Juan Gabriel

Alberto Aguilera Valadez (Spanish pronunciation: [alˈβeɾto aɣiˈleɾa βalaˈðes]; 7 January 1950 – 28 August 2016), known professionally as Juan Gabriel (pronounced [ˈxwaŋ ɡaˈβɾjel] ^ⓘ), was a Mexican singer-songwriter and actor. Colloquially nicknamed Juanga (pronounced [ˈxwaŋɡa]) and El Divo de Juárez, Juan Gabriel was known for his flamboyant style, which broke norms and standards within the Latin music industry. Widely regarded as one of the best and most prolific Mexican composers and singers of all time, he is considered a pop icon.

Having sold an estimated 40 million records worldwide, Juan Gabriel is among Latin America's best selling music artists. His nineteenth studio album, Recuerdos, Vol. II, is reportedly the best-selling album of all time in Mexico, with over eight million copies sold. During his career, Juan Gabriel wrote around 1,800 songs.

Some of his most popular, signature songs include titles such as "Amor eterno", "Querida", "Yo no nací para amar", "Hasta que te conocí", "El Noa Noa", "No tengo dinero", "Abrázame muy fuerte", "Te lo pido por favor", "Costumbres", "En esta primavera", "Pero qué necesidad", "La Farsante", "Debo Hacerlo", "Te sigo amando", "Yo No Sé Qué Me Pasó", "Siempre en mi mente", "De mí enamórate" and "Lo pasado, pasado"; amongst perhaps his most acclaimed songs are "Se me olvidó otra vez" and the heartbreaking ballad "Así Fue", popularized by and sung with Isabel Pantoja of Spain. Many of his compositions have been performed by and with other artists. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Gabriel at number 172 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.