Biography Of Sandra (Singer)

Sandra: The German Pop Icon Who Conquered the World with Her Voice

Sandra, stage name of Sandra Ann Lauer Cretu, is a world-renowned German singer, born in Saarbrücken (Germany) on May 18, 1962. Raised in a stimulating family environment, with a French-born father, Robert Lauer (1937-2021), a wine shop owner, and a German mother, Karin (1939-2020), employed in a shoe store, Sandra developed a strong passion for the arts from a young age. The premature loss of her older brother, Gaston, in 1995, deeply marked her life.
From the age of five, Sandra began studying classical dance, while also cultivating an interest in music through guitar lessons, which started at the age of ten. Her precocious talent emerged in 1975, when, at the age of 13, she participated in the "Young Star Festival" in Saarbrücken. During a break in the competition, Sandra demonstrated audacity and confidence by taking to the stage and improvising a German version of an Olivia Newton-John song, captivating the audience and paving the way for the recording of her first single, "Andy Mein Freund".
In 1979, at the age of 17, Sandra began her professional career as the singer of the group "Arabesque", along with Michaela Rose and Jasmine Vetter. The band achieved considerable success in Japan and reached the top 10 in Germany in 1981 with the song "Marigot Bay". During this period, Sandra met keyboardist Michael Cretu, who would become her musical collaborator and life partner. Together, they moved to Munich, where Michael founded his recording studio.
In 1984, Sandra and Michael Cretu collaborated on the single "Japan Ist Weit", a German cover of the Alphaville song "Big in Japan". However, it was in 1985 that Sandra achieved international fame with the single "(I'll Never Be) Maria Magdalena". The song, composed by Hubert Kemmler, Markus Löhr, and Michael Cretu, with lyrics by Richard Palmer-James, became a global hit, reaching the top of the charts in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and Finland.
The success of "Maria Magdalena" launched Sandra's solo career, solidifying her image as a pop icon. During the same period, Michael Cretu also achieved success with the song "Samurai." Sandra's first album, "The Long Play", released in 1985, reached twelfth position in Germany and second in Sweden. The subsequent single, "In the Heat of the Night", reached second place in Germany and entered the top 10 in numerous European countries. "Little Girl", accompanied by a music video filmed in Venice, was the third successful single from the album.
Sandra's second studio album, "Mirrors", was released in October 1986, preceded by the single "Innocent Love", which achieved good success in Europe. In 1987, Sandra released a cover of her favorite song, "Everlasting Love", originally performed by Robert Knight. Her version was a great success in continental Europe, reaching the top 10 in several countries.
In January 1988, Sandra and Michael Cretu married and moved to the Spanish island of Ibiza, where they continued to collaborate musically. "Into a Secret Land", Sandra's third studio album, marked a new phase in her career. The fourth album, "Paintings in Yellow" (1990), included the worldwide hit single "Hiroshima". In early 1992, the fifth album, "Close to Seven", was released, followed in 1995 by "Fading Shades", recorded during Sandra's pregnancy with her twins.
After separating from Michael Cretu in November 2007, Sandra chose to remain living in Ibiza. In 2006, she released the album "The Art of Love", a return to the pop sounds of the 80s, with collaborations with artists such as DJ Bobo. In 2010, she married music producer Olaf Menges, but the marriage lasted only four years.
Despite personal changes, Sandra has continued to perform live, maintaining her popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany, where she is considered an iconic figure of pop music and one of the most successful artists of the 80s. Her unmistakable voice and elegant style continue to captivate audiences of all ages.

Discography :

Album

1985 - The Long Play

1986 - Mirrors

1988 - Into A Secret Land

1990 - Paintings In Yellow

1992 - Close To Seven

1995 - Fading Shades

1999 - My Favourites

2002 - The Wheel Of Time

2006 - Reflections

2007 - The Art Of Love

2009 - Back To Life

2012 - Stay In Touch

Singles

1984 - Japan Ist Weit

1985 - In The Heat Of The Night

1985 - (I'll Never Be) Maria Magdalena

1986 - Loreen

1986 - Little Girl

1986 - Innocent Love

1986 - Hi! Hi! Hi!

1987 - Midnight Man

1987 - Everlasting Love

1987 - Stop For A Minute

1988 - Sandra

1988 - Sisters And Brothers

1988 - Secret Land

1988 - Heaven Can Wait

1989 - Hiroshima

1989 - Children Of England

1989 - Around My Heart

1989 - We'll Be Together

1990 - One More Night

1990 - (Life May Be) A Big Insanity

1992 - I Need Love

1992 - D0n't Be Aggressive

1992 - Johnny Wanna Live

1993 - Maria Magdalena

1995 - Won't Run Away

1995 - Night In White Satin

2001 - Forever

2002 - Such A Shame

2002 - I Close My Eyes

2007 - The Way I Am

2007 - What Is It About Me

2009 - In A Heartbeat

2012 - Maybe Tonight

2012 - Infinite Kiss