OPERA star Placido Domingo has revealed the source of his early

musical inspiration as a teenager -- The Beatles. The celebrated tenor,

who grew up as a contemporary of the group, says their music was ''the

best'' and he has words of praise for the music of Elvis Presley.

Domingo speaks for the first time of his formative years after

attending the wedding in Alicante, Spain, of his composer son Placido,

23. ''I am a contemporary of The Beatles,'' he says. ''Their music was

the music everybody loved. It was melodic, even though it was low-key.

''They were the ideal group for all generations. I was then a young

boy and couldn't help but like what they were doing, although I was

already involved in classical music. The Beatles and Elvis Presley were

the best.''

In the interview, to be published in Hello! magazine, he provides a

rare glimpse into his private life when he pays tribute to his wife,

former singer Marta Ornellas, whom he first met in Mexico.

''My wife is certainly my guide as well as my inspiration,'' he

says.''She was a singer when we met but she decided to give up her

career for my sake.

''We met in Mexico. We were at the conservatory together. She was

starting to sing at the Opera Academy and at the time I was a budding

pianist.

''I ask her advice about everything. And I always make my decisions

with her by my side''.