María Socorro García de la Noceda, born on June 30, 1955, is professionally known as Lunna. She is a Puerto Rican singer who performs in popular and jazz music. Lunna was the director of the television show Objetivo Fama, which is the Latin version of the American television show American Idol.

Early years

Lunna was born and raised by both of her parents in Ponce, Puerto Rico. During elementary school, she learned to play the guitar. In 1972, her mother enrolled her in private singing lessons. In the 1960s, while in high school, she started singing using the name "Soqui," which was a shortened form of her middle name, Socorro.

In 1978, Lunna tried out for and was chosen to join a group named Allegro 72, a well-known local group that included singer Tito Lara and Luis Antonio Cosme. In addition to performing with Allegro 72, she took on jobs singing for radio and television commercials. Later, Lunna left the group to sing on her own. Her agent suggested she use a different stage name, which led to her using the name "Lunna."

She met and started a romantic relationship with Charlie Robles, a Puerto Rican rock and roll teen idol. Their relationship received a lot of attention in Puerto Rico, and they soon married. Sockey and Charlie had a daughter named Lisa Marie from their marriage. However, the marriage did not last, and the couple divorced.

Singing career

Lunna represented Puerto Rico at the OTI Festival in 1982 with the song "Sin tu música." She became very famous in Puerto Rico, but her career paused due to personal issues. After four years away from music, Glenn Monroig, another singer, encouraged her to return. Together, they recorded the album A Todo Dar (Everything Gives), which was the first album in Puerto Rico made using digital technology. The album was later renamed Motivos (Motives) and produced by Ángel "Cucco" Peña. It became a big hit in Puerto Rico. One song from the album was "Yo Perdí" (I Lost), which was turned into a music video filmed in 35 mm.

In 1987, Lunna signed with A&M Records and recorded successful songs, including "No Digas Nada" (Don't Say Anything), "Ni Princesa, Ni Esclava" (Nor Princess, Nor Slave), and "Fugitivo Amante" (Fugitive Lover). That same year, she was nominated for a Grammy Award. In 1988 and 1989, Lunna had more hits with songs like "Soledad" (Loneliness), "Quien No Ha Sentido…" (Who Hasn't Felt…), and "Cómo Ser Amantes" (How to Be Lovers), which was written by Michael Bolton.

In 1992, Lunna reunited with Glenn Monroig and recorded the album Yo Que Te Adoré (I, Who Have Adored You). In 2003, Lunna released Lunna de Bohemia, which included many classical boleros. That same year, she faced a personal tragedy when her son passed away. Lunna, who enjoys jazz music, took part in the "Heineken Jazz Jam Session" and the "Tropical Night at the Seaport."

Personal life

Lunna was married to Puerto Rican singer Charlie Robles. Together, they had a daughter named Lisa Marie Robles. In 1983, Lunna married Ángel "Cucco" Peña. They had three children together: Gabriel, Juan, and Ángel. The couple later divorced. One of Lunna’s sons, Juan Sebastián Peña, died in a traffic accident. Lunna nearly died during the birth of her youngest child, Ángel Agustín Peña. The baby was born with his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck.

Recognitions and awards

Lunna has received many awards and honors, including the following:

• Represented Puerto Rico in the OTI Festival (1981)
• Paoli Best New Artist Award (1986) and (1993)
• Diplo Female Sensation of the Year Award (1986)
• El Vocero Performer of the Year (1986)
• Paoli Performer of the Year Award (1987)
• Collage Night Club Best Show of the Year (1987)
• Bravo Awards Miami Performer of the Year (1987)
• GRAMMY Nomination for Best Latin Performance (1988)
• Dominican Republic Performer of the Year (1988)
• Agüeybaná de Oro – Performer of the Year Award (1988)
• Super Q Miami Performer of the Year and Best Song of the Year Awards (1989)
• Special recognition from the Massachusetts House of Representatives (1990)
• El Encanto de la Isla Award (1993)
• Radio WNNW Boston Performer of the Year (1993)
• Official Godmother of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York (1994)
• Puerto Rican Camara of Representatives Special Recognition (1994)
• J.C. Penney Beauty Luminary (1994)
• Special Guest "Banda de Puerto Rico" (Band of Puerto Rico) in Spain (2000)
• Special Guest "Concierto Paz por la Paz" (Peace Concert) (2002)
• Special Recognition from the Senate of Puerto Rico (2004)

Civic participation

Luna is a volunteer with several organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Puerto Rico Easter Seals, the Say "No" to Drugs campaign, the Pediatric AIDS Center, and the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund. She is also part of "La Damas Cívica de Puerto Rico" (The Civic Ladies of Puerto Rico) and led the television show Objetivo Fama, which was a version of American Idol created for Latin audiences. Luna studied classical singing and musical composition at the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration.

Discography

• Reflejos (1982)
• A Todo Dar (1985)
• Motivos (1986)
• Lunna (1987)
• Seré Tuya Esta Noche (1989)
• Ventanas (1990)
• Yo Que Te Adoré (1992)
• Formas De Amarte (1997)
• Lunna Bohemia (2003)
• Interpreta las canciones de Yolanda Fernández Sanz (2010)
• Caminas Conmigo (2023)

Alternate Discography:

• Allegro – 1978
• Te Canto Navidad – Triste Navidad – 1991
• 14 Súper Estrellas – 14 hits – 1991
• Viva Puerto Rico – 1993
• Si Me Miras a Los Ojos – Tony Vega – 1994
• Ricardo Montaner y Amigos – 1994
• Voces de Puerto Rico – "Barrunto" – 1994
• Un Pueblo que Canta (Banco Popular de Puerto Rico) – 1993
• El Espíritu de un Pueblo (Banco Popular de Puerto Rico) – 1994
• Déjame Intentarlo – Johnny Rivera – 1996
• Free to Be, Vol. 6 "Un Amor como el mío", "The Right Stuff" – 1997
• Temptation – Brenda K. Starr – 2002
• Ocho Puertas (Banco Popular de Puerto Rico) – 2003

• "No Juegues Mas" con Glenn Monroig – 1981
• "Tiempo de Vivir" con Fernando Allente – 1985
• "Amor de Que" – 1988
• "Mi Hombre" – 1988
• "Que Nos Paso" (versión de telenovela Karina Montaner, 1989)
• "El Tambolirero" (BPP, El Espíritu de un Pueblo, 1994)
• "La Tierruca" (BPP, El Espíritu de un Pueblo, 1994)
• "Funny Valentine", CD, Humberto Ramirez, 1996
• "El Ciclo de la Vida", CD Silverio Perez Frist Bank, 2003
• "Fuerza Interior", versión Objetivo Fama, 2004
• "Cuando Regreses", CD Sandy Silva, 2015
• "Tu Voluntad" (canción cristiana, 2020)
• "El Alfarero" (canción cristiana, 2020)