María Eugenia Martínez Mendiola (April 4, 1952 – September 11, 2021), known as María Mendiola , was a Spanish singer, dancer and actress, creator and founder of the musical duo Baccara .
101-481: Baccara was a Spanish female vocal duo formed in 1977 by Spanish artists Mayte Mateos (born 7 February 1951) and María Mendiola (4 April 1952 – 11 September 2021). The duo rapidly achieved international success with their debut single " Yes Sir, I Can Boogie ", which reached number one across much of Europe and became the best-selling single of all time by a female duo , eventually selling more than 16 million copies worldwide. A successful follow-up single (" Sorry, I'm
202-414: A Hit Albums book following two years later. In 1975, Parker Brothers marketed a board game, The Guinness Game of World Records , based on the book. Players compete by setting and breaking records for activities such as the longest streak of rolling dice before rolling doubles, stacking plastic pieces, and bouncing a ball off alternating sides of a card, as well as answering trivia questions based on
303-571: A Lady ") and European tour led to a number of album releases, numerous television appearances and the duo's selection to represent Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest 1978 . Despite a substantial following in Spain, Germany and Japan, by 1981 their blend of disco , pop and Spanish folk music was no longer fashionable, and by 1983 Mateos and Mendiola were both working on solo projects. Achieving little success as solo artists,
404-737: A Lady", was also an international hit, peaking at the top of the charts in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium and reaching the top ten in the UK, Sweden and Switzerland. Most of Baccara's recordings were sung in English although they also recorded in Spanish, German and French. They recorded different language versions of some songs (see Discography below). Touring in Europe during the late 1970s helped
505-463: A Laredo") was released at the same time as the English one, and both the original English version and "Somewhere in Paradise" subsequently featured on the duo's first greatest hits compilation, The Hits of Baccara , released under the name Los Éxitos de Baccara in Spain and South America. In 1979, the album Colours and the separately-recorded single "Eins plus eins ist eins", released to mark
606-466: A Spanish artist in the UK until Julio Iglesias , four years later. Later that year, a self-titled album , written and produced by Soja and Dostal, was released. The album Baccara was the first platinum selling album—actually double platinum in 1978—by a foreign group in Finland. In 2013, the album still remains the sixth biggest selling album of all time in Finland. A follow-up single, "Sorry, I'm
707-598: A ballet dancer at the national school there, before joining the Spanish state broadcaster's dance troupe. Mendiola made her debut in the flamenco and Spanish dance companies of María Rosa and the legendary Antonio El Bailarín , with whom she toured the world; Mendiola even performed in Japan. Alberto Portillo, choreographer of the Spanish Radio Television ballet, chose her as the first dancer, and with
808-511: A branch that keeps records for popular video game high scores, codes and feats in association with Twin Galaxies . The Gamer's Edition contains 258 pages, over 1,236 video game related world records and four interviews including one with Twin Galaxies founder Walter Day . Editions were published for the years 2008 through 2020, with the 2009 edition in hardcover. The 2025 edition is the first since 2020. The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles
909-443: A consequence, the main hit of Baccara was re-recorded by Mendiola and Sevilla – and released together with Scottish DJ George "GBX" Bowie. In 2021 the single No Sir, Don't Say Goodbye was released by Team 33. On September 11, 2021 Mendiola died at the age of 69. Many national and international media have published articles, overviewing Mendiola's career – that lasted 45 years From her first marriage with Jimmy Lim, Mendiola had
1010-597: A contemporary song – " Hero ", originally by Enrique Iglesias . In August 2005, Mendiola and Pérez were honoured with a memorial on Vienna 's "Musical Mile", along its Hollywood -style "Walk of the Stars". In late 2008 Marisa Pérez was diagnosed with acute polyarthritis . It was agreed that until she recovered, her place at 'Baccara' live performances would be taken by Mendiola's niece Laura Mendiola. Maria Mendila and Laura Mendiola performed as 'Baccara' in 2008 in Moscow , at
1111-568: A fact-finding agency in London. The twin brothers were commissioned to compile what became The Guinness Book of (Superlatives and now) Records, in August 1954. A thousand copies were distributed for free to pubs across Britain and Ireland as a promotional asset for the Guinness brand, and they became immensely popular with customers. After the founding of The Guinness Book of Records office at
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#17327720124641212-635: A failed attempt to perform at the "Cancela" venue in Zaragoza , in January 1977 Mendiola asked her husband Jimmy Lim, who was at that time managing the hotel Tres Islas in Fuerteventura , to perform there. That performance was seen by Leon Deane and other executives from the German record label RCA , who happened to stay in the hotel. The duo was invited to Hamburg , and after the test recording in
1313-667: A huge number of world records. The organisation employs record adjudicators to verify the authenticity of the setting and breaking of records. Following a series of owners, the franchise has been owned by the Jim Pattison Group since 2008, with its headquarters moved to South Quay Plaza , Canary Wharf , London, in 2017. Since 2008, Guinness World Records has orientated its business model away from selling books, and towards creating new world records as publicity exercises for individuals and organisations, which has attracted criticism. On 10 November 1951, Sir Hugh Beaver , then
1414-551: A keyboarder during Thomas Anders tour in Russia in 1995, and took part in many recordings of Blue System . In 2004, Mayte Mateos was once again involved with Eurovision, when she took part (along with Cristina Sevilla) in the Swedish Melodifestivalen preselection contest to represent Sweden with the song "Soy tu Venus". However, Baccara lost out to local star Lena Philipsson , who eventually placed fifth in
1515-751: A login on the company's website. Applications made by individuals for existing record categories are free of charge. There is an administration fee of £5 (or $ 5) to propose a new record title. A number of spin-off books and television series have also been produced. Guinness World Records bestowed the record of "Person with the most records" on Ashrita Furman of Queens, New York, in April 2009; at that time, he held 100 records. In 2005, Guinness designated 9 November as International Guinness World Records Day to encourage breaking of world records. In 2006, an estimated 100,000 people participated in over 10 countries. Guinness reported 2,244 new records in 12 months, which
1616-409: A new record. The company also provides corporate services for companies to "harness the power of record-breaking to deliver tangible success for their businesses." Guinness World Records states several types of records it will not accept for ethical reasons, such as those related to the killing or harming of animals. In the 2006 Guinness Book of World Records , Colombian serial killer Pedro López
1717-522: A new version of "Fantasy Boy". In November 2020, "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" returned to the UK charts after it was featured in several online videos posted by members of the Scotland football team . The team qualified for the European championships , and were heard singing the song in celebratory videos. It became a 'new' number 57 hit for Sony Music on the national singles chart spending another 2 weeks on
1818-473: A record to break or to create a new category just for them. As such, they have been described as a native advertising company, with no clear distinction between content and advertisement. Guinness World Records was criticised by television talk show host John Oliver on the program Last Week Tonight with John Oliver in August 2019. Oliver criticised Guinness for taking money from authoritarian governments for pointless vanity projects as it related to
1919-573: A scroll", along with other such titles. Concerns were also raised around the activities around Egypt, which moved from 22 records to 110 within a decade until 2024. James Lynch, co-founder of FairSquare, said the records were legitimising Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's regime. The Guinness World Records stated that its record titles "cannot be purchased". For some potential categories, Guinness World Records has declined to list some records that are too difficult or impossible to determine. For example, its website states: "We do not accept any claims for beauty as it
2020-522: A series of Euro-influenced Hi-NRG dance tracks on the Bellaphon recording label. "Call Me Up", "Fantasy Boyv and "Touch Me" were produced by Luis Rodríguez (producer) , and were big club hits across Europe. Mendiola wrote the lyrics for "Talisman", the Spanish version of "Call Me Up". This song brought New Baccara significant popularity in Latin America . In 1990 the album F.U.N. was released on
2121-454: A series of name and line-up changes, both Baccara duos continued to perform around Europe and have released new albums. Both have also made re-recordings of their hits for various minor record labels, which are regularly re-packaged and re-issued under the original Baccara name, occasionally with photos of the original duo, Mateos and Mendiola, on the album covers. However, the original song versions – those recorded between 1977 and 1981 – remain
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#17327720124642222-760: A son, Jaime Emilio Lim Martínez, who is now the owner and director of Higher School of Music in Madrid. One of the auditoriums in that educational institution now bears the name of María Mendiola. Mendiola's second marriage, that lasted nearly 3 decades, was to Swedish businessman Jan-Erik Olsson, whom she met on an airplane in May 1991. Album Singles Maxi singles Appearances (compilations) Television: Guinness World Records Guinness World Records , known from its inception in 1955 until 1999 as The Guinness Book of Records and in previous United States editions as The Guinness Book of World Records ,
2323-580: A string of Hi-NRG club hits such as "Fantasy Boy", "Call Me Up" and "Touch Me" in the late 1980s and the later UK club hit "Wind Beneath My Wings". Mateos' Baccara has released few new recordings, but has remained in demand for television and live appearances in countries such as Spain and Germany, where the original Baccara developed a loyal fan base, performing the duo's back-catalogue and modernised versions of traditional Spanish songs. In 1976, María Mendiola (prima ballerina of Alberto Portillo's Spanish Television ballet) proposed to her colleague Mayte Mateos
2424-487: A sword swallower, repeated lightning strike victim Roy Sullivan 's hat complete with lightning holes and a pair of gem-studded golf shoes on sale for $ 6,500. The museum closed in 1995. In more recent years, the Guinness company has permitted the franchising of small museums with displays based on the book, all currently (as of 2010 ) located in towns popular with tourists: Tokyo , Copenhagen , San Antonio . There were once Guinness World Records museums and exhibitions at
2525-546: Is a British reference book published annually, listing world records both of human achievements and the extremes of the natural world. Sir Hugh Beaver created the concept, and twin brothers Norris and Ross McWhirter co-founded the book in London in August 1955. The first edition topped the bestseller list in the United Kingdom by Christmas 1955. The following year the book was launched internationally, and as of
2626-419: Is not objectively measurable." On 10 December 2010, Guinness World Records stopped accepting submissions for the " dreadlock " category after investigation of its first and only female title holder, Asha Mandela, determining it was impossible to judge this record accurately. Traditionally, the company made a large amount of its revenue via book sales to interested readers, especially children. The rise of
2727-422: Is slow. Would-be record breakers that paid fees ranging from US$ 12,000 to US$ 500,000 would be given advisors, adjudicators, help in finding good records to break as well as suggestions for how to do it, prompt service, and so on. In particular, corporations and celebrities seeking a publicity stunt to launch a new product or draw attention to themselves began to hire Guinness World Records , paying them for finding
2828-554: Is the effective authority on the exact requirements for them and with whom records reside, the company providing adjudicators to events to determine the veracity of record attempts. The list of records which the Guinness World Records covers is not fixed, records may be added and also removed for various reasons. The public is invited to submit applications for records, which can be either the bettering of existing records or substantial achievements which could constitute
2929-490: The Empire State Building . Speed shooter Bob Munden then went on tour promoting The Guinness Book of World Records by performing his record fast draws with a standard weight single-action revolver from a Western movie-type holster. His fastest time for a draw was 0.02 seconds. Among exhibits were life-size statues of the world's tallest man, Robert Wadlow , and world's largest earthworm , an X-ray photo of
3030-676: The London Trocadero , Bangalore , San Francisco , Myrtle Beach , Orlando , Atlantic City , New Jersey, and Las Vegas , Nevada . The Orlando museum, which closed in 2002, was branded The Guinness Records Experience ; the Hollywood, Niagara Falls , Copenhagen, and Gatlinburg , Tennessee museums also previously featured this branding. Guinness World Records has commissioned various television series documenting world record breaking attempts, including: Specials: In 2008, Guinness World Records released its gamer's edition,
3131-562: The "Disco 80" festival. This measure (said to be temporary) allowed Mendiola's Baccara to honour its outstanding commitments in 2009 and 2010. Since 2011 Maria Mendiola has been performing with Cristina Sevilla (who was the stage partner of Mayte Mateos from 1999 till 2004). In 2016 Mendiola and Sevilla released a new version of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" with the band Plugin. In 2017 they released an album I Belong to Your Heart produced by Luis Rodríguez (producer) with 11 brand new songs plus an extended version of "I Belong to Your Heart", and
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3232-407: The 2025 edition, it is now in its 70th year of publication, published in 100 countries and 40 languages, and maintains over 53,000 records in its database. The international franchise has extended beyond print to include television series and museums. The popularity of the franchise has resulted in Guinness World Records becoming the primary international source for cataloguing and verification of
3333-475: The Dureco label. In the beginning of the 1990s New Baccara was renamed back to Baccara, and releases continued, although the group did not chart as their output was directed towards the club scene with singles pressed in strictly limited quantities. A version of Bette Midler 's " Wind Beneath My Wings ", released on vinyl by 'Loading Bay' label in 1993, and re-released on maxi-CD in 1999 by the label 'Majic Music',
3434-459: The Internet began to cut into book sales starting in the 2000s, part of a general decline in the book industry. According to a 2017 story by Planet Money of NPR , Guinness began to realise that a lucrative new revenue source to replace falling book sales was the would-be record-holders themselves. While any person can theoretically send in a record to be verified for free, the approval process
3535-579: The Netherlands and released in 1977, "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" was an enormous pan-European hit and was a prime example of the phenomenon that is known as the "summer hit". It is also an example of the Euro disco genre, described in The Independent newspaper in 1999 as follows : This mind-bending Common Market melding of foreign accents, bad diction, bizarre arrangements and lightweight production, usually top-heavy with strings "Yes Sir, …" reached
3636-677: The Official Chart Company's singles and albums charts were combined under the title British Hit Singles & Albums , with Hit Entertainment publishing the book from 2003 to 2006 (under the Guinness World Records brand). After Guinness World Records was sold to The Jim Pattison Group, it was effectively replaced by a series of books published by Ebury Publishing/Random House with the Virgin Book of British Hit Singles first being published in 2007 and with
3737-627: The Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100. Maria Mendiola was quoted as saying she would be happy to record a new version for the finals. In June 2021, Scottish DJ George 'GBX' Bowie released a new remixed version of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" for Scottish fans to use as an anthem for UEFA Euro 2020 . This dance version included new vocals from Baccara and also reached the Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100, peaking at number 11. Mendiola died in Madrid on 11 September 2021, at
3838-562: The Team 33 record label. In November 2020, Yes Sir, I Can Boogie returned to the UK charts thanks to the Scottish football team and in particular one of its players, Andy Considine . For that reason, Mendiola received a lot of interview requests from the British media – and she gave a lot of interviews for the most prominent tabloids, radio and television stations, including BBC . As
3939-520: The Tres Islas Hotel on the island of Fuerteventura . María, who was the only one who spoke English, served as a bridge between the promotion managers and the duo to reach an agreement. Deane invited them to Hamburg so they could do a voice test at the record company. He was the prime mover behind what became Baccara, developing their stage performance while recruiting their instrumental support. Mateos and Mendiola were retitled Baccara, after
4040-468: The US 12" versions of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" and "Sorry, I'm a Lady" from debut album Baccara , the full 12 minute album version of "Baby, Why Don't You Reach Out?"/"Light My Fire" and the extended album version of "Darling" from 1978's Light My Fire and the extended 12" versions of "Body-Talk" and "By 1999" from 1979's Colours . After the split, Mateos and Mendiola never performed together again. Following
4141-777: The United Nations' International Year of the Child and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the UN adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child . Although still successful, sales of these and other releases in 1979 were disappointing. Baccara's fourth and final album in the band's original incarnation was Bad Boys , released in 1981. By this time, the disco sound had been overshadowed by newer music movements such as punk , new wave and synthpop in much of Europe and interest
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4242-618: The United States to perform two concerts in California together with Gina T. In 2023, Baccara continued their international concert tour. In February 2023 they performed in Bolivia at the carnaval of Oruro . In May 2023, the label "In Out Record" released on vinyl the maxi-single "Don't Let This Feeling Go Away", that featured extended versions of the aforementioned song, as well as "Call Me Up" and "Fantasy Boy", re-recorded with
4343-505: The age of 69, surrounded by her family in hospital Her stage partner Cristina Sevilla wrote and posted on their Instagram @baccaraoficial "How hard is it for me to post this.. María, wonderful artist, but for me above all.. My friend has left us today. I am lost for words.. I can only thank so much how i have received from her and tell her what i had chance to tell her so many times in my life... I Love You".. Her family said that she had been dealing with blood deficiency for two decades. After
4444-504: The audience on various world records and were able to give the correct answer. Ross McWhirter was assassinated by two members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1975, in response to offering a £50,000 reward for information that would lead to capture of members of the organisation. Following Ross's assassination, the feature in the show where questions about records posed by children were answered
4545-439: The band's extensive back catalogue – versions of which have been released as compilations – as well as up-tempo interpretations of traditional Spanish songs. In 1999, Mateos and Cristina Sevilla released a new studio album through RCA-Victor/Sony-BMG, Baccara 2000 , as well as an updated dance version of breakthrough hit "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" as a single. The album was produced by Thorsten Brötzman, who has previously worked as
4646-580: The book became a surprise hit, many further editions were printed, eventually settling into a pattern of one revision a year, published in September/October, in time for Christmas. The McWhirters continued to compile it for many years. Both brothers had an encyclopedic memory; on the British children's television series Record Breakers , based upon the book, which was broadcast on the BBC from 1972 to 2001, they would take questions posed by children in
4747-530: The competition. A full-length studio album recorded in Sweden, Soy tu Venus , followed the same year. The album was released by Lionheart Records. In 2005, Mayte Mateos replaced Cristina Sevilla with Paloma Blanco. A new Baccara album, recorded by Mateos and Blanco, entitled Satin... In Black & White and produced by the original Baccara team Rolf Soja and Frank Dostal , was released on 30 May 2008. This album contained remakes of original Baccara recordings from
4848-438: The cover with the topic of 'The ocean and the water'. The retirement of Norris McWhirter from his consulting role in 1995 and the subsequent decision by Diageo Plc to sell The Guinness Book of Records brand have shifted the focus of the books from text-oriented to illustrated reference. A selection of records are curated for the book from the full archive but all existing Guinness World Records titles can be accessed by creating
4949-504: The duo due to a health problem that prevented her from dancing; and Mendiola has chosen the Madrid-native singer Cristina Sevilla as a stage partner. Together with Sevilla, Mendiola worked her last twelve years of professional life, and the duo continued to perform all over the world. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the original formation they released the album I Belong To Your Heart , produced by Luis Rodríguez for
5050-604: The duo establish a firm fan base in Germany (where their records continued to be produced) and the Scandinavian countries, and their Spanish-flavoured interpretation of the disco sound also brought them recognition in Japan and Russia. Baccara represented West Germany at the eighth World Popular Song Festival held in November 1977 – until it ended in 1989 the largest such contest in the world. Their song, "Mad in Madrid", came 14th out of 37 participating countries. In 1978
5151-439: The duo released the single "The Devil Sent You to Laredo" with "Somewhere in Paradise" as its B side. Both of these Baccara recordings have become iconic. "Somewhere in Paradise" (with its allusions to life after death) is regularly played by Christian radio stations while "The Devil…" (with its background pistol shots) is sometimes identified with the gay community. A Spanish-language version of "The Devil…" ("El diablo te mandó
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#17327720124645252-529: The end of the seventies, and for this new line-up she invited an old colleague from the RTVE ballet; Maryse Pérez. The duo was named New Baccara and its first appearance before the media took place at the Theater La Latina , owned by Lina Morgan . For their debut, Mendiola and Pérez released the songs Esta Noche No and Cuerpo, Alma y Corazón . Mendiola and Perez re-entered the charts thanks to
5353-904: The first time in Kyiv , the capital of Ukraine , in the middle of February 2022. Throughout 2022, Sevilla and de Quiroga performed at varios events, such as Christian Dior defile in Seville , Madrid Pride Plaza de España stage in Madrid , Guilfest in London, Doune the rabbit hole festival in Scotland , and Kuuslagufestival in Estonia . In early September 2022, Baccara record label, "Team 33," released digitally Baccara's new single, "Don't Let This Feeling Go Away", produced by Luis Rodríguez (producer) . In October 2022, Sevilla and de Quiroga perfrormed as Baccara at flowers & garden exhibition in Brandenburg , Germany. In November 2022, they traveled to
5454-537: The formation of a separate singing and dancing duo (using the title Venus). After leaving the ballet company, the duo's initial act was simply that of variety show dancers. Their first television appearance was on the Palmarés light entertainment programme and they were engaged at a nightclub in the Aragon city of Zaragoza , but their contract was cancelled when the club manager decided that they were "too elegant" for
5555-513: The highest number of sales with a single. Baccara was acclaimed worldwide and recognised for what the Baccara concept brings to the world of entertainment: two young girls, one in white and the other in black, who combine music with dance, always with a touch of sophistication and elegance. After four years together and four albums released, the original line-up of the duo, created by María Mendiola broke up in 1981. From that moment on, each of
5656-530: The hit Call Me Up – written by Ian Cussick , produced by Luis Rodríguez . Mendiola wrote the lyrics for the Spanish version of this song, entitled Talisman . "New Baccara" released three dance-singles, that brought the duo back to the charts. Together with Pérez and during the 25 years they worked together, Mendiola released several albums: F.U.N (1990), Made in Spain (1999), Face to Face (2000), Greatest Hits for Universal in 2002 and Singles Collection with Divucsa in 2006. Pérez had to leave
5757-410: The island of Mallorca . Mateos' Baccara performance on New Year's Eve 2023/2024 was broadcast by the local TV channel "Canal 4". Initially called New Baccara to distinguish it from Mayte Mateos' re-formed Baccara, Mendiola teamed up with vocalist Marisa Pérez and in 1987 reached the top five in Spain and top 40 in Germany with the single "Call Me Up", written by Ian Cussick . 1988 saw the duo release
5858-589: The late 1970s and some new songs. Although appreciated by Baccara fans, sales of the album were disappointing. In 2013 Mateos sang on a cover version of "Yes Sir I Can Boogie" by the London indie rock band Sala & The Strange Sound. In 2016 Mateos' Baccara collaborated with Fundacion Tony Manera with a cover song of "Dame un Poco de Tu Amor" by " Juan Carlos Calderón ". After the pandemic, Mateos' Baccara performed only 3 times. One show took place in 2022 in Mateos' hometown Logroño , while two other shows were held on
5959-499: The listings in the Guinness Book of World Records . A video game , Guinness World Records: The Videogame , was developed by TT Fusion and released for Nintendo DS , Wii and iOS in November 2008. In 2012, Warner Bros. announced the development of a live-action film version of Guinness World Records with Daniel Chun as scriptwriter. The film version will apparently use the heroic achievements of record holders as
6060-453: The longest egg tossing distances, or for longest time spent playing Grand Theft Auto IV or the largest number of hot dogs consumed in three minutes. Besides records about competitions, it contains such facts such as the heaviest tumour, the most poisonous fungus , the longest-running soap opera and the most valuable life-insurance policy, among others. Many records also relate to the youngest people to have achieved something, such as
6161-464: The lyrics of some Baccara songs. The New Musical Express commented in May 2002 (page 6): "Think what you like about Baccara, seen today their 1978 Eurovision performance has a certain style while their competition from that event looks dated and amateurish". The 1980 single release of "Sleepy-Time-Toy" led to a disagreement within Baccara over the vocal mix used. Mendiola complained that her voice
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#17327720124646262-462: The main focus of his story, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow . Oliver asked Guinness to work with Last Week Tonight to adjudicate a record for "Largest cake featuring a picture of someone falling off a horse", but according to Oliver, the offer did not work out after Guinness insisted on a non-disparagement clause. Guinness World Records denied the accusations and stated that they declined Oliver's offer to participate because "it
6363-747: The managing director of the Guinness Breweries , went on a shooting party in the North Slob , by the River Slaney in County Wexford , Ireland. After missing a shot at a golden plover , he became involved in an argument over which was the fastest game bird in Europe, the golden plover or the red grouse (the plover is faster, but neither is the fastest game bird in Europe). That evening at Castlebridge House, he realised that it
6464-506: The members of the original duo tried to launch their solo-careers – but without much success; and later each created their own line-ups of Baccara , with new stage companions. As a solo-singer, Mendiola recorded the album Born Again with singles such as "Sugar Boom Boom", "I Wanna See the World", " Stupid Cupid " (cover of a Neil Sedaka song) and followed the tendencies of the early '80s with "Aerobic". When Fernando García de la Vega
6565-548: The name Mayte Mathée – which saw moderate success among Baccara's original fan base. Mateos' Spanish Dreams was re-released on CD in Germany in the 2000s under the title Noche Latina but Mendiola's Born Again still remains unreleased in digital format. However, there remained a demand for Baccara's music, particularly on the European television circuit, and by the end of the decade both Mateos and Mendiola had formed their own versions of Baccara with new singing partners. Despite
6666-558: The name of the black rose , in reference to the women's dark Spanish appearance. Leon Deane is generally credited with the Baccara formula—consisting of breathy lyrics, lush backing, a disco beat and the striking image of two women (Mateos dressed in black, Mendiola in white) dancing. While drawing lightly on Spanish flamenco song and dance tradition, the formula was rooted in 1970s disco music. Together with fellow writer Frank Dostal , Rolf Soja penned their début single "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" and most of their other 1970s hits. Recorded in
6767-516: The new Baccara single, entitled "When I'm with you". In January 2024, Sevilla and de Quiroga performed in London. Mar%C3%ADa Mendiola Mendiola's mother, Lola Mendiola, was a housewife; her father, Emilio Martínez, was a police officer at the Madrid airport. From a very young age Mendiola showed interest in the world of dance and trained in her native city, Madrid – taking dance, singing, recitation and interpretation classes. Mendiola studied at an Italian school in Madrid and trained to be
6868-428: The older book to the "Modern Society" section of the newer edition. As of 2011 , it is required in the guidelines of all "large food" type records that the item be fully edible, and distributed to the public for consumption, to prevent food wastage. Chain letters are also not allowed: "Guinness World Records does not accept any records relating to chain letters, sent by post or e-mail." After Roger Guy English set
6969-530: The original Baccara's dissolution in 1981 Mayte Mateos released three solo singles through the RCA-Victor label, "Souvenirs from Paradise", "Recuerdos del ayer" and "Malaguena", the first two produced by Rolf Soja. Re-forming as Baccara in 1983 with Marisa Pérez, a contemporary of Mateos and Mendiola at the Spanish TV ballet company, Mateos re-established the band on the European entertainment circuit. Pérez
7070-495: The other members of the corps de ballet Mendiola was taking part in the most popular Spanish television programs in the early 70s. In 1976, assuming that the dancer's life was short professionally, Mendiola proposed to one of her ballet colleagues, Mayte Mateos, to form a musical duo. Inspired by the popular Kessler sisters and with Paco Bermúdez as their representative, the duo Venus was born, debuting under this stage name on Enrique Martí Maqueda's program Palmarès . After
7171-590: The passing of María Mendiola, Cristina Sevilla decided to continue with the formation, having the property and rights over the brand, as a homage to María Mendiola's legacy. On 26 January 2022, the official announcement was made introducing their new member, Helen De Quiroga, a singer with a long career and known for her work with such artists as Miguel Bosé and Alejandro Sanz . She has also starred in " Cats (musical) " and took part in recording of Spanish versions of Disney films The Little Mermaid and The Lion King . Sevilla and de Quiroga appeared on stage as Baccara for
7272-564: The property of Sony Music Entertainment , which now holds the rights to the RCA back catalogue. On the occasion of Baccara's 30th Anniversary, Sony-BMG Germany released a comprehensive three CD box set on 31 August 2007. This collection includes 50 RCA original recordings. Several songs such as "Mad in Madrid", "Amoureux", "Baila tú", "En el año 2000", "Eins plus eins ist eins" and "Candido" made their debut on CD. The only tracks missing from this otherwise comprehensive career retrospective are
7373-496: The publisher to potential litigation . These changes included the removal of all spirit , wine and beer drinking records, along with other unusual records for consuming such unlikely things as bicycles and trees. Other records, such as sword swallowing and rally driving (on public roads), were closed from further entry as the current holders had performed beyond what are considered safe human tolerance levels. There have been instances of closed categories being reopened. For example,
7474-481: The record for sleeplessness in 1974, the category was discontinued for being too dangerous. At the request of the U.S. Mint , in 1984, the book stopped accepting claims of large hoardings of pennies or other currency. Environmentally unfriendly records (such as the releasing of sky lanterns and party balloons ) are no longer accepted or monitored, in addition to records relating to tobacco or cannabis consumption or preparation. In 2024, Guinness World Records
7575-484: The second Baccara album, Light My Fire , was released across Europe, and while not matching the international success of the first, it spawned the single " Parlez-vous français? " which was selected as Luxembourg's entry in that year's Eurovision Song Contest . Despite full marks from Italy, Portugal and Spain the duo finished in seventh place. However high sales, particularly in Denmark, Sweden and Belgium, meant that
7676-401: The single was a commercial success. Further recognition came in 1978 when Baccara was granted Germany's most prestigious media award, Burda Publishing Group 's Bambi prize. The duo made regular television appearances, becoming weekly guests on Sacha Distel 's show in the UK, and on Musikladen in Germany. 1978 was the high point of Baccara's artistic and commercial success. Late that year
7777-401: The studio they signed a record deal with RCA . The duo was renamed from Venus to Baccara after the type of dark-red roses. As a member of Baccara duo, Mendiola recorded hits like Yes Sir, I Can Boogie , Cara Mía and Sorry I'm A Lady ; represented Luxembourg in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1978 , and entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the female musical duo with
7878-505: The style of the show. Mateos and Mendiola relocated to the Canary Islands in search of work. Here they found that there was an audience for the performance of traditional Spanish music and dance in a form that was adapted to suit international tastes. The duo were spotted by Leon Deane, manager of the German subsidiary of record company RCA , while performing flamenco dance and traditional Spanish songs for mostly German tourists in
7979-403: The sword swallowing category was listed as closed in the 1990 Guinness Book of World Records , but has since been reopened with Johnny Strange breaking a sword swallowing record on Guinness World Records Live. Similarly, the speed beer drinking records which were dropped from the book in 1991, reappeared 17 years later in the 2008 edition, but were moved from the "Human Achievements" section of
8080-594: The television category, at a gala organized by the Vanity nightclub. María José Cantudo , who had met Mendiola in the Fernando García de la Vega series, invited her to be part of the cast of the musical show, "Doña Mariquita de mi Corazón", authentic success of the 1985 theater season in Madrid at the Teatro Calderón . It is at this moment when Mendiola decided to re-create the duo that she founded at
8181-423: The top of Ludgate House, 107 Fleet Street , London, the first 198-page edition was bound on 27 August 1955 and went to the top of the British bestseller list by Christmas. The following year, it was introduced into the United States by New York publisher David Boehm and sold 70,000 copies. Since then, Guinness World Records has sold more than 150 million copies in 100 countries and 40 languages. Because
8282-520: The top of the charts in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden, Belgium, and Switzerland, and number three in France. Baccara sold more than 16 million copies of "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie" and featured in the 1977 edition of the Guinness Book of Records as the highest-selling female musical duo to date. They were the first female duo to reach number one in the UK, and had the only number one by
8383-526: The two formed duos of their own: separate incarnations of the original Baccara appeared during the middle of the decade, with Mendiola fronting New Baccara and Mateos keeping the duo's original name. During the 1990s, New Baccara reverted to Baccara and as a consequence both Mateos and Mendiola headed different duos with the same name. Both principals subsequently had prolonged but separate legacy careers based on nostalgia and their earlier fame. Mendiola's Baccara has seen more international recognition, releasing
8484-1075: The vocals of Sevilla and de Quiroga. Later in 2023, Baccara took part in Nostalgia Fest in Latvia and in New Wave Fest in United States in June, played a solo-concert in Kazakhstan in July, took part in Arts & Culture festival in Romania in August, in Etam live show in Paris, France in September and in wine festival in Moldova in November. In the end of November 2023, 'Team 33' released digitally
8585-415: The well-being of potential record breakers. For example, following publication of the "heaviest pet" record, many owners overfed their pets beyond the bounds of what was healthy, and therefore such entries were removed. The Guinness Book also dropped records within their "eating and drinking records" section of Human Achievements in 1991 over concerns that potential competitors could harm themselves and expose
8686-419: The youngest person to visit all nations of the world, currently held by Maurizio Giuliano . Each edition contains a selection of the records from the Guinness World Records database, as well as select new records, with the criteria for inclusion changing from year to year. The latest edition is the 70th, published on 15 September 2023. It is the fourth and last installment featuring Rod Hunt's illustrations on
8787-441: Was a 173% increase over the previous year. In February 2008, NBC aired The Top 100 Guinness World Records of All Time and Guinness World Records made the complete list available on their website. The popularity of the franchise has resulted in Guinness World Records becoming the primary international authority on the cataloguing and verification of a huge number of world records. For many records, Guinness World Records
8888-408: Was a music reference book first published in 1977. It was compiled by BBC Radio 1 DJs Paul Gambaccini and Mike Read with brothers Tim Rice and Jonathan Rice. It was the first in a number of music reference books that were to be published by Guinness Publishing with sister publication The Guinness Book of British Hit Albums coming in 1983. After being sold to Hit Entertainment, the data concerning
8989-586: Was accused of laundering the reputation of the oppressive governments as it set world records for the UAE's police forces and Egypt's military. By 2024, the UAE achieved 526 records, of which 21 were credited to the Emirates' police force. Matthew Hedges, a British academic who was forced to sign a false confession, asked the records body to take down the Abu Dhabi police department's certificate for "most signatures on
9090-426: Was also a hit in UK clubs. In 2000, Mendiola and Pérez as Baccara released the album Face to Face . Mendiola and Pérez toured United Kingdom in 2000 together with The Supremes and The Three Degrees and appeared at Wembley Stadium , London with various other music groups. In April 2005, they appeared in the third episode of British reality show Hit Me Baby One More Time , performing "Yes Sir I Can Boogie" and
9191-556: Was called Norris on the Spot . Norris carried on as the book's sole editor. Guinness Superlatives, later Guinness World Records Limited , was incorporated in London in 1954 to publish the first book. Sterling Publishing owned the rights to the Guinness book in the US for decades until it was repurchased by Guinness in 1989 after an 18-month long lawsuit. The group was owned by Guinness PLC and subsequently Diageo until 2001, when it
9292-417: Was followed by a succession of partners including Ángela Muro, Sole García, Jane Comerford , Carmen, Cristina Sevilla, Paloma Blanco, Isabel Patton, Romy Abradelo, Rose, Francesca Rodrigues and María Marín. Mateos' current singing partner is once again fellow Spaniard Paloma Blanco. Although having no new hits to their name, Mateos' Baccara have remained in demand for television and live performances, performing
9393-549: Was impossible to confirm in reference books whether or not the golden plover was Europe's fastest game bird. Beaver knew that there must have been numerous other questions debated nightly among the public, but there was no book in the world with which to settle arguments about records. He realised then that a book supplying the answers to this sort of question might prove successful. Beaver's idea became reality when Guinness employee Christopher Chataway recommended university friends Norris and Ross McWhirter , who had been running
9494-514: Was largely confined to those countries where the duo had an established fan base, notably Germany. The album was not released in the UK or US; they never achieved any recognition in the US despite some of their songs being given significant airplay. One music critic suggested that the Baccara formula lacked artistic depth but had been "mined for all it was worth" over two years until public interest moved on to other things. The same critic also drew attention to an element of "anti-feminist subservience" in
9595-478: Was listed as the "most prolific serial killer", having murdered at least 110 people (with Lopez himself claiming he murdered over 300 people) in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru in the late 1960s to 1980s. This was removed after complaints that the listing and category made a competition out of murder. Several world records that were once included in the book have been removed for ethical reasons, including concerns for
9696-579: Was merely an opportunity to mock one of our record-holders," and that Oliver did not specifically request the record for the largest marble cake. As of 2021, the Guinness World Record for "Largest marble cake" remains with Betty Crocker Middle East in Saudi Arabia. Following Oliver's episode, Guinness World Records ' ethics were called into question by human rights groups. In 1976, a Guinness Book of World Records museum opened in
9797-473: Was not given sufficient prominence in the song's arrangement and sued RCA for breach of contract. Mendiola's case was that the song should not have been released as a Baccara recording when it amounted to a Mateos solo. A court hearing in Munich resulted in 250,000 records being recalled from dealers and a revised recording with a new vocal mix being issued in place of the original. A 28-second instrumental bridge
9898-496: Was preparing the series La Comedia Musical Española for RTVE and Mendiola was invited to be part of four of the musical episodes in the series; Las Leandras with Paloma San Basilio , Róbame Esta Noche with María José Cantudo , Luna de Miel en El Cairo with Teresa Rabal , and El Sobre Verde . For her work in La Comedia Musical Española Mendiola received a Premios Revelación in
9999-869: Was purchased by Gullane Entertainment for £45.5 million ($ 65 million). Gullane was itself purchased by HIT Entertainment in 2002. In 2006, Apax Partners purchased HIT and subsequently sold Guinness World Records in early 2008 to the Jim Pattison Group , the parent company of Ripley Entertainment , which is licensed to operate Guinness World Records' Attractions. With offices in New York City and Tokyo, Guinness World Records' global headquarters remain in London, specifically South Quay Plaza , Canary Wharf , while its museum attractions are based at Ripley headquarters in Orlando , Florida. Recent editions have focused on record feats by individuals. Competitions range from obvious ones such as Olympic weightlifting to
10100-421: Was removed from the start of the recording (thereby reducing the play time from 6:12 to 5:44) and the vocals were remixed so as to give Mendiola and Mateos equal prominence. The artwork for the single's cover appears to have remained unchanged. The single failed to chart successfully (see Discography below). As a result of the dispute, relationships between all parties involved were damaged. One consequence of this
10201-521: Was that Soja and Dostal were not involved with Baccara's final album. The duo recorded Bad Boys with Bruce Baxter and Graham Sacher in the UK. Neither the album nor its spin-off single "Colorado" were successful. In 1981, after RCA declined to renew their contract, Mateos and Mendiola ended their professional partnership and both launched solo careers. By 1988, both artists had released a series of singles and one studio album each of their own – Mendiola with Born Again and Mateos with Spanish Dreams under
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