Benito Lertxundi, born in Orio, Gipuzkoa in 1942, is one of the most beloved Basque singers. He was a key figure in helping to revive Basque music beginning in the 1960s and produced many albums.

According to a 2011 news report from Deia, Lertxundi wasn’t particularly attracted to music when he was young and happened to start playing the lute by happenstance when he was 19. He progressed to the guitar and started creating Basque versions of his favorite songs. His road to fame began when he entered a singing contest in Donostia.

He influenced other Basque Country singers, especially through a new Basque artist collective “Ez dok amairu” put together in 1965. The collective also included folk singer-songwriters concerned with Basque culture such as Mikel Laboa (popular song “Txoriak txori”), Xabier Lete, Lourdes Iriondo and others.

Over the years, many other singers have interpreted his songs.

After 60 years of playing music, he announced in 2024 that he was ending his concert tours. This came during the presentation of his final CD, Gernika Konzertuan.

Udazken Koloretan – In Colors of Autumn

Oi Ama Eskual Herria with lyrics

Maria Solt with lyrics