMAP) "... FULL , HUSKY VOCALS Similar To Taylor Dayne In This REMAKE, Likely To Be An Upcoming "PICK HIT" For Our Charts..." -Fred Kolet, PHILLY SPINNERS ASSOC "... Hot remake, with a flavor for everyone... The vocals are solid..." -Fred Dowdy, CENTRAL OHIO RECORD POOL "... a slammin cover version of this hit song!..." -Steve Tseplis, PACIFIC COAST DJS "... I really like Raquela's voice! ..." -Sam Labelle, SOUNDWORKS "... Raquela presented the song in full force... Love the Raquela..." -Bob Kechter - Steve Cunningham, NEXT MUSIC POOL You can find "Raquela, TELL IT TO MY HEART" on ISV Entertainment's "Super Dance Christmas Party, Vol. 3" (In cooperation with CAPP Records)See More "I'm just an ordinary person that did some extraordinary things." "I don't care what I am on the outside. It isn't about the outside." ~Donna Summer"