Santa Esmeralda were a Latin/Spanish influenced studio group that emerged in the late 1970's. 

Vocals were provided by Massachusetts born Leroy Gomez, a multi-instrumentalist who had played with the likes Elton John, and Tavares. His first solo success was the single "Here we go around" which was an instant hit in France.

The group's first foray into the charts was thanks to disco-fied versions of The Animals hits "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and Them's "Gloria". 

The first two were recorded with Gomez on lead vocals - the biggest hit being "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" which peaked at Number 15 on the charts and achieved 48 gold and 42 platinum sales worldwide. 

The album reached number 25 late 1977. Before "Saturday Night Fever" and "Thriller", Leroy Gomez and the band broke the world record for album sales with 15 millions LP's.  To this day they have sold over 25 millions LP's.

They also had their track, "Sevilla Nights" featured on the soundtrack to the classic disco movie "Thank God It's Friday". After this, Gomez went on to pursue his solo career and left the group. 

Their follow-up album featuring Jimmy Goings on lead vocals was The Animals hit "House of the Rising Sun". The single peaked only at number 78. No other singles charted, but a final album charted in late 1978 before the group's name was retired.

Santa Esmeralda starring Leroy Gomez continues to tour to this day.

- from various online resources