Look up ultima in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Ultima may refer to:

Linguistics[link]

• Ultima (linguistics), the last syllable of a word

Games[link]

• Ultima (series), a series of video games
• Ultima Online, a 1997 MMORPG video game
• Baroque chess, known in the northeastern region of the United States as "Ultima"
• Ultima (Final Fantasy), a recurring boss, weapon and spell in the Final Fantasy franchise
• Ultima (Freedom City), characters in Freedom City

Companies[link]

• Ultima Sports Ltd, a manufacturer of sports cars based in England
• Ultima UK, a manufacturer of fishing line based in the United Kingdom
• Ultima Foods, a division of Quebec based dairy company Agropur
• Ultima Business Soutions, an IT Reseller, Microsoft LAR and IT Professional Services company based in Reading, England

Geography[link]

• Ultima Thule in medieval geographies may denote any distant place located beyond the "borders of the known world"
• Ultima, Victoria, a town in Australia

Other uses[link]

• Bless Me, Ultima is a novel by Rudolfo Anaya with a character called Ultima
• Ultima (finance), a variable in quantitative finance
• Kodak Ultima, a brand of photo paper for inkjet printers sold by Eastman Kodak
• Ultima Thulée, the first full-length studio album by black metal band Blut Aus Nord
• Kyosho Ultima, a radio-controlled car made by Kyosho

See also[link]

• Nissan Altima, a model of car by Nissan
• Ultimo (disambiguation), similar term

This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title. If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article.

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Sasha Sökol
Sasha Sokol in 2007.
Background information
Birth name	Sasha Marianne Sokol Cuillery
Born	(1970-06-17) June 17, 1970 (age 42)
Origin	Mexico City, Mexico
Genres	Latin Pop / Mexican pop Alternative rock Rancheras
Years active	1981–present
Labels	Fonovisa Records, Sony Music Entertainment, V2 Records , OCESA Sei Track
Website	[1]

Sasha Sökol (born June 17, 1970) is a Mexican singer, composer, actress, and TV host. She has sold more than 5 million albums worldwide.

Biography[link]

When Sasha was still a toddler, her parents (Michael "Happy" Sokol and Magdalena Cuillery) divorced and her mother married billionaire Fernando Diez Barroso, an executive of Televisa and one of the richest men in Mexico. From that moment her name changed to Sasha Diez because Diez Barroso legally adopted her. She studied at the Colegio Peterson and later at the Centro de Educación Artística (CEA) of Televisa. At that time, music and television producer Luis de Llano Macedo was seeking to create a Mexican version of the band Parchís, and Sasha held castings at the CEA.
Sasha has one older brother named Michel Sokol Cuilleri, a half-brother named Taylor Sokol, a half-sister Ashley Sokol, and two step-sisters: Alexandra and Ximena Diez Barroso.

Timbiriche[link]

Sasha was selected as one of the original seven members and that is how she started her singing career in 1981. Sasha recorded seven albums with Timbiriche, which earned 25 gold albums and ten platinum albums. Timbiriche earned awards from El Heraldo and the TVyNovelas Awards. In 1984, with Timbiriche, Sasha participated in Vaselina as Sandy, the Spanish language version of Grease. In 1986, she left Timbiriche and moved to Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. to continue her acting studies.

Solo career[link]

In 1987, Sasha enrolled at the Walnut Hill School for the Performing Arts. Later that year, she launched a solo career with a self-titled album, Sasha (1987). Her first single was "No Me Extraña Nada", which was released with a music video. She was nicknamed "La dama de negro" (The Lady in Black) for her habit of dressing in that colour.

In 1988, she released the maxi-single "Diamante", which was chosen as the theme song for the music magazine Eres. In 1988, she also launched a television career with the series Tres Generaciones (TV Show) (Three Generations), starring Carmen Montejo and Angélica María.

In 1989, she recorded a song titled "Detrás del Amor" for the compilation album Nos vamos de vacaciones, which also featured Alejandra Guzmán and Alix Bauer (another ex-Timbiriche). She also released her second album, Trampas de luz, that year.

In 1990, she recorded the song "Amor amor" for the compilation album Juntos ayer y hoy, and the song "Noche de ronda" for the compilation album El estudio de Lara.

In 1991, Sasha Sokol released her third album, Siento, and appeared in the Mexican soap opera Alcanzar una estrella II. It was a tremendous hit and the musical group from the telenovela, called Muñecos de papel (Paper Dolls), released two soundtrack albums with music from the series. Muñecos De Papel had such success that it went on a national tour throughout Mexico and was nominated as "Revelation of the Year" at the second annual awards show Premios Eres, and won the coveted honor. In 1992, Sashs released her fourth solo album, Amor sin tiempo.

From the late 80s to the early 90s, Sasha was among the most popular singers in Mexico and Latin America. Her most successful album has been her first ona, Sasha (1987). At that time, she was considered the top female pop icon in Mexico, and her style was imitated by hordes of teenagers throughout Mexico, and led to the release of her own jewellery line and a perfume labelled Fama.

In 1993, Sasha put her career on hold and put herself in rehab for cocaine addiction. Months later, she formally made statements to the Mexican media about her drug addiction and rehabilitation. She publicly apologized to her fans for her disappearance and for all the rumours that were brought forth while out of the spotlight.

In 1997, she returned to the music scene with an album titled 11:11. Right before she started a 1998 tour titled 11:11 acústico (11:11 Acoustic), which was to take place throughout the Mexican Republic and certain countries in Central and South America, but her international tour was cancelled because of her mother's hospitalization and eventual death.

In 1998, Sasha joined all original founding members of the Mexican pop group Timbiriche in an international tour, and they recorded a double album titled El concierto.

In 2004, she returned once again to the music scene, after a long absence, with the album Por un amor. This album is distinct to her fans as it is not of the pop music genre, but one that belongs to the traditional Mexican music genre, rancheras.

In 2005, Sokol participated in the reality show Big Brother VIP and won the grand prize. As of 2005, she has earned eleven gold albums, four platinum albums and one diamond album in her solo career.

In 2006, she recorded the song "No encuentro un momento pa' olvidar" with Spanish singer Miguel Bosé.

In 2007, she joined the original founding members of Timbiriche (bar Paulina Rubio because of international solo tour) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the group. In 2010, the same six founding members of Timbiriche went on tour again.

Albums[link]

Solo[link]

• 2010: Tiempo Amarillo +150.000
• 2004: Por Un Amor +100.000
• 1997: 11:11 +800.000
• 1992: Amor Sin Tiempo +150.000
• 1991: Siento +1.000.000
• 1989: Trampas de Luz +1.000.000
• 1988: Diamante +500.000
• 1987: Sasha +1.500.000

Tiempo Amarillo: Singles (2010)[link]

• La Ultima Vez
• Luna de París
• Dulce Veneno

Por Un Amor: Singles (2004)[link]

• Por Un Amor
• El Gustito
• La Cucaracha

11:11: Singles (1997 - 1998)[link]

• Seras el Aire
• Ya No Te Extraño
• En la Ciudad
• Me Faltas Tu

Sasha: Singles (1992 - 1993)[link]

• Numero Uno
• Pica y Repica
• Piensame Sola
• Dimelo

Siento: Singles (1991 - 1992)[link]

• Corriendo Peligro
• Siento
• Todos Mis Caminos Van a Ti (w/ Ricky Martin)
• Justo en el Momento
• Tengo Miedo
• Cartas

Trampas de Luz: Singles (1989 - 1990)[link]

• Algo de Mi
• Muevete a Mi Alrededor
• Olvidalo
• Amante Sin Amor
• Detras Del Amor (Nos Vamos De Vacaciones)

Diamante: Singles (1988)[link]

• Diamante

Sasha: Singles (1987 - 1988)[link]

• No Me Extraña Nada
• Rueda Mi Mente
• La Leyenda
• Tipico
• Guerra Total

Hit compilations[link]

• Combo de Exitos: Somos la Historia (2006) +100.000
• Solamente Sasha: Sus Exitos (2004)
• Lo Mejor de Sasha (2002) +200.000
• Cara a Cara (1997)
• No Me Extraña Nada: Linea de Oro (1995)
• Personalidad (1994)
• Sus Exitos (1991) +100.000
• La Coleccion (1990) +100.000

DVD[link]

• Combo de Exitos: Somos la Historia (2006)
• Legado Musical (2005)

Reissues[link]

• Sus Exitos (2004)
• No Me Extraña Nada (Sasha "1987") (2003)
• 11:11 (2009)
• 11:11 (2001)
• Siento (2001)
• Sus Exitos (1999)
• Sus Exitos (1996)
• Personalidad (1995)

Various artists compilations[link]

• Vuelveme a Querer - Various Artists (Noche de Ronda - Sasha) (1998)
• Sony Dance Mix Vol. 3 - Various Artists (Seras el Aire: Mijangos Club Edit - Sasha) (1997)
• El Premio Mayor - Various Artists (El Premio Mayor - Sasha) (1996)
• Navidad de las Estrellas - Various Artists (Medley: Alegres Cantada / Se Feliz / Santa Claus de Noche Vendra - Sasha, Yuri, Alejandra Avalos, Susana Zabaleta) (1995)
• De Epoca: La Era de los 80's - Sasha, Timbiriche, Alejandra Guzman, Lucero, Flans (Remix Medley: Con Todos Menos Conmigo / Las Mil y Una Noches / Eternamente Bella / Cuentame / Timido / Tu y Yo Somos Uno Mismo / Bazar / No Me Extraña Nada / Vete Con Ella / Me He Enamorado de Un Fan / Reina de Corazones / Corro, Vuelo, Me Acelero / Soy Un Desastre / No Controles / Besos de Ceniza) (1994)
• Boleros: Voz y Sentimiento - Various Artists (Sorpresa - Sasha) (1992)
• Muñecos de Papel (Album) - Various Artists (1991)
• Feliz Navidad Te Desean - Various Artists (Rodolfo el Reno de la Nariz Roja - Sasha) (1991)
• Mexico: Voz y Sentimiento - Various Artists (Tu Desvario - Sasha) (1991)
• El Estudio de Lara - Various Artists (Noche de Ronda - Sasha) (1990)
• Juntos Ayer y Hoy - Various Artists (Amor Amor - Sasha) (1990)
• Nos Vamos de Vacaciones - Various Artists (Detras del Amor - Sasha) (1989)
• Nueva Navidad - Various Artists (Adelante Adelante - Sasha) (Tambien Para Ti Es Navidad - Various Artists) (1989)
• Estrellas de Navidad - Various Artists (Adelante Adelante - Sasha) (1988)
• Esta Navidad - Various Artists (En el Portal de Belen - Sasha) (1987)

Collaborations[link]

• Papito - Miguel Bosé (No Encuentro Un Momento Pa´ Olvidar - Miguel Bosé w/ Sasha) (2007)
• Basico 3 - Revolver (Ay Amor - Carlos Goñi w/ Sasha) (2006)
• Realidad - Fratta (Las Flores - Fratta w/ Sasha) (1999)
• Mixes y Remixes - Calo (Eres: Techno Mix - Calo w/ Sasha) (1992)
• Eres - Calo / Sasha (Eres: Version Original - Calo w/ Sasha) (Eres: Techno Mix - Calo w/ Sasha) (1991)
• Hey Tu - Aleks Syntek (Te Quiero Asi - Aleks Syntek w/ Sasha) (1990)

With Timbiriche[link]

• 2007: Timbiriche 25
• 1989: Los Clasicos de Timbiriche
• 1985: Timbiriche Rock Show
• 1984: Timbiriche Vaselina
• 1983: Que No Acabe Navidad
• 1983: Disco Ruido
• 1983: En Concierto
• 1982: La Banda Timbiriche
• 1982: Timbiriche

With Reencuentro Timbiriche[link]

• 2007: Somos Timbiriche 25 En Vivo
• 2007: Timbiriche 25
• 1999: En Concierto 1999
• 1998: Timbiriche Clasico

With Muñecos de Papel[link]

• Muñecos de Papel (Muñecos de Papel - Sasha, Ricky Martin, Angelica Rivera, Pedro Fernandez, Alex Ibarra) (Siento - Sasha) - Various Artists (1991)
• Alcanzar Una Estrella II (No Quiero Dejar de Brillar - Sasha, Ricky Martin, Bibi Gaytan, Erick Rubin, Angelica Rivera, Pedro Fernandez) - Various Artists (1991)

Unedited tracks[link]

• El Breve Espacio
• El Premio Mayor (Ballad Version)
• Ser Es Humano
• El Juego de la Fama (w/ Muñecos de Papel)

Unedited remixes[link]

• La Cucaracha: Iguana Mix (Available on CD Promo) (2004)
• Sasha Mix: Extended Edit (Available on CD Promo) (2002)
• Pica Y Repica: Dance Mix (Available on CD Promo) (1993)
• Pica Y Repica: Dance Single (Available on CD Promo) (1993)
• Tengo Miedo: Radio Remix (Available on 12" Promo) (1992)

Acting[link]

Theater[link]

• Vaselina (Grease), as Sandy
• La Flauta Mágica, Narradora

Films[link]

• Ámbar (1994), as Angélica
• Una Historia Viva (Short)

Television shows[link]

• Buscando a Timbiriche: La Nueva Banda (2007), as Herself (Jury)
• Big Brother VIP México (2005), as herself
• Cultura en Línea (2001-2002), as herself
• Tres Generaciones (1988–1989), as Andrea

Telenovelas[link]

• 2002: El País de las Mujeres as Ana (lead actress)
• 1999: La Vida en el Espejo as Gabriela Muñoz (lead actress)
• 1995: El Premio Mayor as Rosario Dominguez (lead actress)
• 1991: Alcanzar Una Estrella II as Jessica Lascurain

External links[link]

• Sasha Sokol - Official Site

Ricardo Arjona
Ricardo Arjona at Viña del Mar 2010.
Background information
Birth name	Edgar Ricardo Arjona Morales
Born	(1964-01-19) 19 January 1964 (age 48)
Origin	Jocotenango, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
Genres	Latin pop, ballad, rock
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, record producer, musician
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active	1985–present
Labels	PolyGram (1985–1989) Sony Music (1991–2008) Warner Latina (2008–present) Metamorfosis (2011–present)
Associated acts	Gaby Moreno, Intocable, Chenoa, Marta Sánchez, Marc Anthony, Tommy Torres
Website	www.ricardoarjona.com

Edgar Ricardo Arjona Morales, (born 19 January 1964, in Jocotenango near Antigua, Guatemala), known as Ricardo Arjona (Spanish pronunciation: [arˈxona]), is a Guatemalan singer-songwriter and former basketball player and school teacher. In 1993, he received the Rafael Álvarez Ovalle Order from the then President of Guatemala, Ramiro de León Carpio, for his international merits.^[1] Arjona began his music career in 1985 at age 21, when he released Déjame Decir Que Te Amo. He rose to prominence in 1989 with his sophomore album Jesús, Verbo No Sustantivo, which garnered him media attention and moderate success.

After joining Sony Music in 1990 he released, in 1993, his fourth album Animal Nocturno, which gained him significant popularity throughout the United States and Latin America, and paved the way for subsequent albums Historias, Si El Norte Fuera El Sur and Sin Daños a Terceros. In 1999 he released his first live album Vivo, which garnered him his first number-one hit on the Billboard Latin Songs chart, "Desnuda". In 2005 he released his tenth album, Adentro, which won both a Latin Grammy Award and a Grammy Award. In 2008, he abandoned Sony Music and signed a record deal with Warner Music, through which, the same year, he released his eleventh studio album, 5to Piso. In 2011, after 26 years within the music sphere, Arjona independently founded his own record label, Metamorfosis, through which he released his thirteenth studio album, Independiente, in 4 October 2011.

Ricardo Arjona is considered to be one of the most successful Latin American artists of all time, with more than 20 million albums sold to date.^[2] He is often called El Animal Nocturno (The Nocturnal Animal),^[3] thanks to his breakthrough success with his fourth studio album which bears the same name. His music ranges from ballads to Latin pop, rock, pop rock, Cuban music, and more recently a cappella performances and a mixture of Tejano music and Norteño music, and other Afro-American and Latin sounds. Arjona is noted for his lyrical style, and often addresses topics such as love, homosexuality, kidnapping, rape, interracial racism and immigration.

As of 2011, Arjona has released a total thirteen studio albums, one live album and nine compilation albums. He has also released forty-three singles. Four Arjona albums have reached number one on the Billboard Top Latin Albums, and ten had reached the No.1 position in Argentina. Also, four albums had charted inside the Billboard 200. Four of its singles had reached No.1 on the Billboard Latin Songs chart and seven had done the same on the Latin Pop Songs. His work has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including one Grammy Award, one Latin Grammy Award, the "Latin Heritage" Award^[4] as well as other awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers; a silver and golden torch and two silver seagulls from the 2010 Viña del Mar International Song Festival, two Billboard Latin Music Awards, and a "Latin Trajectory of the Year" Award at the Orgullosamente Latino Awards of 2010.

Early years and personal life[link]

Edgar Ricardo Arjona Morales was born on 19 January 1964 in Jocotenango, Guatemala, to parents Ricardo Arjona Moscoso and Mimi Morales de Arjona. He lived most of his childhood and began his musical instruction in Guatemala City.^[5] At the age of 8, young Ricardo could already play the guitar.^[6] At age 12, he participated in the contest "Festival Infantil Juventud 74" with "Gracias al Mundo", a song composed by his father, finally winning the event.^[7]

Although he initially enrolled in architecture and engineering subjects, he eventually graduated with a degree from the School of Communication Sciences at the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC).^[8] At USAC there is a library hall that bears his name.^[8] There is also a street named after him in his birthplace, Jocotenango, Guatemala.^[9] Ricardo Arjona was a talented basketball player, and he played for the team Leones de Marte and TRIAS.^[6] He also toured Central America as a member of the Guatemalan national basketball team. Until recently, he held the record for the most points scored (78) in a single game by a Guatemalan player.^[10]

He spent some time as a teacher at a primary school (called Santa Elena III),^[8] where he claimed to have spent six hours giving lessons and the rest of the day playing soccer.^[10] This earned him a visit from a Ministry of Education representative, who was sent to evaluate the level of education amongst Arjona's pupils. The representative found that the students' level of education was actually above average.^[9] In the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, he met Puerto Rican Leslie Torres and had two children with her: Adria and Ricardo. Later in 2005 they separated. From 2010, Arjona has been dating Venezuelan model Daisy Arvelo, with whom he has a child.^[11]

Career[link]

1980s: Beginnings and early breakthrough[link]

Arjona began his musical career at age 21,^[6] when he found a contract with record label PolyGram through exchange^[12] and released his debut album Déjame Decir Que Te Amo in 1985. With the album, the label attempted to portray Arjona as a stereotypical Latin-lover type.^[13] Only one single were released from the album, being the title track, "Déjame Decir Que Te Amo". This album failed on charts and received moderate critical success, with Allmusic awarding the album 3 stars out of five.^[14] Because of his negative experiences while recording the album and its commercial failure, he decided to abandon the music industry and become a schoolteacher.^[8]

At age 24, Arjona sought the opportunity to represent his country on the OTI Festival with the song "Con Una Estrella En El Vientre".^[8] The experience convinced Arjona to follow his music career,^[8] and then he started recording, from which sessions "S.O.S Rescátame" was recorded.^[5] His sophomore studio album, Jesús, Verbo No Sustantivo brought him commercial and critical success over Latin America and the U.S. and became one of the best-selling records in many Central American territories.^[5][8]

[edit] 1990s: International breakthrough, Si El Norte Fuera El Sur and Sin Daños a Terceros

Ricardo Arjona started the new decade as a known singer, and then he released in 1991, through Sony Music, his third studio album, Del Otro Lado del Sol.^[6] His third album still stands as one of the least successful out of the Guatemalan singer. Animal Nocturno, Arjona's fourth studio album, was released in 1993. It became the one which took him to fame,^[15][16] with the help of the work the artist made in Mexican telenovela Alcanzar Una Estrella, in which he showcased his songwriting and singing skills and garnered him media attention.^[5] The album contained the hit singles "Mujeres" (No.6 on Billboard Latin Songs) and "Primera Vez" (No.6 on Billboard Latin Songs) and received thirteen platinum and one diamond certifications.^[17] He then consolidated his reputation as a well-known singer with the release of his fifth studio album, Historias. The album sold 2 million copies throughout Latin America and received twenty-seven platinum and two diamond certifications,^[6] including quadruple Platinum certification in the United States and Argentina. Historias reached No.43 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums. Several hit singles were released from it, including "Te Conozco" (No.3 on Billboard Latin Songs) and "Señora De Las Cuatro Décadas" (No.7 on Billboard Latin Songs). The Allmusic review by Jason Birchmeier awarded the album 4.5 stars stating that "If you were to pick only one Arjona album for your collection that wasn't a greatest-hits compilation, this should be the one. Historias was a career-defining success for Arjona."^[14] Arjona have claimed many times that his fourth and fifth studio albums are the best-selling of his career.^[18]

In 1996, he released his sixth studio album, Si El Norte Fuera El Sur. This was the first album in which Arjona mainly explored beyond the theme of love, to include nationalism and globalization ("Si El Norte Fuera El Sur"), the Cuban situation and interracial relationships ("Ella y Él"). Four singles were released from this album, namely "Si El Norte Fuera El Sur" (No.9 on Billboard Latin Pop Songs), "Tu Reputación" (No.18 on Billboard Latin Songs, No.2 on Billboard Latin Pop Songs), "Me Enseñaste" (No.18 on Billboard Latin Pop Songs), and "Ella y Él" (No.24 on Billboard Latin Songs, No.8 on Billboard Latin Pop Songs). The Allmusic review by Jason Birchmeier awarded the album 4.5 stars stating "All in all, it's Arjona's third classic album in a row, each distinct from its predecessor."^[14] Si El Norte Fuera El Sur received multiple Platinum certifications in the United States^[19] and Argentina.^[20] In 1998, he released his seventh studio album, Sin Daños a Terceros. The Allmusic review by Terry Jenkins awarded the album 4 stars stating "Sin Daños a Terceros continues Ricardo Arjona's streak of accomplished, affecting albums that spotlights both his melodic skills and his sharp social consciousness."^[14] His fourth consecutive album to receive critical success, Sin Daños a Terceros also enjoyed a huge commercial success, debuting at No.6 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums, the first to reach the top 10. It also reached No.3 on the Billboard Latin Pop Albums chart. It contained the hit singles "Dime Que No" (No.6 on Billboard Latin Songs, No.3 on Billboard Latin Pop Songs), and "Mentiroso" (No.22 on Billboard Latin Songs, No.5 on Billboard Latin Pop Songs). The album received multiple Platinum certifications from the United States^[19] and Argentina.^[20] More than 700,000 copies of the album has been sold.^[1]

On 5 December 1998 and in front of a live audience of more than 100,000 people on the Hippodrome of Guatemala City, Arjona records his first live album, Vivo, released in 1999.^[17] The album had moderated success, being certified Gold in Mexico and Platinum in the United States and Argentina. It produced the hit "Desnuda", which became his first No.1 on the Billboard Top Latin Songs.

[edit] 2000–2005: Galería Caribe, world tour, Santo Pecado, hiatus and Adentro

After showcasing his live album Vivo, Arjona then released his eighth studio album, Galería Caribe. The album was preceded by the single "Cuándo", which became a commercial success and reached No.1 on both Billboard Top Latin Songs and Latin Pop Songs. The singer commented that twelve months were needed to make the album, stating that he "had least friends before starting with the project."^[21] He also mentioned he "lived in love with Caribbean culture and music since my childhood."^[21] The Allmusic review by Jason Birchmeier awarded the album 3 stars stating "All in all, Galería Caribe is a curious entry in Arjona's catalog that most fans can overlook without missing much."^[14] The album became the first by Arjona to chart on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 136, while charting at No.1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums. It was finally awarded Platinum certification in Mexico,^[22] Argentina^[20] and the US.^[19] Three more singles were released from Galería Caribe: "Lo Poco Que Queda De Mi"; "Mesías", which reached No.19 on the Billboard Top Latin Songs and No.11 on the Latin Pop Songs chart; and "A Cara O Cruz", which reached No.28 on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs chart. To promote the album, which sold more than one million copies, Arjona embarked on his Galería Caribe Tour.^[23][24] The tour began in Mexico in 2000 and finished in 2001.^[21]

"Mesías" was directly associated with the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

	"Mesías" noicon A sample of "Mesías", displaying the first chorus of the controversial song, investigated by the FBI.[25]
Problems listening to this file? See media help.

"Mesias" became a subject of some controversy by its theme, and the FBI issued an investigation over Arjona, after the attacks of September 2001, months after the release of the song.^[25] Arjona later commented his song has no relationship with such attacks, and that the lyrics on the song were pure coincidence.^[26] The singer also stated the FBI never spoke directly to him, but instead to somebody on his team.^[26] In the song, Arjona's messiah appears in the form of a wealthy, well-armed magnate with a Harvard degree, a penthouse in Paris and some sinister plan for the world. Some critics argue it's "a metaphorical attack on capitalism and imperialism, classic Arjona targets."^[27]

On 19 November 2002, Arjona released his ninth studio album, Santo Pecado. Preceded by its lead singles "El Problema", which reached No.1 on both the Billboard Top Latin Songs and Latin Pop Songs chart; and "Minutos" which reached No.5 on both the Billboard Top Latin Songs and No.3 on the Latin Pop Songs chart; Santo Pecado became a huge commercial hit by Arjona, selling more than 300,000 copies only in Mexico (receiving double Platinum certification),^[22] 160,000 in Argentina (quadruple Platinum status)^[20] and 200,000 in the United States (double Platinum certification).^[19] The album also received certifications in Venezuela (Platinum), Colombia (double Gold), Uruguay (double Platinum) and Chile (Platinum).

Then, in 2003, Arjona released Lados B, his second compilation album including songs that were "not so commercial", and that he wanted to give them a second chance to sound on the radio.^[28] The album contained songs out from all his past studio albums. Critical reception from the album was mixed, with Allmusic's Jason Birchmeier saying that "This compilation is a misleading entry point into Arjona's catalog."^[14] Aside from that, the album received a Gold certification on Mexico,^[22] and has sold over 200,000 copies worldwide.

On 6 December 2005, Arjona released his tenth studio album, Adentro. The album was citically acclaimed, with Evan C. Gutierrez from Allmusic giving it four starts out of five and commenting that "Be it for the stripped, natural production value, the confident performance of Ricardo Arjona, or his relevant-as-ever lyricism, he's got both his loyal fans and the execs at Norte smiling. While the instrumentation, performance, and overall sonic palette of this project are minimalist and unassuming, there is a depth and brilliance to them. The listener's ear does not tire or want for more, humble as Adentro is."^[29] Adentro became the second studio album by Arjona to chart on the Billboard 200, reaching No.126. It also reached No. 3 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums and No.2 on the Latin Pop Albums chart. The album marked the first time Arjona collaborated with fellow singer and producer Tommy Torres.^[30]

Five singles were released from Adentro: the lead single, "Acompañame A Estar Solo" (No.7 on Billboard Latin Songs, No.1 on Latin Pop Songs), "Pingüinos En La Cama" featuring Spanish singer Chenoa (No.44 on Billboard Latin Songs, No.19 on Latin Pop Songs); "Mojado", featuring American Tejano/Norteño band Intocable (No.34 on Billboard Latin Songs, No.30 on Latin Pop Songs), "A Ti" (No.14 on Billboard Latin Songs, No.3 on Latin Pop Songs) and "De Vez En Mes" (No.49 on Billboard Latin Songs, No.16 on Latin Pop Songs). The album finally sold more than a million copies worldwide.^[31]

[edit] 2006–2007: Adentro Tour and Quién Dijo Ayer

In 2006, Arjona started the first leg of his world tour, named the Adentro Tour, to promote his tenth studio album, Adentro. The tour resumed on 2007 for a second leg, in which he visited more countries. Approximately, two million people attended his concerts throughout his world tour.^[9] The tour was officially closed on 14 September 2007 on the mainland city of Barquisimeto, Venezuela, during the International Fair, in front of more than 100,000 people.^[9]

Also, in 21 August 2007, Arjona releases his fifth compilation album, Quién Dijo Ayer. The album is a two-disc set which contains, on the first disc, new versions of past hits, some of them including featured artists such as Marta Sánchez on "Tarde (Sin Daños a Terceros)" from Sin Daños a Terceros; Panteón Rococó on "Si El Norte Fuera el Sur", from the album of the same name; Marc Anthony on "Historia de Taxi", from Historias; Sandro on "Realmente No Estoy Tan Solo", from Historias; and Eros Ramazzotti on "A Ti", from Adentro. The second disc contains remastered versions of those hits on the first disc, but on their original versions. It was the second time Arjona collaborated with Tommy Torres.

Two singles were released from the album. The first, "Quién", a previously unreleased song and one of those produced by Torres, became a commercial hit for Arjona, reaching No.1 on several countries through Latin America. Although, it failed to reach the top 20 on Billboard Latin Songs, standing at No.21, but reaching No.4 on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs chart. "Quiero" the secong single, reached No.12 on the Billboard Latin Songs chart, and No.8 on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs chart.

The album became a critical and commercial success, with Jason Birchmeier from Allmusic giving a positive review of the album, commenting that "while only a couple of the new versions depart stylistically from the originals, the contemporary productions breathe new life into these songs, which should be well known by longtime fans";^[32] and receiving double Platinum certification in Argentina^[20] and the United States,^[19] and Platinum certification in Mexico.^[22] Also, it received Gold certification in Colombia, Chile and Venezuela.^[33] To date, the album has sold more than two million copies.^[34]

[edit] 2008–2010: New label, Quinto Piso, world tour and Poquita Ropa

Ricardo Arjona in Laredo, Texas during Quinto Piso Tour.

After spending the majority of his career signed to Sony, and later, Sony BMG, Arjona signed a long-term recording deal with Warner Music Latina.^[35] The deal was closed in September 2008.^[35] Iñigo Zabala, chairman of Warner Music Latin America commented that "He's an artist that fits perfectly with our company," and that "We are a label that has a major catalog of songwriters and quality pop and rock from the likes of Maná, Alejandro Sanz, Laura Pausini, and now, Arjona."^[35]

Closed the deal, Arjona then announced he would release his eleventh studio album, 5to Piso, on 18 November 2008. The album was preceded by the first single, "Como Duele" on September, which reached No.2 on Billboard Latin Songs chart and No.1 on Billboard Latin Pop Songs. The album followed the success of his past releases, moved approximately 200,000 copies in its first month at retail and received Gold an Platinum certifications in Mexico,^[22][36][37] United States,^[19][38] Spain, Argentina,^[20][39] Venezuela,^[40] Colombia, Guatemala, and many other countries.^[41] It debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, becoming his second chart-topper con that list, and has sold more than one million copies worldwide.^[42] The album received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Latin Pop Album and a Latin Grammy Award nomination for Best Singer-Songwriter Album.^[43] The album received critical positive response, with Allmusic's Jason Birchmeier giving the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, saying that "More typical than exceptional for Arjona at this point in his career, 5to Piso isn't as grand an album as his past few, [...], Yet it's a great album all the same, particularly the opening run of songs that culminates with "Cómo Duele", and it finds Arjona still at the top of his craft."^[32]

While Warner Music released his new studio album, his former label, Sony Music, released a compilation album, Simplemente Lo Mejor. This led to speculation both labels where in a fight to win Arjona's fanbase and sales.^[44] Simplemente Lo Mejor contains hits taken from his past albums, namely Sin Daños a Terceros, Si El Norte Fuera El Sur, among others. This compilation received Gold certification in Mexico,^[22] and Platinum certification in Argentina.^[20]

"Sin Ti... Sin Mi" was released as 5to Piso's second single, and reached No.4 on both Billboard Latin Songs and Billboard Latin Pop Songs charts. In 24 April 2009, Ricardo Arjona started his world tour, the Quinto Piso Tour to promote his then just released album. The tour included 123 shows between the United States,^[45] Spain,^[46][47] Argentina,^[48][49] Guatemala, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, among many other countries in Latin America, and ended on 18 June 2010.

The Quinto Piso Tour has been one of the most successful tours made by a latin artist, with an attendance of more than one million people from 19 countries.^[51] Also, he received in 2010 the "Latin Tour of the Year" Billboard Latin Music Award for the tour.^[51] On 26 February 2010, he participated in the 2010 Viña del Mar International Song Festival as one of the top performers.^[52] His performance was followed by that of Colombian singer Fanny Lu. One hour after Fanny Lu's performance, a 8.8 magnitude massive earthquake affected the area and the total south-central regions of Chile. On social networks, Arjona was jokingly blamed of the earthquake, commenting that "earthquakes go where he goes", making reference also to the earthquake felt in Mexico having the singer just arrived to that country.^[53][54]

Just finished the tour, Arjona announced his twelfth studio album, Poquita Ropa, which was released on 24 August 2010.^[55] It was preceded by the genre-mixing track "Puente", an ode to Havana, Cuba's largest and capital city.^[50] The song failed to break in the upper tier of Billboard charts, and was also reportedly prohibited for airplay in Cuba.^[56] The album became his third set to debut or reach No.1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. Within two weeks of release, the album received a Gold certification in Chile, United States, Colombia and Puerto Rico; and Platinum certification in Mexico and Argentina.^[57]

The album marked a change on Arjona's sound, which himself called a "stripped-down version" of his music.^[58] Jason Birchmeier of Allmusic gave the album a somewhat positive review, saying that it was a "stripped-down acoustic effort" yet considering it "impressive".^[32] Two more singles were released from Poquita Ropa, "Vida", a song the singer dedicated to his recently dead father;^[59][60] and "Marta", an auto-biographical song in which music video stars Edith González.^[61] Both, like the lead single, failed to gain much airplay in the U.S., and failed to reach high positions on Billboard charts.

[edit] 2011–present: Independiente, Metamorfosis and world tour

Arjona released his thirteenth studio album, Independiente, in 4 October 2011. The album, as past Arjona releases became his fourth number-one set on the Billboard Top Latin Albums when it debuted atop the chart on the week ending 22 October; and within a week of release, the album received a Gold certification in Chile, United States and Mexico; and Platinum certification in Venezuela and Argentina.^[62] Independiente is the first album Arjona releases as an independent artist. It was released through his own record label, Metamorfosis, a company he created to refocus his career.^[63] Although, the album is being distributed by Warner Music.^[64] Billboard notes that although other groups have decided to launch independently their works after having a contract with major record labels, Arjona is by far the most important artist in the Latin pop to follow this trend.^[65]

The first single off Independiente is "El Amor", being released in 23 August 2011.^[64] In the United States, the song reached No.1 on the Billboard Top Latin Songs, becoming his fourth number-one hit on that list after "Desnuda", "Cuando" and "El Problema", and No.1 on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs. It also became a hit in the rest of Latin America, reaching No.1 in several countries.^[67] The second single off the album is "Fuiste Tú", the collaboration with also Guatemalan singer Gaby Moreno. As of February 2012, the song has charted within the top 20 on the Billboard Top Latin Songs, and has reached No.1 con the Billboard Latin Pop Songs.

To promote Independiente and his new status as an independent musician, Ricardo Arjona embarked on another world tour, the Metamorfosis World Tour,^[68][69] beginning on 27 January 2012 on Mexican city of Toluca,^[70] the place in which all of his concert tours had begun. The tour is expected to visit Latin America, North America and several countries in Europe.^[70]

In 22 March 2012, a controversy surrounded a supposed Iranian law that forbid Iranian people to listen Arjona's music,^[54] as disclosed by Venezuelan television channel Globovisión, and other regional newspapers.^[3][71] Later, this information turned out to be false, and only a joke by an entertainment website, confused with real news.^[72] Globovisión later issued an apology on the matter.^[73] On 29 March, Billboard confirmed that Gaby Moreno, who is featured on second single "Fuiste Tú", has signed with Arjona's record label, Metamorfosis.^[74] "When I turned 17, I was signed by a very important label in the United States, [...], but I didn't feel comfortable when they told me which songs had to go into production", the singer said in a statement.^[74]

Between 31 March and 1 April, Arjona toured Guatemala, his native country, as part of his worldwide tour. The two concerts he presented in the Mateo Flores stadium were both sold out performances, becoming the first artist in Guatemalan history to achieve this feat.^[75] On April 9, 2012, American telecommunications corporation AT&T begun airing a commercial promoting the Nokia Lumia 900 smartphone, and featuring the singer on it.^[76] Titled "The Shoot", the spot shows how a teenage boy uses his Nokia smartphone to record Arjona's performance, and then showing it to his mother. It also features the song "Mi Novia Se Está Poniendo Vieja" from the album Independiente, and is released to coincide with Mother's Day.^[77]

As of 16 April 2012, his Metamorfosis World Tour has reached more than 400,000 fans, from which about 160,000 were only from his Buenos Aires tour dates on April 12–15.^[78] On April 25, Arjona's show on Mendoza, Argentina accumulated an attendance of 24,000 people, breaking the record set by Luis Miguel 10 years prior, and thus becoming the highest-grossing artist ever on that province.^[79] Hours before his performance on Mendoza, the Malvinas Argentinas stadium in which the concert was held, a fire burned close to one of the entries of the complex.^[80]

Artistry[link]

Music and style[link]

Arjona's main music style is Latin pop. Mainly, he sings without the help of featured or additional singers. Only longtime collaborators Dan Warner and Tommy Torres had provided notable background vocals where needed. Five Arjona albums, with one of them being a compilation album, feature additional artists. The first of them is Galería Caribe, which features vocals from artist Ednita Nazario on the song "Porque Hablamos". Adentro features vocals from Spanish artist Chenoa on second single "Pingüinos En La Cama"; and from American Tejano band Intocable on third single "Mojado". The third album is Quién Dijo Ayer, which features additional vocals from Marta Sánchez on "Tarde (Sin Daños a Terceros)"; Panteón Rococó on "Si El Norte Fuera El Sur"; Marc Anthony on "Historia de Taxi"; Sandro on "Realmente No Estoy Tan Solo"; and Eros Ramazzotti on "A Ti". The fourth is 5to Piso, in which Paquita la del Barrio collaborates on the track "Ni Tú Ni Yo". The fifth album is Independiente, in which fellow Guatemalan singer Gaby Moreno stars alongside the singer in the second single "Fuiste Tú".

Marc Anthony sang along Arjona on the salsa version of "Historia de Taxi".

In contrast to Déjame Decir Que Te Amo, on which he was treated as a balladeer, in the latter two albums Arjona experimented with a range of pop/rock styles. Animal Nocturno has energetic rock songs that are interspersed with heartfelt ballads, and the instrumentation is heavy on guitar, synthesizer, and drums.^[81] On Historias, each song is stylistically distinct and the instrumentation is remarkably varied. There are around two dozen instruments used on the album, everything from saxophone and trumpet, to piano and Hammond B-3, to cello and bassoon, to violin and viola.^[82] On Si El Norte Fuera El Sur, he tried crafting a relatively low-key effort characterized by intimate songs about matters of life, in particular love, culture, and politics. Most of the songs were written over the course of 1995 while Arjona was touring Latin America in support of his fifth album,^[83] and are performed acoustically with Caribbean touches, and besides a couple rockers, the songs are all fairly even in tone and tempo.^[83]

In Galería Caribe, Arjona brings a collection of Afro-Caribbean sounds, exploring traditional rhythms such as guaracha, bachata, merengue, and salsa.^[84] On Santo Pecado, Arjona explores the use of symphonic sounds on his ballads, amidst a couple of rock songs very similar in style with those on Sin Daños a Terceros.^[85] This album included the song "La Nena (Bitácora de un Secuetro)", in which Arjona relates the story of a girl who is kidnapped by her uncle.^[86] Then, in 2005, Arjona proved new sounds in Adentro. Evan Gutierrez from Allmusic considered the instrumentation, performance, and overall sonic palette to be "minimalist" and "unassuming".^[87] On this album, Arjona included more Latin sounds, like some Mexican and Tejano music on "Mojado",^[88] a song about immigration;^[89] some merengue and Colombian tones on "Adiós Melancolía", and some rock on "No Te Cambio Por Nada".

In 2007 Arjona released Quién Dijo Ayer. On this compilation album, Arjona re-worked some of his past songs to fit them into a new style, or just masterize them. By example, his song "Si El Norte Fuera El Sur" was totally overhauled and transformed into a ska style, and performed with the aid of Panteón Rococó.^[90] "Historia de Taxi" was transformed into a salsa song, and saw the help of American singer Marc Anthony^[90] and pianist Sergio George,^[91] who commented that "It's been interesting to work with to figures from different music worlds on the interest of making good music."^[92] He further stated that "every time a reunion of this kind happens, it a reason to celebrate."^[92] Allmusic's Jason Birchmeier commented on the album that "While only a couple of the new versions depart stylistically from the originals, the contemporary productions breathe new life into these songs."^[90] "Realmente No Estoy Tan Solo" was also re-recorded with singer Sandro. This turned out to be the last song recorded by the latter, who died in 4 January 2010.^[93] This album included three new songs. The lead single, "Quién" was written by Arjona and produced by himself and Tommy Torres.^[94] "Quiero" and "Espantapájaros" are the other two new songs on the album.

Paquita la del Barrio sang along Arjona on ranchera "Ni Tu Ni Yo".

5to Piso is mainly driven by the use of piano and strings.^[95] Exceptions are "La Bailarina Vecina", crafted with pure orchestral arrangements; and "Ni Tú Ni Yo", a ranchera style song featuring Paquita la del Barrio.^[95] The album also includes a song called "Que Nadie Vea", in which the artist sings about homosexuality.^[96] on 5to Piso, Arjona commented he tried to recoup the freshness of his first albums, saying that he "tried to reconcile a little with the Ricardo Arjona from the first albums to let out some of that freshness that makes so good to the songs."^[97]

Poquita Ropa drastically changes the musical style. In this album, Arjona tried to use the least number of instruments as possible. The result was a production that seems to be a capella performances. Arjona has commented about this album that "music and women look better with little clothes."^[58] Production was handled by Arjona himself and Dan Warner, who has also worked with Shakira, Celine Dion and Christina Aguilera.^[98] Jason Birchmeier of Allmusic gave the album a somewhat positive review, saying that it was a "stripped-down acoustic effort" yet considering it "impressive".^[99] He also commented that Poquita Ropa "finds Arjona at his most naked, backed by spare arrangements of acoustic guitar, piano, and Hammond B-3 along with occasional touches of strings, woodwinds, and chorus vocals."^[99]

	"Fuiste Tú" noicon A sample of "Fuiste Tú" from Independiente, displaying the first chorus sang by Arjona and Gaby Moreno.
Problems listening to this file? See media help.

"Puente", the lead single, is the only notable exception. It is crafted in eight and a half minutes and is divided in three parts. The first one is a cappella song, sang mainly with a piano. The second part is a ballad with Caribbean and Latin sounds, with some salsa and Cuban influences.^[100] The third is a mixture of salsa and merengue, with Cuban influences. "Puente" is mainly similar to Arjona's work on Galería Caribe.^[99] This album was the first since Adentro, that Arjona worked without Tommy Torres.

In Independiente, Arjona returned to his classic and trademark sound, which Torres has helped crafting, after the drastic change he made in Poquita Ropa. David Feffries of Allmusic gave the album a somewhat positive review. He, as also Arjona and other media mentioned before, compared the production values and musical style of Independiente with those of past albums Animal Nocturno and Historias. Finally, he states that "Returning fans will revel in this combination of freedom and growth, and appreciate the return of producer Tommy Torres, the man who has been behind the boards for quite a few of Arjona's most popular releases", referring precisely to the absence of Torres in the production of Poquita Ropa.^[101]

Criticism and controversy[link]

Arjona, throughout his career, has been subject of criticism, both to his songwriting skills and as a singer. He has also been called "heater of old ladies" and "frustrated poet".^[102] Jaime Andrés Monsalve, music journalist from Cromos magazine, commented that "Arjona, effectively, is at the level of the singer-songwriters, it's to be said. We could even be more condescending and place him in what is used to be called 'author's music'. And he achieved it thanks to a prefabricated scheme in which they make tabula rasa, equivocately, the situations affecting human beings souls and the most prosaic materialism."^[103] Music producer Iván Benavides stated that "Arjona fills stadiums surely for the same reason that self-help books sell more than good literature. Some of his 'verses' could be part of an anthology of the worst of the Latin American song of all time. His music is poor but pretentious."^[103]

Controversy arised bewteen Arjona and Fito Páez (left) for a series of concerts on Buenos Aries, and with Juanes (right) for the benefit concert in Havana, Cuba.

Argentinian musician and multi-instrumentalist Fito Páez has also criticized Arjona. During an interview with newspaper Clarín, Paez commented that "If the city [Buenos Aires] gives 35 Luna Parks to Ricardo Arjona and only two to Charly García, then you have to think what does mean the politics, the newspapers, in that city, in which exist some values that have been annihilated."^[104][105]

Arjona responded to the commentary sending a letter to the newspaper, commenting that "On a suspicious way he signs the beginning of this issue in his country almost at the same time with the obvious fall of his artistic capacity", also stating that "it is from an epic beauty the panic that represents to him to send a new musical production to his own people." The singer finally called Páez a "false and reckless intellectual" and a "disrespectful dictator" that "believes he is the owner of popular decisions."^[105][106]

Mexican singer Alejandro Filio was also critical over Arjona. He commented that "there are some technical requirements to make music. Artists who write music without having a notion of the rhythmic and the metric would not achieve well-structured verses, and, as a result, neither well built songs. That's the case of Arjona."^[107] He also stated that he is "against who wants to apparent what it isn't."^[107]

Colombian singer Juanes also rose to controversy with the singer when the latter cancelled a concert in Cuba, the place where Juanes was to make a benefit concert, "to avoid generating a circus around this". Juanes, on an interview, commented that he wasn't aware that to go to the island, he "needed permission from Arjona."^[108] On the 2010 Viña del Mar International Song Festival, a controversy arose over a comment Arjona made during his show as a response to the show made hours before by Tito El Bambino, who was asking for the awards. Arjona said that "trophies aren't asked but deserved."^[109]

Juan Carlos Garay, music critic from Semana magazine, stated that Arjona is, as an artist, "more simple of what people believes. He is a guy that in every song repeats the same thing but in a thousand different ways, [he] doesn't develop thematics, but indeed a tone that easily gets confused with poetry. When the common people notes they can get easily close to this type of songs, they feel like members of an 'exclusive club'."^[103] He also said that "the conflict point is on the definition. Himself, or the people around him, had tried to classify him as a social singer-songwriter to the likes of Joan Manuel Serrat or Joaquín Sabina, but the truth is other: he is a baladeer", also stating that Arjona is "missclassified" and named it the successor of José Luis Perales.^[103]

Discography[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

Grammy Awards[link]

Latin Grammy Awards[link]

Billboard Latin Music Awards[link]

Lo Nuestro Awards[link]

See also[link]

	Guatemala portal
	Biography portal
	Latin America music portal

• Ricardo Arjona discography
• List of Guatemalans
• Music of Guatemala

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ricardo Arjona

• Official site

Julieta Venegas
Julieta Venegas at Central Park Summer 2008
Background information
Birth name	Julieta Venegas Percevault
Born	(1970-11-24) November 24, 1970 (age 41) Long Beach, California, USA
Origin	Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Genres	Pop, indie pop, alternative music, folk rock
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, musician, record producer
Instruments	Vocals, Piano, Accordion, Guitar, Keyboards, Wurlitzer, Vibraphone, Caja, Cello
Years active	1992–present
Labels	RCA, Sony International
Website	julietavenegas.net

Julieta Venegas Percevault (born November 24, 1970 in Long Beach, California, USA),^[1] known professionally as Julieta Venegas, is a Mexican singer, songwriter, instrumentalist and producer, who sings pop-rock in Spanish. She speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish fluently. She has a twin sister, Yvonne, who is a photographer. Venegas grew up in Tijuana and began studying music at the age of eight. She went on to join several bands including Mexican ska band Tijuana No!.

She plays several instruments including acoustic guitar, accordion, and keyboard. She has won five Latin Grammys and one Grammy Award among other awards. She has composed music for theater and performed in soundtracks for dozens of movies.

In 1997, she released her debut album Aquí to favorable reviews in Mexico by the rock audience.^[2] In later years she positioned herself as one of the most prominent songwriters in Latin pop by achieving fame in 2003 in Latin America and Spain with the album Sí and singles "Andar Conmigo" and "Algo Está Cambiando" which were positioned at the top of Latin Billboard.^[3]

In 2006, she released her most successful album Limón y Sal which is her best-selling album to date. Limón y Sal achieved Platinum status in several countries,^[4] including the worldwide hit "Me Voy." "Me voy" was certified Gold in Mexico.^[5] Her last album Otra Cosa appears in the bucks tops European countries and America.^[6]

Venegas was designated a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in Mexico.^[7]

Biography[link]

Julieta began playing instruments at the age of 10 when her parents first sent her to piano lessons. In the years that followed, music grew to be her passion. At the beginning of her career, she collaborated with a few bands in Tijuana, and then later in Mexico D.F. Her first solo album, Aquí, was released in 1998 with the collaboration of Gustavo Santaolalla. She recorded, toured and played live. In 2000, she recorded her second album, Bueninvento, where she experimented with the electric guitar, and collaborated with producers and musicians including Gustavo Santaolalla, Meme de Real, Quique Rangel, Toy Hernandez and Joe Chiccarelli. In 2003 she released her third album, Sí, which was recorded and produced in Buenos Aires and Madrid with guest musicians Cachorro Lopez and Coti Sorokin. In 2006, her fourth album, Limón y Sal, debuted with the help of producer Cachorro. In 2007, she collaborated with Miranda! to record the song "Perfecta," which became a chart-topping single in 2008 in Latin America. Also that year, a she was featured in MTV Unplugged which led to a DVD and CD. The single "El Presente" was drawn from that production. Her new album Otra Cosa was released in March 2010.^[8]

[edit] Aquí 1997–2000

With the support of BMG, Julieta recorded her first solo album with producer Gustavo Santaolalla. Published in 1997, "Aquí" contained twelve tracks composed by Julieta and was distributed in Mexico, Spain, and several Latin American countries. The material showed Julieta to be an extremely inventive artist in Mexican popular music.

The first single from the album "De Mis Pasos" was dramatically accepted by a young audience and quickly positioned as one of the best songs female rock of that time. The second single, "Como Sé," won the MTV award for "Mejor Interpretación Femenina."

Following the international release of the album, Julieta received a large number of invitations to collaborate with different musicians and performers in Latin America, including Sasha Sokol, Enanitos Verdes, Sr. Gonzalez, Los Tres, Liquits, Cartel de Santa, León, and Enrique Bunbury.

In 1998, she participated in the tour "De Diva Voz" with Ely Guerra and Aurora y La Academia, appearing at different locations in Mexico and the United States. Soon after, the tour was in "Calaveritas y Diablitos" next to Aterciopelados and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs in Spain. The same year she participated in the album Volcán: Tributo a José José, a tribute to the legendary Mexican singer José José. Julieta recorded the song "El Triste".

Her participation in international festivals increased the following year. The Festival presented Juliet "Midem Americas (Miami)," Generation Ñ "(in Spain)," Rock Al Parque de Bogotá (Colombia) and Festival "El Hatillo" (in Venezuela).

In 1999, she appeared in the Mexican version of the video "Infinito" by Bunbury.

In 2000, Nacho Mastretta invited her to participate in her album "Luna de Miel", which consists of twelve songs performed by twelve female vocalists from different countries. Soon after that, Venegas contributed three songs to the soundtrack ofEn El País de No Pasa Nada.

Soon after, Julieta Venegas wrote and recorded for the film "Amores Perros" and the song "Amores Perros Me Van A Matar." The song was produced by Emmanuel del Real and Quique Rangel (Café Tacuba), who would also collaborate with Venegas on her next album, Bueninvento.

[edit] Bueninvento 2000–2002

Bueninvento, also produced by Gustavo Santaolalla and Joe Chicarelli, was launched in September 2000. It was recorded in Los Angeles (California), Monterrey and Mexico City. Thirteen of the fourteen songs are authored by Julieta Venegas including a tribute to Juan Gabriel – "Siempre En Mi Mente." She had gotten inspired by Dayla Molina! ♫♪

In the same year, she participated in the "Arezzo Wave Love" in Italy, where she sang a version of the song "Amores Perros ..." in Italian and the tour "Evolucion 2000" with Jaguares, Jumbo and Gusana Ciega. It is also involved in the Hannover Fair as part of Music Bridges Around the World, which links to composers from around the world. Join the Cubadisco Festival in Havana, Cuba and the tour 'Femina Rock' with Maria Gabriela Epumer and other female figures of the rock.

In 2002, the singer Victor Manuel calls offering to participate in a tribute to Joaquín Sabina along with other women. Sing "Corre Dijó La Tortuga."

Participa several soundtracks: In the movie "Maria Full of Grace" with the theme "Lo Que Venga Después." In the movie "Demasiado Amor" a cover of Lupita D'alessio "Acariciame" with two versions, one in collaboration with Mastretta, one with Joan Valent. Also works with Mastretta for the main theme of the Spanish film"El Sueño del Caiman".

Sing "Niños" a duet with Spanish Pedro Guerra Ofrenda disk and received by the same in the Persian Gulf where they sing a duet on the song "Cómo Sé" against the European media.

She sings in the Soda Stereo album tribute to the song "Disco Eterno" which is nominated for a Grammy for "Best Rock Song: Hoy No Quiero" and "Best Alternative Rock Disco: Bueninvento" takes a brief break in his career and is dedicated to singing themes José José ("El Triste"), José Alfredo Jimenez ("Serenata Sin Luna") and Los Tigres del Norte ("La Jaula de Oro") and does duets with Celso Piña and ska "Los de Abajo" while preparing the songs for his upcoming album "Sí".

[edit] Sí 2003–2005

In late 2003, released the album "Sí", which collaborates Coti and "Cachorro Lopez", recorded in Argentina and Spain. So far it has been her biggest commercial success, allowing her to reach a wider market. It has sold over a million copies, making the songs on "Andar Conmigo", "Lento" and "Algo Está Cambiando" pop standards in Latin music.

She was invited to do, along with Pau Dones from Jarabe de Palo, a song for the soundtrack of the movie "Asesino En Serie: El Listón de Tu Pelo" a Tributo to Los Angeles Azules.

2004 year was the most productive year professionally and spiritually for Julieta Venegas – MTVla awarded her three awards for: "Artist of the Year", "Solo of the Year" and "Best Artist North." She was also awarded her first Latin Grammy in the category "Best Rock Album." She won 3 Awards for "Oye!" Mexico City in the categories "Artist of the Year", "Song of the Year: Andar Conmigo" and "Record of the Year: Sí." "Sí" gave sufficient security to show their femininity and risk play in the risk and ways of pop criticism.

In 2004 she collaborated on the album "Neruda En El Corazón" with artists like Joan Manuel Serrat, Pablo Milanés and Ana Belén. It is responsible for putting music to the poem "A Callarse" and participates in the "Diego Torres: MTV Unplugged" on the song "Sueños". Participate in the concert "El Sueño Existe" in homage to Salvador Allende in the Stadium Nacional de Chile, with Chilean and international artists as Gilberto Gil, The Prisoners, Leon Gieco and Silvio Rodríguez, among others.

She began her first international tour in Mexico and celebrated it with a memorable concert at the Teatro Metropolitan, which is reflected in the album "Sí Special Edition" and is the first Latin artist to release a "Limited Edition DualDisc." Julieta Venegas is placed between Latin artists with more international exposure, and is therefore requested to sing with various artists such as Lenine, El Cartel de Santa and Paulina Rubio. "Sí" is received with open arms in Viña del Mar, where it receives the recognition Mar de Plata and she was invited to record in Los Shajatos, singing in English, "you've got hide your love away" and "Blackbird" by The Beatles

Julieta also participated in the disc of Vincentico: "Los Rayos " in the theme: "Tonto" and the MTV Unplugged Lenine on the theme: "Miedo" and different musical scores for movies like "Hotel Tivoli" ("El Fuego y El Combustible"), "Sólo Dios Sabe" (" Saudade " ft. Otto and "Lagrimas Negras").

[edit] Limón y Sal 2006–2007

Singer Julieta Venegas participated in the 2006 “Mujeres sin miedo, todas somos Atenco” event.

Julieta took about a year to produce her next album, which was recorded in Buenos Aires with the production of Cachorro López. At the same time she paid tribute to Andrés Calamaro with the song "Sin Documentos." Also included is title track "Limón y Sal".

When the first single "Me Voy," a Ranchera/Pop song, was released in 2006, it quickly rose in popularity, transcending distance and language barriers as it is performed in English, Italian and Spanish.

March saw the launch of "Limón y Sal" which was awarded a gold record for more than 50 thousand copies sold within two days of its launch. After a single week it had received a platinum for 100 thousand records in Mexico and more golds for selling 50 thousand copies in both Spain and the United States. A few days later the record received another gold record for more than 50 thousand copies in Italy.

In June 2006 in Spain, Venegas took part in the MTV Day festival with Amaral and Keane, among others. Two days later, she took part in the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of Los 40 Principales Radio Formula. She sang "Me Voy" and "Nada de Esto Fué Un Error" next to Coti. She has participated in the Spanish series "Yo Soy Bea", as the series was also involved in "SOS Mi Vida" Argentina on TV. In 2007 a compilation album came out entitled "Realmente Lo Mejor".

Venegas also collaborated on the Hector Buitrago album "Conector" with the theme "Música Somos" before beginning a world tour encompassing first Italy and other parts of Europe. Upon returning from Europe, she visited almost all of Latin America and the United States on her "Limón y Sal" Tour.

With regard to awards, she won her second Latin Grammy for "Best Alternative Album" and also won her first Grammy in a historic tie with Ricardo Arjona's album "Adentro".

A total of 4 singles were released: "Me Voy", "Limón y Sal", "Eres para Mí" and "Primer Día" – a song that was supposedly only for Europe, but also caught American ears.

[edit] MTV Unplugged 2008–2009

The year 2008 was even more productive, since March 6, she recorded her "MTV Unplugged", which was ranked as "Very Successful", besides being the first to be recorded in Mexico. Artists joining Julietta for this live concert included Juan Son, La Mala Rodriguez, Marisa Monte, Natalia Lafourcade, Gustavo Santaolalla and an orchestra of 15 musicians. This MTV Unplugged aired on 5 June 2008 on MTV and the CD was released on 17 June. For this same CD, she was named MTV Artist of the Month.

This record blends the ranchera touch with pop ballads that have been very well accepted by the public. In Mexico, the song lasted for 10 weeks at the top of popularity and getting very good reviews. This record shows that Julieta is an accordion of surprises, showing songs like: "Mira la vida", "Algún Día" y "Cómo Sé" that show Julieta as more mature and aware of what she does and always busy reinventing herself every day and giving the public something new to their ears.

The album was released on June 10 at the international level, producing strong sales and one month after its release Julieta was awarded a platinum disc for selling more than 100,000 records in Mexico and two gold discs for more than 50,000 records in Colombia and the USA.

Julieta started an international tour for the first time, visiting England and Germany, countries which had never heard music like hers.

Her record was nominated for MTV Awards, Premios Luna del Auditorio and the Latin Grammy. Her concerts are among the most requested and popular with the public.

She recorded a duet with French singer Olivia Ruiz singing "Las Migajas de Mi Corazón." At the MTV Awards LA she sang with the Electro/Norteño Nortec Collective band a unique version of "El Presente"

On November 13, 2008 Julieta took home two Latin Grammy awards in the categories of "Best Alternative Album" and "Best Long Form Video". After her successful tour Julieta was invided by Nelly Furtado to participate in the song "Bajo Otra Luz" with La Mala Rodríguez.

[edit] Otra Cosa 2010–Present

"Otra Cosa" was released on Tuesday, March 16, in record stores and on iTunes. The first single was "Bien o Mal" written with Alejandro Sergi vocalist of the band Miranda! and released on March 16, 2010.

"Otra Cosa", placed on the first and second positions of the "Top Albums" in the iTunes Latino store with her two Deluxe and Standard edition albums, according to the official website. Julieta Venegas became the first Latin artist to launch an iTunes LP.

Four days after the official launch of "Otra Cosa", Julieta Venegas earned a Gold Record in Mexico.

The album contains 12 songs filled with acoustic and electric guitars, synthesizers, various percussion instruments, cavaquinhos, winds, subtle pianos (played by herself), and accordions.

Also seen in pictures posted in Twitter, Julieta mentions other instruments used on the album that include: ukulele, bass, Bouzuki, and Tuba.

The album was produced by Julieta and Cachorro López (who also produced "Limón Y Sal").

Following the album's release Juieta Venegas toured the United States (sponsored by the brand Jack Daniels) in 16 cities, including New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Julita Venegas participated in the Vive Latino Festival 2010, playing on two occasions, both in the Green Stage. She participated in a reunion with her former band, Tijuana No! and sang a duet with their new band member, Alexis Güereña, singing "Pobre de Ti".

A few weeks prior to the release of the album, Julieta Venegas acknowledged being three months pregnant, but has not named the father. Sources state he is a psychologist from Argentina.

On April 27, 2010, a visibly pregnant Julieta Venegas played some songs of the album at KCRW, an internet public radio station in Santa Monica College.

On August 13, 2010 Julieta gave birth to a baby girl named Simona in Mexico.^[9][10] Julieta, who is divorced, has never revealed the identity of the baby's father.

Discography[link]

• 1997: Aquí (+ 300,000)
• 2000: Bueninvento (+ 500,000)
• 2003: Sí (+ 2,000,000)
• 2006: Limón y Sal (+ 4,000,000)
• 2008: MTV Unplugged (+ 1,200,000)
• 2010: Otra Cosa (+ 1,100,000)

See also[link]

• List of awards and nominations received by Julieta Venegas

Awards[link]

• Latin Grammy Awards of 2004:

• Best Rock Solo Vocal Album (Sí).

• MTV Video Music Awards Latin America 2004:

• Best Solo Artist*Best Artist (Mexico)
• Artist of the Year

• Premios Oye! 2004

• Best Song of The Year (Andar Conmigo)
• Album of The Year (Sí)
• Rock In Spanish

• MTV Video Music Awards Latin America 2006:

• Best Solo Artist

• Latin Grammy Awards of 2006:

• Best Alternative Music Album (Limón y Sal).

• Grammy Awards 2007

• Best Latin Pop Album (Limón y Sal).

• MTV Video Music Awards Latin America 2007:

• Best Pop Artist

• Latin Grammy Awards of 2008:

• Best Alternative Album (MTV Unplugged)
• Best Music Video Long Form (MTV Unplugged)

• Latin Grammy Awards of 2010:

• Best Short Form Music Video (Bien o Mal)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Julieta Venegas on Myspace
• Julieta Venegas on Facebook
• Julieta Venegas's channel on YouTube
• Julieta Venegas on Twitter

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (April 2008)

Eddy Jose Herrera de los Rios, also known as Eddy Herrera, is a merengue singer and winner of more than seven Casandra Awards. Born on 30 April 1964 in the Dominican Republic, in the city of Santiago de Los Caballeros.

History[link]

He got his start in music at the age of nine, when he began to play the guitar and take classes from a music teacher. Herrera developed his talent and began to participate in various music contests, among them the Festival of the Voice of Santiago, where he won second place at the age of 15. At 17 he took first prize.

He entered the Pontifical, Catholic University Madre y Maestra to study architecture, but only lasted two and a half years, as he was presented with the opportunity to work in the group of Wilfrido Vargas and gladly accepted, disregarding his mother's objections.

His first international success was titled El jardinero, which was launched three months after having joined the Wilfrido Vargas's musical group. He stayed in that group from 1984 to 1990, when he was launched as a soloist under the label MP Records. Their second album was recorded a year later under the same label; it was titled Mi more.

He later he changed record companies, joining MP J & N Records to launch the album Amame, from then on, all his records have come under the same label.

Countries like: Venezuela, Colombia, Curazao, Aruba, Perú, Ecuador, Panamá, Costa Rica, USA; Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, New York, Boston, Los Ángeles, etc. have been part of Eddy Herrera's international in the time his tour of 2008. They project for Eddy to visit again some of these countries and also attract, new plazas like: Chile, Argentina and Bolivia in the end of 2008, and the first few months of 2009.

Accolades[link]

Herrera has won the Casandra Award for Best Male Performer.^[1]

Discography[link]

• Independiente (1990)
• Mi More (1991)
• Ámame (1993)
• Lluvia de Amor (1994)
• Los Hombres Calientes (1997)
• Alma Gemela (1998)
• Me Enamoré (2000)
• Atrevido (2001)
• Para Siempre (2003)
• Amor de Locos (2005)
• Paso Firme (2009)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Eddy Herrera website