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Bert Nievera

April 30, 2023

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Dela Cruz and the surname or paternal family name is Nievera.

Roberto Jose Dela Cruz Nievera (/njɛˈvɛərə/; October 17, 1936 – March 27, 2018) was a Filipino-American singer and businessman. He rose to prominence in 1959 after winning the "Search for Johnny Mathis of the Philippines", a singing contest on the television variety show Student Canteen. He was one of the original members of the Society of Seven (SOS).

Bert Nievera
Born
Roberto Jose Dela Cruz Nievera

(1936-10-17)October 17, 1936
Baguio, Commonwealth of the Philippines
DiedMarch 27, 2018(2018-03-27) (aged 81)
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Citizenship
  • Philippines
  • United States[1]
Alma materUniversity of the Philippines Diliman
Occupations
  • Singer
  • businessman
Years active1959–2017
Spouses
  • Conchita Razon
  • Carol Hernandez
Children6, including Martin
RelativesRobin Nievera (grandson)
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals
Labels

Born in Baguio, Nievera grew up participating in many amateur singing contests. He studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he was trained by National Artist for Theater Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero. He found moderate success in clubs singing as the "Johnny Mathis of the Philippines" after Student Canteen. Nievera then joined the Hawaii-based musical group the Fabulous Echoes in 1966, which later became the Society of Seven.

In 1976, following a decade-long stint with the SOS, Nievera released his self-titled debut album in Hollywood. He recorded three more albums released from 1978 to 1996. Nievera came back to the Philippines in 1989 and mounted a series of concerts called Timeless through the 1990s and the early 2000s, which earned him another moniker as the "Timeless Balladeer". He also endeavored into business by opening various restaurant franchises in the country. After it failed, Nievera returned to the United States in 2003, where he settled until his death in 2018 at the age of 81. He was the father of Martin Nievera, whom he inspired and mentored.

Life and career

1936–1957: Early life and education

Roberto Jose Dela Cruz Nievera was born on October 17, 1936 in Baguio, Philippines.[2][3][4] His father, a doctor who worked for the transportation company Benguet Auto Line, was from the province of Ilocos Sur; his mother was from Bulacan.[3][5] He also had a sister.[6] At the age of seven, Nievera already started singing.[3] The earliest song he learned was "Ang Binatang Caviteño" ("The Young Caviteño"), taught to him by his mother, which he often performed when she would ask him to sing to people.[5] He joined many amateur singing contests in his hometown.[3][4][5] As an elementary student at St. Louis School, Nievera wanted to become a priest; he also imagined himself becoming a doctor like his father.[5]

Nievera attended the Baguio Military Institute and initially planned to enroll at the Philippine Military Academy.[3][5] He eventually opted to study foreign service at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he became a member of the UP Dramatic Club.[3][5] Nievera later told in a 2001 interview, "From then on, my life changed completely."[5] He received training from playwright Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, who was the club's director: "Freddie [Ma. Guerrero] found out that I could sing. So he tried to mold me. During intermission in the plays, Freddie would ask me to sing".[3][5] Nievera said that he realized he could pursue singing as a profession when he was sixteen, while also having ambitions of perhaps becoming a newscaster or a deejay.[5]

1958–1965: Career beginnings

He began singing professionally in 1958.[2] He was a daily performer at the Airmen's Club of Camp John Hay in Baguio.[2][7] In Manila, he continued to participate in amateur singing contests.[5] Nievera joined the "Search for Johnny Mathis of the Philippines" on the television variety show Student Canteen in 1959.[2][5] He went on to win the competition performing the song "It's Not for Me to Say".[3][5] Nievera "nurtured" aspirations when he started singing, one of which was "to go to America."[5] While performing at the Clover Theater in Manila for one week (which was one of his winnings from Student Canteen), he was accepted as a flight steward at Philippine Airlines (PAL): "I thought at that time that PAL was more stable than a showbiz career."[5] He worked there so he could go to the United States, but later quit in 1960 because he was "confined to the domestic flights" and was never able to fly internationally.[5]

He resumed his singing career by performing in clubs, including Ember's Club in Cubao where he was earning ₱15 a night.[3][5][8][9] Nievera said that he initially struggled in the entertainment industry, which he observed was dominated by "sexy singers like Pilita Corrales and Carmen Soriano": "To be noticed ... we started imitating American singers."[5] Two of Nievera's contemporaries, Eddie Mesa and Diomedes Maturan, were also dubbed the Filipino counterparts of foreign acts Elvis Presley and Perry Como, respectively.[5] According to Nievera, "dapat noon may title ka, usong uso 'yan noon [you must have a title then because it was very popular]".[5] Nievera met his first wife, Conchita Razon,[5] who gave birth to twins Martin and Victoria in 1962.[10] He was later offered to sing in the US.[5][8]: 9 [9]

1966–1976: Society of Seven

 
Nievera (rightmost) with the Society of Seven in a promotional print material

Nievera belonged in the original lineup of the Society of Seven (SOS), a Hawaii-based musical group of Filipino Americans formed in 1969.[3][5][11] He joined in 1966,[5] when it was still the Fabulous Echoes.[11] Nievera had to learn to play a trombonium as it was required in their acts.[12] Frannie Kirk, who previously managed the SOS and Nievera, said in 2018: "He was bleeding in the lips by the time he learned how to play it."[12] Nievera eventually became the lead singer.[8]: 14  When he was with the group, he was known as Roberto because two other members were also named Bert.[8]: 9 [12] The Society of Seven mainly performed at the Main Showroom of the Outrigger Waikiki.[12]

Nievera and his family resided on the fifteenth floor of the Outrigger;[6] his wife had separated with her first husband in the Philippines and fled with the twins to Hawaii when they were three years old.[13] The couple soon had another child, a daughter named Rachel.[6] Nievera inspired his son Martin to become a singer himself, who told in 2018 that he "would watch [his father] perform downstairs with the Society of Seven, and every night I would dream and imagine myself as one of the members of that group, singing for audiences both big and small."[6] By the age of fourteen, around 1976, Martin was performing with him in Society of Seven shows.[14] In Hawaii, they also owned a restaurant where Martin worked in the kitchen.[15][16][17]

He toured with his group in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other major cities in the West Coast of the United States.[2] Johnny Mathis saw Nievera perform Mathis' signature song in one of Society of Seven shows in Lake Tahoe.[12] SOS manager Frannie Kirk recalled in 2018, "He was doing 'Misty', with eyes shut, and the real Johnny Mathis heard this voice and came to see where it was coming from. Roberto had his eyes shut and was surprised [to see Mathis] but was excited that he liked the act."[12] In 1976,[3][5] he left the SOS, after which he recorded and released his debut album, Nievera, in Hollywood through Silver Sword Production (which had also produced the SOS).[2][18][19] Gary Bautista filled the vacant position left by Nievera's departure in 1980.[20]

1977–1989: Solo ventures

The Nieveras relocated to Concord, California.[6] While working at a restaurant with his son Martin, he also taught him "The Greatest Love of All", showing him "how and when to belt and how to end the song in a big way."[6] Martin performed the same song at the 1981 California State Talent Competition, which he won.[6] Around this time, when his son was nineteen, Nievera and his wife were already having problems with their relationship.[21]

According to a colleague, Nievera thought he was already retired from music after 1976, but he found gigs performing with Pilita Corrales, who invited him to her concerts.[3] In 1978, he followed Nievera from the two previous years with another release, an all-Filipino album titled Sumasainyo, Nievera, under the Blackgold label of Vicor.[2][22] His son began his own singing career in the Philippines in 1982.[23] According to Martin, "Dad gave me a choice. He said, 'Stay in America and try your luck in Hollywood or come to the Philippines and let me help you start living your dream.'"[24] Nievera arranged his son's first media interview after returning to the country.[25]

In 1985, his third album, Nievera Remembers, was released by WEA Records.[2][26] Nievera also came back to the Philippines in 1989.[2] He and his wife separated, of which he later said in 2001, "Some good things never last. Something happened, so... I'm so lucky that I've found love the second time around."[5] Carol Hernandez, his second wife, bore their child, son Lance, in c. 1989–1990.[5] Nievera also took in Hernandez's three children from her previous marriage and his new family grew to include two more children who were adopted.[5]

1990–2002: Timeless

In the Philippines, he launched the Bert Nievera Music Lounge in Makati and also made guest appearances on television.[27] Nievera himself began hosting on television, starring on IBC-13's Chairman of the Board.[27] In 1991, he started embarking on a series of concerts titled Timeless at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex.[28] Nievera described Timeless as a montage of his career's evolution.[5] Accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra,[28] he sang medleys of musicians Henry Mancini, Frank Sinatra, George Gershwin, Nat King Cole, the Platters, Michel Legrand, and George Canseco, along with songs from Broadway.[5][28] Martin also performed, as well as other guests of Nievera's choice.[28]

In 1994, Nievera and his wife organized the concert of Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti at the Philippine International Convention Center.[29] He recorded another album titled Salamat sa Pag-ibig, his fourth and last, released in 1996 by RJ Productions.[30][31][32] Its song "A Christmas Lullaby" won the 1997 Awit Award for Best Christmas Recording.[33] He also contributed to Martin's 1999 album Return to Forever, singing a duet of Jeffrey Osborne's "The Greatest Love Affair".[34] Nievera concurrently traveled to Australia, the Middle East, US, Brunei, Singapore, and Malaysia to perform;[27] Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad also employed him several times.[27][28] Timeless ran until 2002 after nine iterations,[28] which earned Nievera another moniker as the "Timeless Balladeer". Nievera said that "the word 'timeless' just came up during our brainstorming and that was it. 'Timeless' is the word that best describes what I've been and what I'm still doing.[5]

2003–2018: Business activities and death

Nievera and his wife Hernandez, a businesswoman, owned the Philippine franchises of Hard Rock Cafe.[5][35] and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company[35][36] The couple had also opened the country's first branch of the international food chain Country Waffles in 2000.[37][5] They went on to establish more Country Waffles restaurants around Metro Manila[5][28] and in Baguio,[3] the investors of which were mostly entrepreneurs and celebrity friends.[37][38] In early 2004, some Country Waffles outlets began closing down as the Nieveras sparked "what's probably the decade's biggest food industry scandal" after fleeing to the US in late 2003, amid purported death threats from Country Waffles employees, angering the investors who did not receive returns.[38][37][39][1] During this period, the National Bureau of Investigation sought to file charges against them after several investor complaints.[40] In 2006, the Department of Justice charged them with fraud for allegedly failing to pay ₱14.5 million to an investor and for issuing unlicensed securities.[39][41]

Nievera settled into semi-retirement in Las Vegas with Hernandez.[24] In 2009, his 1978 album Sumasainyo, Nievera was reissued by Vicor Music.[42] After performing in Toms River, New Jersey, he told in 2013, when asked about voting in that year's Philippine general election, that "I'm no longer in touch with what's happening in the Philippines. ... I watch the news but I never saw the candidates talk yet, or give speeches in their campaign so I cannot tell."[43] Martin mentioned in a 2017 interview that his father suffered a brain seizure.[44] Martin had still occasionally performed with him in concerts in the US,[45] the last of which was a Christmas 2017 show at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino.[6] At 3:37 a.m. on March 27, 2018, Nievera died at the Southern Hills Hospital & Medical Center, at the age of 81.[24] The cause of death was multiple organ failure due to sepsis.[30][46] Celebrities in the Philippines paid tribute to him on social media,[2] while Martin, with the Society of Seven, dedicated to him his Las Vegas concert that April.[24][47]

Artistry

 
Johnny Mathis in 1960

Nievera was a baritone.[8] His voice has been described by some publications as "smooth" and "velvety".[4][48][12] A 1991 issue of the magazine Asiaweek read that Nievera's "mellow style ... took the Philippines by storm".[49]: 224  While in college, Nievera was also coached by one of his colleagues, who was an opera singer.[5] However, he said that he "found it monotonous, so after only two sessions nag-drop out na ako [I dropped out]. I resorted to self-study ..."[5] He added, "Through the years, I developed my own style, my own technique. Who knows, had I continued my lessons ... baka naging opera/classical singer ako [I might have become an opera/classical singer]."[5] Nievera said in 2001 that "I learned a lot from the Society of Seven."[5]

Besides Johnny Mathis, whom he stated "was harder to impersonate than you'd think",[19] his musical influences included Perry Como, Vic Damone, Mario Lanza, and Jo Stafford.[5] He said he grew up listening to their ballads, which he termed "semi-classics", such as "Be My Love", "No Other Love", "Till the End of Time", "If You Are But a Dream", and "Innamorata".[5] Nievera also considered "Misty", Mathis' signature song, to be his during his first few years in the show business as the "Johnny Mathis of the Philippines" after his success on Student Canteen in 1959.[5] He mentioned, "It was very popular then, very memorable to me. ... The line in it that touches me the most is the last one... I'm too misty and too much in love."[5]

He heavily inspired his son Martin, who said:[6]

As a singer, he always told me to look into the eyes of my audience and not just in their general direction. This is why you never see me looking in just one place when I sing. My face, my eyes, even my body pan the audience left to right and right to left again, just like how a ... cameraman would do when directed to. For dad, the only way to one's soul is through his or her eyes. He would tell me, "Ask yourself this question before you go out onstage, do you want to just sing a song or change a life?"

Discography

  • Nievera (1976)
  • Sumasainyo, Nievera ("Yours, Nievera") (1978)
  • Nievera Remembers (1985)
  • All This Time (1991)
  • Salamat sa Pag-ibig ("Thank You for the Love") (1996)

Singles

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Gabinete, Jojo (September 20, 2007). "Ayen Munji-Laurel pursues estafa rap vs Bert Nievera". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). from the original on July 6, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "PH balladeer Bert Nievera passes away at 81". The Manila Times. March 28, 2018. from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Cimatu, Frank (March 30, 2018). "Remembering Baguio boy Bert Nievera". Rappler. from the original on March 30, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c Policarpio, Allan (April 1, 2018). "Bert Nievera, the 'Johnny Mathis of the Philippines,' sings his swan song". Philippine Daily Inquirer. from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao Nievera, Bert (October 14, 2001). "The sad and happy ballads of Bert Nievera". The Philippine Star (Interview). Interviewed by Ricky Lo. from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i Libero-Cruz, Grace (April 16, 2018). "Exclusive: "Forever Proud To Be 'The Son Of Bert Nievera'"—Martin Nievera Gives Tribute To His Late Dad". Metro. ABS-CBN. from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  7. ^ Reynante, Rafael (March 8, 2016). "It's In Their Blood: Musicians That Come From Musical Parents". One Music PH. ABS-CBN. from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  8. ^ a b c d e "In Memoriam". Fil-Am Courier. Honolulu, Hawaii. April 1, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  9. ^ a b Concepcion, Pocholo (March 27, 2018). "Filipino balladeer Bert Nievera dies at 81 in Las Vegas". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  10. ^ "Martin Nievera, Cristine Reyes celebrate birthdays". ABS-CBN News. February 5, 2010. from the original on May 5, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  11. ^ a b Berger, John (March 12, 1999). "The Waikiki act is 30 years old and can still be trusted for fun". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g Harada, Wayne (March 28, 2018). "Bert Nievera, 81, performed with Society of Seven". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  13. ^ Nievera, Martin (August 19, 2018). "Magandang Buhay: Martin Nievera talks about his childhood" (Interview). Interviewed by Magandang Buhay hosts. ABS-CBN. Retrieved October 9, 2018 – via YouTube.
  14. ^ Sancon, Allan (November 12, 2012). "Martin Nievera recalls highlights of his career; admits separation from ex-wife Pops Fernandez was "very first slap on my face"". Philippine Entertainment Portal. from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  15. ^ "THE LIST: Celebs who started out as restaurant staff". ABS-CBN News. January 18, 2013. from the original on February 1, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  16. ^ "Before they were stars: 7 celebs who worked in restaurants". ABS-CBN News. July 7, 2015. Archived from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  17. ^ Lo, Ricky (March 27, 2004). "Martin: I go wherever my music takes me". from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  18. ^ Nievera (album). Nievera, Bert. Silver Sword. 1976.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ^ a b Flashback (album). Society of Seven. Silver Sword. 1973.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ^ Lo, Ricky (January 31, 2006). "Gary dies clutching a microphone — singing!". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  21. ^ Villena, G. (October 17, 2011). "The bottom line on Boy and Martin". Yahoo News Singapore. from the original on October 16, 2018. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  22. ^ Sumasainyo, Nievera (album). Nievera, Bert. Blackgold Records. 1978.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  23. ^ Lo, Ricky (August 26, 2001). "Martin Nievera: The highs & the lows". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  24. ^ a b c d Lo, Ricky (April 6, 2018). "Martin recalls his last 27 hours with dad Bert". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  25. ^ Lo, Ricky (September 12, 2013). "So what else don't you know about Mr. Big Mouth?". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 8, 2020. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  26. ^ Nievera Remembers (album). Nievera, Bert. WEA Records. 1985.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  27. ^ a b c d "In Memory of Robert Jose Nievera". Dignity Memorial. 2018. Archived from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g Lo, Ricky (October 7, 2002). "Bert's 'new baby'". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  29. ^ Tariman, Pablo A. (March 31, 2014). "The Three Tenors' Manila connection explored". Philippine Daily Inquirer. from the original on March 31, 2014. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  30. ^ a b Chua, Zsarlene B. (March 28, 2018). "Balladeer Bert Nievera dies at 81". BusinessWorld. from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  31. ^ Salamat sa Pag-ibig (album). Nievera, Bert. RJ Productions. 1996.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  32. ^ "Salamat Sa Pag-Ibig by Bert Nievera on Amazon Music". Amazon. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  33. ^ "Previous Awit Awardees" (DOC). Awit Awards. from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  34. ^ Gonzales, David. "Return to Forever". AllMusic. RhythmOne. from the original on June 13, 2018. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  35. ^ a b "Businessman flees to US leaving millions in debt". Gulf News. Al Nisr Publishing. January 5, 2004. from the original on July 2, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  36. ^ Alano, Ching M. (March 20, 2003). "Life is a bowlful at Bubba Gump". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  37. ^ a b c "Singer Bert, wife face fraud charges". Gulf News. Al Nisr Publishing. January 21, 2004. from the original on July 6, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  38. ^ a b Lara, Tanya T. (June 27, 2004). "Country Waffles is back!". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  39. ^ a b Canlas, Jomar (December 27, 2006). "DOJ charges Nievera couple with estafa". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on July 6, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  40. ^ Felipe, Cecille Suerte (January 29, 2004). "NBI to file charges against Nievera". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 6, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  41. ^ "Court charges singer Bert Nievera and his wife with fraud". Gulf News. Al Nisr Publishing. December 28, 2006. from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  42. ^ "Re-Issue Series: Sumasainyo, Nievera by Bert Nievera on Amazon Music". Amazon. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  43. ^ Trinidad, Nadia; Tagala, Don (May 14, 2013). "Why most Filipinos in US didn't vote". ABS-CBN News. from the original on August 3, 2018. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  44. ^ Gabinete, Jojo (August 6, 2017). "Martin Nievera gives update on dad's health condition after brain seizure". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  45. ^ Tagala, Don (December 25, 2013). "CONCERT KING JOINS FATHER AND TWIN IN FIRST FAMILY CONCERT". Balitang America. ABS-CBN. from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  46. ^ Siazon, Rachelle (March 27, 2018). "Bert Nievera, father of Martin Nievera, dies at 81". Philippine Entertainment Portal (in Filipino). Archived from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  47. ^ "MARTIN NIEVERA AND THE SOCIETY OF SEVEN PAY TRIBUTE TO LATE BERT NIEVERA". Balitang America. ABS-CBN. May 7, 2018. from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  48. ^ "Bert Nievera, veteran singer and father of Martin Nievera, passes away". GMA Network. March 27, 2018. Archived from the original on July 4, 2020. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
  49. ^ "People". Asiaweek. Vol. 17. 1991. Retrieved July 4, 2020.

External links

April 30, 2023
bert, nievera, this, philippine, name, middle, name, maternal, family, name, dela, cruz, surname, paternal, family, name, nievera, roberto, jose, dela, cruz, nievera, ɛər, october, 1936, march, 2018, filipino, american, singer, businessman, rose, prominence, 1. In this Philippine name the middle name or maternal family name is Dela Cruz and the surname or paternal family name is Nievera Roberto Jose Dela Cruz Nievera n j ɛ ˈ v ɛer e October 17 1936 March 27 2018 was a Filipino American singer and businessman He rose to prominence in 1959 after winning the Search for Johnny Mathis of the Philippines a singing contest on the television variety show Student Canteen He was one of the original members of the Society of Seven SOS Bert NieveraBornRoberto Jose Dela Cruz Nievera 1936 10 17 October 17 1936Baguio Commonwealth of the PhilippinesDiedMarch 27 2018 2018 03 27 aged 81 Las Vegas Nevada United StatesCitizenshipPhilippinesUnited States 1 Alma materUniversity of the Philippines DilimanOccupationsSinger businessmanYears active1959 2017SpousesConchita RazonCarol HernandezChildren6 including MartinRelativesRobin Nievera grandson Musical careerGenresEasy listening traditional pop show tune OPMInstrument s VocalsLabelsSilver Sword Blackgold WEA RJBorn in Baguio Nievera grew up participating in many amateur singing contests He studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman where he was trained by National Artist for Theater Wilfrido Ma Guerrero He found moderate success in clubs singing as the Johnny Mathis of the Philippines after Student Canteen Nievera then joined the Hawaii based musical group the Fabulous Echoes in 1966 which later became the Society of Seven In 1976 following a decade long stint with the SOS Nievera released his self titled debut album in Hollywood He recorded three more albums released from 1978 to 1996 Nievera came back to the Philippines in 1989 and mounted a series of concerts called Timeless through the 1990s and the early 2000s which earned him another moniker as the Timeless Balladeer He also endeavored into business by opening various restaurant franchises in the country After it failed Nievera returned to the United States in 2003 where he settled until his death in 2018 at the age of 81 He was the father of Martin Nievera whom he inspired and mentored Contents 1 Life and career 1 1 1936 1957 Early life and education 1 2 1958 1965 Career beginnings 1 3 1966 1976 Society of Seven 1 4 1977 1989 Solo ventures 1 5 1990 2002 Timeless 1 6 2003 2018 Business activities and death 2 Artistry 3 Discography 3 1 Singles 4 See also 5 References 6 External linksLife and career Edit1936 1957 Early life and education Edit Roberto Jose Dela Cruz Nievera was born on October 17 1936 in Baguio Philippines 2 3 4 His father a doctor who worked for the transportation company Benguet Auto Line was from the province of Ilocos Sur his mother was from Bulacan 3 5 He also had a sister 6 At the age of seven Nievera already started singing 3 The earliest song he learned was Ang Binatang Caviteno The Young Caviteno taught to him by his mother which he often performed when she would ask him to sing to people 5 He joined many amateur singing contests in his hometown 3 4 5 As an elementary student at St Louis School Nievera wanted to become a priest he also imagined himself becoming a doctor like his father 5 Nievera attended the Baguio Military Institute and initially planned to enroll at the Philippine Military Academy 3 5 He eventually opted to study foreign service at the University of the Philippines Diliman where he became a member of the UP Dramatic Club 3 5 Nievera later told in a 2001 interview From then on my life changed completely 5 He received training from playwright Wilfrido Ma Guerrero who was the club s director Freddie Ma Guerrero found out that I could sing So he tried to mold me During intermission in the plays Freddie would ask me to sing 3 5 Nievera said that he realized he could pursue singing as a profession when he was sixteen while also having ambitions of perhaps becoming a newscaster or a deejay 5 1958 1965 Career beginnings Edit He began singing professionally in 1958 2 He was a daily performer at the Airmen s Club of Camp John Hay in Baguio 2 7 In Manila he continued to participate in amateur singing contests 5 Nievera joined the Search for Johnny Mathis of the Philippines on the television variety show Student Canteen in 1959 2 5 He went on to win the competition performing the song It s Not for Me to Say 3 5 Nievera nurtured aspirations when he started singing one of which was to go to America 5 While performing at the Clover Theater in Manila for one week which was one of his winnings from Student Canteen he was accepted as a flight steward at Philippine Airlines PAL I thought at that time that PAL was more stable than a showbiz career 5 He worked there so he could go to the United States but later quit in 1960 because he was confined to the domestic flights and was never able to fly internationally 5 He resumed his singing career by performing in clubs including Ember s Club in Cubao where he was earning 15 a night 3 5 8 9 Nievera said that he initially struggled in the entertainment industry which he observed was dominated by sexy singers like Pilita Corrales and Carmen Soriano To be noticed we started imitating American singers 5 Two of Nievera s contemporaries Eddie Mesa and Diomedes Maturan were also dubbed the Filipino counterparts of foreign acts Elvis Presley and Perry Como respectively 5 According to Nievera dapat noon may title ka usong uso yan noon you must have a title then because it was very popular 5 Nievera met his first wife Conchita Razon 5 who gave birth to twins Martin and Victoria in 1962 10 He was later offered to sing in the US 5 8 9 9 1966 1976 Society of Seven Edit Nievera rightmost with the Society of Seven in a promotional print material Nievera belonged in the original lineup of the Society of Seven SOS a Hawaii based musical group of Filipino Americans formed in 1969 3 5 11 He joined in 1966 5 when it was still the Fabulous Echoes 11 Nievera had to learn to play a trombonium as it was required in their acts 12 Frannie Kirk who previously managed the SOS and Nievera said in 2018 He was bleeding in the lips by the time he learned how to play it 12 Nievera eventually became the lead singer 8 14 When he was with the group he was known as Roberto because two other members were also named Bert 8 9 12 The Society of Seven mainly performed at the Main Showroom of the Outrigger Waikiki 12 Nievera and his family resided on the fifteenth floor of the Outrigger 6 his wife had separated with her first husband in the Philippines and fled with the twins to Hawaii when they were three years old 13 The couple soon had another child a daughter named Rachel 6 Nievera inspired his son Martin to become a singer himself who told in 2018 that he would watch his father perform downstairs with the Society of Seven and every night I would dream and imagine myself as one of the members of that group singing for audiences both big and small 6 By the age of fourteen around 1976 Martin was performing with him in Society of Seven shows 14 In Hawaii they also owned a restaurant where Martin worked in the kitchen 15 16 17 He toured with his group in Las Vegas Los Angeles San Francisco and other major cities in the West Coast of the United States 2 Johnny Mathis saw Nievera perform Mathis signature song in one of Society of Seven shows in Lake Tahoe 12 SOS manager Frannie Kirk recalled in 2018 He was doing Misty with eyes shut and the real Johnny Mathis heard this voice and came to see where it was coming from Roberto had his eyes shut and was surprised to see Mathis but was excited that he liked the act 12 In 1976 3 5 he left the SOS after which he recorded and released his debut album Nievera in Hollywood through Silver Sword Production which had also produced the SOS 2 18 19 Gary Bautista filled the vacant position left by Nievera s departure in 1980 20 1977 1989 Solo ventures Edit The Nieveras relocated to Concord California 6 While working at a restaurant with his son Martin he also taught him The Greatest Love of All showing him how and when to belt and how to end the song in a big way 6 Martin performed the same song at the 1981 California State Talent Competition which he won 6 Around this time when his son was nineteen Nievera and his wife were already having problems with their relationship 21 According to a colleague Nievera thought he was already retired from music after 1976 but he found gigs performing with Pilita Corrales who invited him to her concerts 3 In 1978 he followed Nievera from the two previous years with another release an all Filipino album titled Sumasainyo Nievera under the Blackgold label of Vicor 2 22 His son began his own singing career in the Philippines in 1982 23 According to Martin Dad gave me a choice He said Stay in America and try your luck in Hollywood or come to the Philippines and let me help you start living your dream 24 Nievera arranged his son s first media interview after returning to the country 25 In 1985 his third album Nievera Remembers was released by WEA Records 2 26 Nievera also came back to the Philippines in 1989 2 He and his wife separated of which he later said in 2001 Some good things never last Something happened so I m so lucky that I ve found love the second time around 5 Carol Hernandez his second wife bore their child son Lance in c 1989 1990 5 Nievera also took in Hernandez s three children from her previous marriage and his new family grew to include two more children who were adopted 5 1990 2002 Timeless Edit In the Philippines he launched the Bert Nievera Music Lounge in Makati and also made guest appearances on television 27 Nievera himself began hosting on television starring on IBC 13 s Chairman of the Board 27 In 1991 he started embarking on a series of concerts titled Timeless at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex 28 Nievera described Timeless as a montage of his career s evolution 5 Accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra 28 he sang medleys of musicians Henry Mancini Frank Sinatra George Gershwin Nat King Cole the Platters Michel Legrand and George Canseco along with songs from Broadway 5 28 Martin also performed as well as other guests of Nievera s choice 28 In 1994 Nievera and his wife organized the concert of Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti at the Philippine International Convention Center 29 He recorded another album titled Salamat sa Pag ibig his fourth and last released in 1996 by RJ Productions 30 31 32 Its song A Christmas Lullaby won the 1997 Awit Award for Best Christmas Recording 33 He also contributed to Martin s 1999 album Return to Forever singing a duet of Jeffrey Osborne s The Greatest Love Affair 34 Nievera concurrently traveled to Australia the Middle East US Brunei Singapore and Malaysia to perform 27 Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad also employed him several times 27 28 Timeless ran until 2002 after nine iterations 28 which earned Nievera another moniker as the Timeless Balladeer Nievera said that the word timeless just came up during our brainstorming and that was it Timeless is the word that best describes what I ve been and what I m still doing 5 2003 2018 Business activities and death Edit Nievera and his wife Hernandez a businesswoman owned the Philippine franchises of Hard Rock Cafe 5 35 and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company 35 36 The couple had also opened the country s first branch of the international food chain Country Waffles in 2000 37 5 They went on to establish more Country Waffles restaurants around Metro Manila 5 28 and in Baguio 3 the investors of which were mostly entrepreneurs and celebrity friends 37 38 In early 2004 some Country Waffles outlets began closing down as the Nieveras sparked what s probably the decade s biggest food industry scandal after fleeing to the US in late 2003 amid purported death threats from Country Waffles employees angering the investors who did not receive returns 38 37 39 1 During this period the National Bureau of Investigation sought to file charges against them after several investor complaints 40 In 2006 the Department of Justice charged them with fraud for allegedly failing to pay 14 5 million to an investor and for issuing unlicensed securities 39 41 Nievera settled into semi retirement in Las Vegas with Hernandez 24 In 2009 his 1978 album Sumasainyo Nievera was reissued by Vicor Music 42 After performing in Toms River New Jersey he told in 2013 when asked about voting in that year s Philippine general election that I m no longer in touch with what s happening in the Philippines I watch the news but I never saw the candidates talk yet or give speeches in their campaign so I cannot tell 43 Martin mentioned in a 2017 interview that his father suffered a brain seizure 44 Martin had still occasionally performed with him in concerts in the US 45 the last of which was a Christmas 2017 show at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino 6 At 3 37 a m on March 27 2018 Nievera died at the Southern Hills Hospital amp Medical Center at the age of 81 24 The cause of death was multiple organ failure due to sepsis 30 46 Celebrities in the Philippines paid tribute to him on social media 2 while Martin with the Society of Seven dedicated to him his Las Vegas concert that April 24 47 Artistry Edit Johnny Mathis in 1960 Nievera was a baritone 8 His voice has been described by some publications as smooth and velvety 4 48 12 A 1991 issue of the magazine Asiaweek read that Nievera s mellow style took the Philippines by storm 49 224 While in college Nievera was also coached by one of his colleagues who was an opera singer 5 However he said that he found it monotonous so after only two sessions nag drop out na ako I dropped out I resorted to self study 5 He added Through the years I developed my own style my own technique Who knows had I continued my lessons baka naging opera classical singer ako I might have become an opera classical singer 5 Nievera said in 2001 that I learned a lot from the Society of Seven 5 Besides Johnny Mathis whom he stated was harder to impersonate than you d think 19 his musical influences included Perry Como Vic Damone Mario Lanza and Jo Stafford 5 He said he grew up listening to their ballads which he termed semi classics such as Be My Love No Other Love Till the End of Time If You Are But a Dream and Innamorata 5 Nievera also considered Misty Mathis signature song to be his during his first few years in the show business as the Johnny Mathis of the Philippines after his success on Student Canteen in 1959 5 He mentioned It was very popular then very memorable to me The line in it that touches me the most is the last one I m too misty and too much in love 5 He heavily inspired his son Martin who said 6 As a singer he always told me to look into the eyes of my audience and not just in their general direction This is why you never see me looking in just one place when I sing My face my eyes even my body pan the audience left to right and right to left again just like how a cameraman would do when directed to For dad the only way to one s soul is through his or her eyes He would tell me Ask yourself this question before you go out onstage do you want to just sing a song or change a life Discography EditNievera 1976 Sumasainyo Nievera Yours Nievera 1978 Nievera Remembers 1985 All This Time 1991 Salamat sa Pag ibig Thank You for the Love 1996 Singles Edit Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko 1978 original by Ric Manrique Jr See also EditHonorific nicknames in popular musicReferences Edit a b Gabinete Jojo September 20 2007 Ayen Munji Laurel pursues estafa rap vs Bert Nievera Philippine Entertainment Portal in Filipino Archived from the original on July 6 2020 Retrieved July 5 2020 a b c d e f g h i j PH balladeer Bert Nievera passes away at 81 The Manila Times March 28 2018 Archived from the original on July 3 2020 Retrieved July 3 2020 a b c d e f g h i j k l m Cimatu Frank March 30 2018 Remembering Baguio boy Bert Nievera Rappler Archived from the original on March 30 2018 Retrieved July 2 2020 a b c Policarpio Allan April 1 2018 Bert Nievera the Johnny Mathis of the Philippines sings his swan song Philippine Daily Inquirer Archived from the original on July 2 2020 Retrieved July 2 2020 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao Nievera Bert October 14 2001 The sad and happy ballads of Bert Nievera The Philippine Star Interview Interviewed by Ricky Lo Archived from the original on July 2 2020 Retrieved October 8 2018 a b c d e f g h i Libero Cruz Grace April 16 2018 Exclusive Forever Proud To Be The Son Of Bert Nievera Martin Nievera Gives Tribute To His Late Dad Metro ABS CBN Archived from the original on July 3 2020 Retrieved October 14 2018 Reynante Rafael March 8 2016 It s In Their Blood Musicians That Come From Musical Parents One Music PH ABS CBN Archived from the original on July 3 2020 Retrieved July 3 2020 a b c d e In Memoriam Fil Am Courier Honolulu Hawaii April 1 2018 Retrieved July 3 2020 a b Concepcion Pocholo March 27 2018 Filipino balladeer Bert Nievera dies at 81 in Las Vegas Philippine Daily Inquirer Archived from the original on July 4 2020 Retrieved July 4 2020 Martin Nievera Cristine Reyes celebrate birthdays ABS CBN News February 5 2010 Archived from the original on May 5 2020 Retrieved October 9 2018 a b Berger John March 12 1999 The Waikiki act is 30 years old and can still be trusted for fun Honolulu Star Bulletin Archived from the original on February 1 2018 Retrieved July 4 2020 a b c d e f g Harada Wayne March 28 2018 Bert Nievera 81 performed with Society of Seven Honolulu Star Advertiser Archived from the original on March 28 2018 Retrieved July 3 2020 Nievera Martin August 19 2018 Magandang Buhay Martin Nievera talks about his childhood Interview Interviewed by Magandang Buhay hosts ABS CBN Retrieved October 9 2018 via YouTube Sancon Allan November 12 2012 Martin Nievera recalls highlights of his career admits separation from ex wife Pops Fernandez was very first slap on my face Philippine Entertainment Portal Archived from the original on April 3 2019 Retrieved October 11 2018 THE LIST Celebs who started out as restaurant staff ABS CBN News January 18 2013 Archived from the original on February 1 2020 Retrieved October 16 2018 Before they were stars 7 celebs who worked in restaurants ABS CBN News July 7 2015 Archived from the original on July 4 2020 Retrieved October 10 2018 Lo Ricky March 27 2004 Martin I go wherever my music takes me Archived from the original on July 4 2020 Retrieved October 15 2018 Nievera album Nievera Bert Silver Sword 1976 a href Template Cite AV media notes html title Template Cite AV media notes cite AV media notes a CS1 maint others in cite AV media notes link a b Flashback album Society of Seven Silver Sword 1973 a href Template Cite AV media notes html title Template Cite AV media notes cite AV media notes a CS1 maint others in cite AV media notes link Lo Ricky January 31 2006 Gary dies clutching a microphone singing The Philippine Star Archived from the original on July 4 2020 Retrieved July 4 2020 Villena G October 17 2011 The bottom line on Boy and Martin Yahoo News Singapore Archived from the original on October 16 2018 Retrieved October 12 2018 Sumasainyo Nievera album Nievera Bert Blackgold Records 1978 a href Template Cite AV media notes html title Template Cite AV media notes cite AV media notes a CS1 maint others in cite AV media notes link Lo Ricky August 26 2001 Martin Nievera The highs amp the lows The Philippine Star Archived from the original on July 4 2020 Retrieved October 12 2018 a b c d Lo Ricky April 6 2018 Martin recalls his last 27 hours with dad Bert The Philippine Star Archived from the original on July 4 2020 Retrieved July 2 2020 Lo Ricky September 12 2013 So what else don t you know about Mr Big Mouth The Philippine Star Archived from the original on July 8 2020 Retrieved July 8 2020 Nievera Remembers album Nievera Bert WEA Records 1985 a href Template Cite AV media notes html title Template Cite AV media notes cite AV media notes a CS1 maint others in cite AV media notes link a b c d In Memory of Robert Jose Nievera Dignity Memorial 2018 Archived from the original on July 4 2020 Retrieved July 4 2020 a b c d e f g Lo Ricky October 7 2002 Bert s new baby The Philippine Star Archived from the original on July 4 2020 Retrieved July 4 2020 Tariman Pablo A March 31 2014 The Three Tenors Manila connection explored Philippine Daily Inquirer Archived from the original on March 31 2014 Retrieved July 6 2020 a b Chua Zsarlene B March 28 2018 Balladeer Bert Nievera dies at 81 BusinessWorld Archived from the original on July 2 2020 Retrieved July 2 2020 Salamat sa Pag ibig album Nievera Bert RJ Productions 1996 a href Template Cite AV media notes html title Template Cite AV media notes cite AV media notes a CS1 maint others in cite AV media notes link Salamat Sa Pag Ibig by Bert Nievera on Amazon Music Amazon Retrieved July 6 2020 Previous Awit Awardees DOC Awit Awards Archived from the original on March 28 2019 Retrieved July 6 2020 Gonzales David Return to Forever AllMusic RhythmOne Archived from the original on June 13 2018 Retrieved July 6 2020 a b Businessman flees to US leaving millions in debt Gulf News Al Nisr Publishing January 5 2004 Archived from the original on July 2 2020 Retrieved July 2 2020 Alano Ching M March 20 2003 Life is a bowlful at Bubba Gump The Philippine Star Archived from the original on July 5 2020 Retrieved July 5 2020 a b c Singer Bert wife face fraud charges Gulf News Al Nisr Publishing January 21 2004 Archived from the original on July 6 2020 Retrieved July 6 2020 a b Lara Tanya T June 27 2004 Country Waffles is back The Philippine Star Archived from the original on July 5 2020 Retrieved July 5 2020 a b Canlas Jomar December 27 2006 DOJ charges Nievera couple with estafa The Manila Times Archived from the original on July 6 2020 Retrieved July 6 2020 Felipe Cecille Suerte January 29 2004 NBI to file charges against Nievera The Philippine Star Archived from the original on July 6 2020 Retrieved July 6 2020 Court charges singer Bert Nievera and his wife with fraud Gulf News Al Nisr Publishing December 28 2006 Archived from the original on July 5 2020 Retrieved July 5 2020 Re Issue Series Sumasainyo Nievera by Bert Nievera on Amazon Music Amazon Retrieved July 6 2020 Trinidad Nadia Tagala Don May 14 2013 Why most Filipinos in US didn t vote ABS CBN News Archived from the original on August 3 2018 Retrieved July 6 2020 Gabinete Jojo August 6 2017 Martin Nievera gives update on dad s health condition after brain seizure Philippine Entertainment Portal Archived from the original on July 5 2020 Retrieved July 5 2020 Tagala Don December 25 2013 CONCERT KING JOINS FATHER AND TWIN IN FIRST FAMILY CONCERT Balitang America ABS CBN Archived from the original on July 5 2020 Retrieved July 5 2020 Siazon Rachelle March 27 2018 Bert Nievera father of Martin Nievera dies at 81 Philippine Entertainment Portal in Filipino Archived from the original on July 4 2020 Retrieved July 2 2020 MARTIN NIEVERA AND THE SOCIETY OF SEVEN PAY TRIBUTE TO LATE BERT NIEVERA Balitang America ABS CBN May 7 2018 Archived from the original on July 5 2020 Retrieved July 5 2020 Bert Nievera veteran singer and father of Martin Nievera passes away GMA Network March 27 2018 Archived from the original on July 4 2020 Retrieved July 4 2020 People Asiaweek Vol 17 1991 Retrieved July 4 2020 External links EditBert Nievera at AllMusic Bert Nievera at IMDbPortals Biography Pop music Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Bert Nievera amp oldid 1149629403, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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