Mexican pop and telenovela star María Banquells is part of the celebrity Banquells family, including both show business parents plus actor siblings Mary Paz, Silvia Pasquel, and Rafael. Banquells made her mark on Mexican television playing the role of Esther Salvatierra on the immensely popular Los Ricos Tambíen Lloran. Her theatrical career marched forward throughout the early '80s, punctuated in 1985 with the release of her debut record, Rocio Banquells. The record's leading single, "Luna Mágica," became one of the most commonly covered ballads of the decade. Further highlights from that period include 1987's Entrega Total and 1992's A Mi Viejo, both of which hit Billboard's Top Ten in the regional Mexican category. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez