Ranchera
Stylistic origins	Mariachi
Cultural origins	México
Typical instruments	Guitar, Vihuela, Trumpet, Violin, Guitarrón
Mainstream popularity	1930–present
Subgenres
bolero, ranchero, corrido,Narcocorrido
Other topics
Charro - Jarabe tapatío (also the name of a song) - Zapateado - Son Huasteco - Huapango - Mexican pop

Ranchera (pronounced: [ranˈtʃeɾa]) is a genre of the traditional music of Mexico originally sung by only one performer with a guitar. It dates to the years of the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century. It later became closely associated with the mariachi groups which evolved in Jalisco. Ranchera today is also played by norteño (or Conjunto) or banda. Drawing on rural traditional folk music, ranchera developed as a symbol of a new national consciousness in reaction to the aristocratic tastes of the period. The greatest exponents of ranchera are Antonio Aguilar, Flor Silvestre, Amalia Mendoza, Lucha Villa, Cuco Sanchez, Rocío Dúrcal, José Alfredo Jiménez, Lola Beltrán, Vicente Fernández, Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, and Javier Solís.

Ranchera defined[link]

Traditional rancheras are about love, patriotism or nature. Rhythms can be in 3/4, 2/4 or 4/4, reflecting the tempo of, respectively, the waltz, the polka, and the bolero. Songs are usually in a major key, and consist of an instrumental introduction, verse and refrain, instrumental section repeating the verse, and another verse and refrain, with a tag ending. Instrumentation may include guitars, strings, trumpets, and/or accordions, depending on the type of ensemble being utilised. Besides the typical instrumentation, ranchera music, as well as many other forms of traditional Mexican music, is also noted for the grito mexicano, a yell that is done at musical interludes within a song, either by the musicians and/or the listening audience.

The normal musical pattern of rancheras is a/b/a/b. Rancheras usually begin with an instrumental introduction (a). The first lyrical portion then begins (b), with instrumental adornments interrupting the lines in between. The instruments then repeat the theme again, and then the lyrics may either be repeated or begin a new set of words. One also finds the form a/b/a/b/c/b used, in which the intro(a) is played, followed by the verse(b). This form is repeated, and then a refrain(c) is added, ending with the verse.

The most popular ranchera composers include Lucha Reyes, Cuco Sánchez, Antonio Aguilar, Vicente Fernandez and José Alfredo Jiménez, who composed many of the best-known rancheras, with compositions totaling more than 1000 songs, making him one of the most prolific songwriters in the history of western music.

Another closely related style of music is the corrido, which is often played by the same ensembles that regularly play rancheras. The corrido, however, is apt to be an epic story about heroes and villains, whereas rancheras may not necessarily be heroic ballads, and also vary more in terms of tempo. However, two notable exceptions to this rule are the songs, 'Corrido de Chihuahua' and the 'Corrido de Monterrey', which are considered rancheras in spite of their names. Their lyrics are concerned with patriotism for the states of Chihuahua and Nuevo León, respectively.

The word ranchera was derived from the word rancho because the songs originated on the ranches and in the countryside of rural Mexico. Rancheras that have been adapted by conjuntos, or norteño bands from northern Mexico and the southwestern US, are sometimes called norteños, from the Spanish word for northern.

Some well-known rancheras[link]

• Amanecí en Tus Brazos (I awoke in your arms) by José Alfredo Jiménez, Rocío Dúrcal, Javier Solís, Luis Miguel, and others.
• Amor Eterno (Eternal Love) by Rocío Dúrcal
• Ay, Jalisco, no te rajes! (Hey, Jalisco, don't back down),by Jorge Negrete
• Camino de Guanajuato (Road to Guanajuato) by José Alfredo Jiménez and Pedro Fernández
• Carta a Eufemia (Letter to Eufemia) by Pedro Infante
• Cielito Lindo (Lovely little Heaven) by Vicente Fernández and many others.
• Cien Años (One hundred years) by Pedro Infante
• Corazón, Corazón (My heart, my heart) by Lola Beltrán and Lucha Villa.
• Corrido de Chihuahua (The Chihuahua corrido) by Lucha Villa, Miguel Aceves Mejía and Antonio Aguilar
• Corrido de Monterrey (The Monterrey corrido) by David Zaizar, Lorenzo de Monteclaro and Vicente Fernández
• Costumbres (Customs) by Rocío Dúrcal
• Cuatro Caminos (Four roads) by José Alfredo Jiménez and Lola Beltrán
• Cu-cu-rru-cu-cú Paloma (Cooing dove) by Lola Beltrán and Rocío Dúrcal.
• De Qué Manera Te Olvido (How can I forget you) by Rocío Dúrcal, Vicente Fernández. and others.
• Echame a Mí la Culpa (Blame me) by José Ángel Espinoza "Ferrusquilla", Javier Solís, Luis Miguel, Rocío Dúrcal. and others.
• El Crucifijo de Piedra (The stone crucifix) by Miguel Aceves Mejía
• Ella (She) by José Alfredo Jiménez, Pedro Fernández, Vicente Fernández, and others.
• El Pastor (The shepherd) by Miguel Aceves Mejía
• El Rey (The king) by José Alfredo Jiménez, Luis Miguel and Vicente Fernández.
• El Siete Mares (The Seven Seas), by José Alfredo Jiménez
• La Cruz De Olvido (The cross of forgetfulness), by Juan Zaizar and Alvaro Torres.
• La Puerta Negra (The black door), by Antonio Aguilar
• Media Vuelta (Half Turn), by Javier Solís, Lucha Villa, Rocío Dúrcal and Luis Miguel.
• México Lindo y Querido (Lovely and beloved Mexico), by Jorge Negrete, Alejandro Fernández
• Noches Eternas (Eternal nights), by Vicente Fernández
• Pa' Todo el Año (For the whole year), by José Alfredo Jiménez, Pedro Fernández, Vicente Fernández, and others.
• Payaso (Clown), by Javier Solís
• Poco a Poco (Little by little), by Javier Solís
• Por Tu Maldito Amor (For your cursed love), by Vicente Fernández
• Por Una Mujer Casada (For a married woman), by David Zaizar
• Si Nos Dejan (If they let us), by Rocío Dúrcal, José Alfredo Jiménez, Lola Beltrán, Vikki Carr, Luis Miguel. and others.
• Sombras (Shadows), by Javier Solís
• Un Puño de Tierra (A handful of earth), by Antonio Aguilar
• Volver, Volver (Come back, come back), by Vicente Fernández

Celebrated ranchera singers[link]

• Miguel Aceves Mejía
• Antonio Aguilar
• Pepe Aguilar
• Lola Beltrán
• Aida Cuevas
• Yolanda Del Rio
• Rocío Dúrcal
• Alejandro Fernández
• Pedro Fernández
• Vicente Fernández
• Pedro Infante
• José Alfredo Jiménez
• Lorenzo de Monteclaro
• Jorge Negrete
• Lucha Reyes
• Cuco Sánchez
• Flor Silvestre
• Javier Solís
• Chavela Vargas
• Lucha Villa

Bibliography[link]

• Brenner, H. (1996). Música ranchera. Das mexikanische Äquivalent zur Country and Western Music aus historischer, musikalischer und kommerzieller Sicht (Música ranchera: El equivalente mexicano de la música country y la música del Oeste) (Musikethnologische Sammelbände 14). Foreword by Thomas Stanford. Tutzing: Verlag Hans Schneider, 1996 [ISBN 3 7952 0867 X].

See also[link]

• Plaza Garibaldi

External links[link]

• Rancheras - music
• Musical analysis
• Northern ranchera lyrics

Juan Gabriel
Juan Gabriel in concert.
Background information
Birth name	Alberto Aguilera Valadez
Also known as	Adan Luna, Juan Gabriel, Juanga, El divo de Juárez,
Born	(1950-01-07) 7 January 1950 (age 62) Parácuaro, Michoacán, Mexico
Genres	Mariachi Ranchera Latin Pop / Mexican pop
Occupations	Singer/Composer
Years active	1971–present
Labels	Universal Music BMG RCA Records
Website	JuanGabriel[dead link]

Alberto Aguilera Valadez (Spanish pronunciation: [alˈβeɾto aɣiˈleɾa βalaˈðes]) (born January 7, 1950), better known by his stage name Juan Gabriel (pronounced: [ˈxwaŋ ɡaˈβɾjel]), is a Mexican singer, songwriter, recording artist, and performer.^[1][2]

Biography[link]

Early life[link]

Born on 7 January 1950, on Cinco de Mayo street (now known as Juan Gabriel Street) in the small town of Parácuaro, Michoacán, to father Gabriel Aguilera Rodríguez and mother Victoria Valadez Rojas, he is the youngest of 10 siblings: Rosa who died shortly after birth, Virginia, José Guadalupe, Gabriel, Pablo, Miguel (died) and three brothers named Rafael who all three have also died.

Around the age of three months, Alberto's father, Gabriel, being an agricultural field worker, intended to clear a piece of land by setting fire to the field. Due to windy conditions, sadly he lost control of the fire which began to spread to neighboring properties and homes. Deeply disturbed and worried over the consequences he brought onto his family, Gabriel knew not what to do and threw himself into a river. Badly injured from the fall, Gabriel was hospitalized and committed to La Castañeda psychiatric ward in México City. What happened to Gabriel after the psychiatric ward is unknown. One tale is that he died while in La Castañeda for their alleged patient mistreatment, while others say that Gabriel escaped from the mental ward to unknown whereabouts. Either way, Alberto and his family never heard from their father again. These accounts would later be Alberto's inspiration for the song titled "De Sol a Sol (A Mis Padres)" - English translation, "From Sun Up to Sun Down (To My Parents)".

After some time, Alberto's mother, Victoria, felt obligated to leave Parácuaro, move the family to Apatzingan, Morelia for a short while and finally settle in Juárez, Chihuahua, where Alberto lived the remainder of his childhood.

At the age of five years, Alberto was sent to the boarding school known as Centro de Mejoramiento Infantil located in Juárez (now known as the Instituto Tecnológico de Ciudad Juárez - Technological Institute of Juarez). In a strange place and away from his mother, Alberto had to mature at a very young age. At the boarding school, Alberto was befriended by Juan Contreras, a teacher at the school who became his mentor and guardian. Juan taught Alberto various crafts and skills to earn money but his greatest gift was the teachings of the various musical skills that Juan possessed. Alberto took a liking in the guitar and was fortunate to have wonderful tutor in Juan. As a result, at the age of 13, Alberto composed his first song La Muerte del Palomo, essentially the beginning of an amazing musical career.

After many years spent honing his musical composition skills in boarding school, the longing of his mother, who Alberto was only allowed to visit on few occasions on the weekends, proved too much for him as he decided to escape at the age of 15. Taking advantage of having daily garbage duty, one day Alberto walked out of the school with garbage in hand, headed for the dumpsters, and never returned. Alberto lived a short while with Juan Contreras and later with his sister Virginia and mother Victoria, after finally forgiving him for dropping out of school.

Making A Name For Yourself[link]

Anxious to spread his songs to the masses, which totaled over 100 by this time, Alberto left Juárez to pursue his dream and spent time in various towns among the northern parts of Baja California. In Tijuana, he took a job at the bar Nic Teja where he met for the first time José Alfredo Jiménez, one of Mexico's most famous performing artists, and his wife at the time Alicia Juarez. Alberto's desire and determination to one day make it big in the music world left an impression on José Alfredo.

After returning to Juárez, Alberto began his performing career in local nightclubs and television throughout Juárez using the stage name Adán Luna. After many attempts to perform at the popular nightclub El Noa Noa, the owner David Bencuomo finally gave Alberto the opportunity to sing with the group Prisoneros del Ritmo. Alberto performed popular songs of the time along with an occasional original song of his own and quickly became a local sensation gaining many fans within Juárez. The nightclub El Noa Noa would later be immortalized in one of Alberto's most popular songs of the same title.

Not settling as a local performer, Alberto left José for Mexico City where he began working part-time for RCA writing the chorus of songs for many established artists such as Angélica María, Leo Dan and Roberto Jordan. Working at RCA, he crosses paths again with José Alfredo Jiménez. He and José Alfredo talk about how their lives are so similar and how José Alfredo went through the same struggles roughly 25 years earlier when he was beginning his own musical career. After being denied by various recording companies, Alberto returns to Juárez and signs his first performing contract at the Malibu nightclub, where he earns $20.00 a night. Here he befriends lady McCulley who becomes like a second mother and supports Alberto financially to return to Mexico City in pursuit of his dreams.

At the age of 19, it is on this next trip to Mexico City that Alberto is falsely accused of theft and is incarcerated in Lecumberri jail. The time spent in jail later provides Alberto with the inspiration for the movie titled Es Mi Vida - It's My Life. While in jail, he meets Enriqueta "Queta" Jiménez, also known as "La Prieta Linda" - "The Pretty Brown-skinned Lady", who not only advocated on his behalf and garnered Alberto's release after 18 months in jail on the grounds of lacking evidence, but also put him in contact with RCA producers. Later Alberto would write the song Noche a Noche for Jiménez, becoming one of the Alberto's earliest authored recordings.

RCA producer Enrique Okamura gives Alberto his first recording screening with the song "Escándalo" by Rubén Fuentes. Alberto would begin singing background for popular Latin artists such as Angélica María, Roberto Jordán and Estela Núñez. Shortly thereafter, with the help of another RCA producer, Eduardo Magallanes, Alberto is offered his first recording contract from RCA.

Career[link]

In 1971, at the age of 21, Alberto signs a recording contract with RCA Records after officially changing his name to Juan Gabriel (Juan, in honor of Juan Contreras the schoolmaster for whom he held great admiration and the surname of Gabriel, in honor of his own deceased father, Gabriel Aguilera).^[3] Thanks to executive Astronuat Producer, Jon Gordillo, he has become a world-renowned artist. Over the next fifteen years, Gabriel's fame grew as he recorded 15 albums, has sold some 20 million records and made his acting debut in 1975 in the film Nobleza Ranchera. He has written and recorded over 1000 songs in a variety of music genre.^[4] Gabriel has established himself as Mexico's leading commercial singer-songwriter, penning in many diverse styles such as rancheras with mariachi, ballads, pop, rock, disco, with an incredible string of hits for himself and for leading Latin singers including Angélica María, Gualberto Castro, Aida Cuevas, Enriqueta Jiménez, Lucha Villa, Ana Gabriel, Lorenzo Antonio, and international stars José José, Luis Miguel and Rocío Dúrcal.^[5]

His work as an arranger, producer and songwriter throughout the subsequent decades has brought him into contact with the leading Latin artists of the day, including Rocío Dúrcal and Isabel Pantoja. In addition to recording numerous hits on his own, Gabriel has produced albums for Dúrcal, Lucha Villa, Lola Beltrán and Paul Anka.^[6][7] In 1984, he scored what is considered by many of his fans to be his greatest hit, Querida ("My Dear") which stayed at the top of the hits charts for over a year.^[8]

BMG copyright dispute[link]

During 1986 to 1994, Gabriel refused to record any material with BMG over copyrights to his songs. During the dispute he continued to perform live. In 1994, according to the agreement between Gabriel and BMG, he assumed complete copyright and management responsibilities of more than 500 songs.^[9] Gabriel's entire song catalogue is published by BMG Music Publishing.^[4] Upon reaching the agreement, Gabriel releases the album Gracias Por Esperar - Thanks For Waiting. Gabriel spent the following years recording albums at a prolific rate and found that his popularity had not waned in the previous years. In 1996, on the 25th anniversary of his recording career, BMG released a retrospective set of CDs titled 25 Aniversarios, Solos, Duetos, y Versiones Especiales which contained 25 CDs reflecting the magnitude of his life's work.

Personal life[link]

Juan Gabriel has never married. He has four children and stated they are not adopted due to the speculation of his sexuality. Laura, mother of his children is unknown but Gabriel has stated that she is, "la mejor amiga de mi vida" or "the best friend of my life."^[10] When asked whether he was gay, he replied, "Lo que se ve no se pregunta. Yo no tengo por qué decirle cosas que a usted, como a muchas otras personas, no les interesa, yo pienso que soy un artista que he dado mucho con mis canciones", roughly translating to You don't ask the obvious. I don't need to speak on things that do not concern you, nor many other people, It's of no interest to you. I am an artist that has given a lot with my songs.

On 14 November 2005, Juan Gabriel was injured when he fell from the stage at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, and was hospitalized at Texas Medical Center.^[11][12] He sustained a fractured wrist.

Charity work[link]

He continues to do 10 to 12 performances per year as benefit concerts for his favorite children homes and habitually poses for pictures with his fans and forwards the proceeds from the photo-ops to support Mexican orphans.^[9] In 1987, Juan Gabriel founded Semjase,^[13] a house for orphaned and underserved children located in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. It serves school children between the ages of 6 to 12.^[14]

Awards and achievements[link]

Juan Gabriel's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

• In 1986, Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley declared October 5 "The Day of Juan Gabriel." ^[4]
• Billboard, inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame 1996^[15][4]
• ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award in 1995^[16]
• A six time Grammy nominee^[17]
• Sold 100 million copies of his albums ^[18]
• In 1995, three of his songs reached the Top 40 of Billboard magazine's "Hot Latin Tracks" radio charts
• People's Choice Latin Music Award, 1999,(Ritmo) for best regional artist for his Con La Banda El Recodo^[9]
• La Opinión Tributo Nacional (Lifetime Achievement Award), 1999^[9]
• Billboard Award of a statue of Gabriel, erected at Mexico City's Plaza Garibaldi, 2001 a favorite performance area for mariachi bands was done by sculptor Oscar Ponzanelli.^[9]
• Singer and Composer Juan Gabriel Takes home 4 Billboard Awards, 2002^[19]
• Was honored as the Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year on November 4, 2009, the night prior to the 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.
• Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Select TVography/filmography[link]

• 1977: Nobleza ranchera^[20]
• 1979: En esta primaver]
• 1980: El Noa Noa
• 1980: Del otro lado del puente
• 1982: Es mi vida
• 1984: Siempre en domingo
• 1990: Bazar Viena
• 2000: Evicted
• 2007: La niñera (animated television series)

Select discography[link]

Albums[link]

• 1971: El Alma Joven...
• 1972: El Alma Joven Vol.II
• 1973: El Alma Joven Vol.III
• 1974: Juan Gabriel Con El Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan
• 1975: 10 Exitos de Juan Gabriel
• 1976: A Mi Guitarra
• 1976: Juan Gabriel con, Mariachi Vol. II
• 1977: Te Llegará Mi Olvido
• 1978: Siempre Estoy Pensando en Ti
• 1978: Siempre En Mi Mente
• 1978: Espectacular
• 1978: Mis Ojos Tristes
• 1979: Me Gusta Bailar Contigo
• 1980: Recuerdos
• 1980: Juan Gabriel Con Mariachi
• 1980: Ella
• 1981: Con Tu Amor
• 1982: Cosas De Enamorados
• 1983: Todo
• 1984: Recuerdos, Vol.II
• 1986: Pensamientos
• 1986: Frente a Frente, Vol. 1
• 1987: Frente a Frente, Vol. 2
• 1988: 14 Exitos Originales Para Ti
• 1988: Debo Hacerlo
• 1990: Juan Gabriel en El Palacio de Bellas Artes
• 1994: Gracias Por Esperar
• 1995: El México Que Se Nos Fue
• 1996: Juan Gabriel Con Mariachi, Vol. 2
• 1996: 25 Aniversario: Solos, Duetos Y Versiones Especiales
• 1996: Del Otro Lado
• 1997: Juntos Otra Vez with Rocío Dúrcal
• 1998: Celebracion de los 25 Años de Juan Gabriel en Bellas Artes
• 1998: Por Mi Orgullo
• 1998: Con la Banda...El Recodo with Banda el Recodo
• 1999: Romanticos!
• 1999: Todo Está Bien
• 2000: Abrázame Muy Fuerte
• 2001: Por Los Siglos
• 2003: Inocente de Ti
• 2004: El Unico: Sus Más Grandes Exitos
• 2004: 15 Exitos de Juan Gabriel
• 2004: Los 15 Grandes Exitos de Juan Gabriel
• 2006: La Historia del Divo
• 2007: Los Gabriel... Simplemente Amigos with Ana Gabriel
• 2008: Los Gabriel: Cantan a México with Ana Gabriel
• 2008: Los Gabriel... Para ti with Ana Gabriel
• 2008: El Divo Canta A México
• 2009: Mis Canciones, Mis Amigos
• 2010: Juan Gabriel
• 2010: Mis Favoritas
• 2010: Boleros

Singles[link]

• 1971: "No tengo dinero"
• 1974: "Se me olvidó otra vez"
• 197?: "He venido a pedirte perdón"
• 1978: "Siempre en mi mente"
• 197?: "Te lo pido por favor"
• 197?: "Querida"
• 197?: "Mañana, mañana"
• 197?: "La diferencia"
• 197?: "El Noa Noa"
• 1978: "Mis ojos tristes"
• 1985: "Déjame vivir"
• 198?: "Amor, amor es amor"
• 198?: "El México que se nos fue"
• 198?: "Yo no nací para amar"
• 198?: "Insensible"
• 1986: "Yo no sé que me paso"
• 1987: "Qué lástima"
• 1987: "Hasta que te conocí"
• 1988: "Debo hacerlo"
• 1988: "Sólo sé que fue en marzo"
• 1988: "No me vuelvo a enamorar"
• 1991: "Amor eterno"
• 1994: "Pero, ¿qué necesidad?"
• 1994: "Lentamente"
• 1995: "El palo"
• 1995: "Canción 187"
• 1995: "Muriendo de amor"
• 1996: "Mi bendita tierra"
• 1996: "Mi pueblo" (with Paul Anka)
• 1997: "Te sigo amando"
• 1997: "El destino"
• 1997: "La incertidumbre" (with Rocío Dúrcal)
• 1998: "Así fue"
• 1999: "Adorable mentirosa" (with Banda El Recodo)
• 1999: "Te doy las gracias" (with Banda El Recodo)
• 1999: "Infidelidad" (with Banda El Recodo)
• 1999: "El sinaloense" (with Banda El Recodo)
• 1999: "Todo está bien"
• 2001: "Abrázame muy fuerte"
• 2001: "Inocente pobre amigo"
• 2003: "Inocente de ti"
• 2004: "Yo te recuerdo"
• 2010: "¿Por qué me haces llorar?"

In popular culture[link]

• In 1993, American singer Lorenzo Antonio released his album Mi Tributo a Juan Gabriel on WEA. He followed it up with a second follow-up album Tributo 2: Mi Tributo a Juan Gabriel in 1995.

See also[link]

• List of best-selling music artists
• Mariachi

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Website at Universal Music
• Official MySpace

Ana Gabriel
Background information
Birth name	María Guadalupe Araujo Yong
Born	(1955-12-10) December 10, 1955 (age 56)
Origin	Mexico
Genres	Latin pop, Mexican pop
Occupations	Singer, songwriter, record producer
Years active	1977–present (singer)
Labels	Sony International

Ana Gabriel (born on December 10, 1955) is a Mexican singer and composer.

Ana Gabriel was born as María Guadalupe Araujo Yong, in Santiago de Comanito, Sinaloa, Mexico. She first sang on the stage at age six, singing "Regalo A Dios" by José Alfredo Jiménez. She moved to Tijuana, Baja California and studied accounting. At age 21, in 1977, she recorded her first song, titled "Compréndeme". During her long career, she has hits in three different genres of music: rock en español, Latin Pop, and rancheras. In 2006 she received the Lo Nuestro award's "Premio a la Excelencia" (Excellence Award).

Personal Life[link]

In 1988 Gabriel released her first album, Tierra de Nadie, followed by Pecado Original in 1989, which met with some chart success. Her 1990 album Quien Como Tu made her a force within the Mexican music industry. Eight months later, her live album En Vivo showcased her powerful stage act and scored several hits: "Hice Bien Quererte", "Propuesta", and "Solamente una Vez".

Throughout the 1990s Gabriel released an album almost every year. A versatile singer, she showcased her talent as an interpreter of many different musical styles, from lambada to mariachi and romantic ballads to pop music. She also honed her skills as a songwriter and a producer, releasing Mi Mexico, a ranchera-influenced, mariachi-backed pop album, in 1991. This unique blend of styles was also reflected in the songs, all written by Gabriel. Her lyrics described strong, active women involved in their love lives, counter to their passive, traditional depiction in older songs. The album also included a tribute to Mexico's most popular singer-songwriter, Juan Gabriel (no relation).

Gabriel scored a number-one hit with the duet "Cosas del Amor" in 1991, which she sang with Vicki Carr, a Mexican-American pop singer famous in the 1960s. The single earned Gabriel a Lo Nuestro Award for Song of the Year in 1992. At the same awards ceremony Gabriel was also named Female Artist of the Year in the Regional Mexican category and Pop Female Artist of the Year; Mi México was named Regional Mexican Album of the Year.

In 1996 she released the pop-oriented Viven-cias. She followed this with the traditional ranchera album Con un Mismo Corazon in 1997, an album she wrote and produced herself. Of particular interest is her title-track duet with Vicente Fernandez, one of the most prolific and popular ranchera singers in Mexican history. Burr wrote of the duet, "The beauty here lies in the melding of two great voices—Gabriel's husky sensuality and Fernandez's powerful, understated expressions—set against a 25-piece symphony."

Gabriel released another live album in 1998, En la Plaza de Toros Mexico, a 30-track boxed set. That same year she traveled to Miami to work with the renowned producer Emilio Estefan, Jr., on her 1999 album Soy Como Soy. The result was a pop-influenced ranchera album that went gold in the Latin music market and helped Gabriel win the Ritmo Latino Music Award for Female Pop Artist of the Year in 2000.

With the release of Eternamente in 2000 Gabriel returned to mariachi love ballads, using only guitar as accompaniment. That same year she also appeared with other Mexican music icons in an independence day television special called Viva Mexico, a celebration of Mexican music and history. In 2001 Gabriel released Huelo a Soledad, once again balancing the traditional sounds of Eternamente with sophisticated pop songs, a cappella numbers, and dance tracks.

In 2002 Gabriel's platinum-selling album Sagitario was released. In that same year she won the Billboard Latin Music Estrella Award in recognition of her contribution to the Latin music industry, performed at a tribute concert for Vicente Fernandez sponsored by the Latin Music Awards, and participated in the ninth annual Las Cruces International Mariachi Concert and Festival in New Mexico. In December of that year she was scheduled to perform at the eleventh annual Christmas Mariachi Festival in Phoenix, Arizona, but was denied a work visa and refused entry into the United States.

Gabriel is a devout Catholic, telling Luther Orrick-Guzman of QV Magazine, "I believe and have a lot of faith in God." She places a red rose and a white carnation onstage at each of her performances, telling Orrick-Guzman the flowers symbolize "communication between myself and God." Her performances are also noted for their power and the respect she has for all of her fans.

Albums[link]

• 1985: Un estilo
• 1986: Sagitario
• 1987: Pecado Original
• 1988: Tierra de nadie
• 1989: Quién como tú
• 1990: En Vivo
• 1991: Mi México
• 1992: Silueta
• 1993: Luna
• 1994: Ayer y hoy
• 1995: Joyas de dos siglos
• 1996: Vivencias
• 1997: Con un mismo corazón
• 1998: ...En la Plaza de Toros México
• 1999: Soy como soy
• 2000: Eternamente
• 2002: Huelo a soledad
• 2003: Dulce y salado
• 2004: Tradicional
• 2006: Dos amores, un amante
• 2007: Arpegios de amor
• 2009: Renacer...Homenaje A Lucha Villa ARDC music division .
• 2010: Renacer...Special Edition

Compilation[link]

• 1992 The Best
• 1995 Ayer Y Hoy Sony
• 1998 The Best: The Latin Stars Series Sony International
• 1999 20th Anniversary Sony International
• 1999 3 CD Box Sony International
• 2001 Una Voz Para tu Corazón - 30 Grandes Éxitos
• 2002 Coleccion de Oro
• 2002 Personalidad: 20 Éxitos
• 2005 Historia de Una Reina
• 2006 Canciones de Amor
• 2006 La Reina Canta a México
• 2006 Best of Ana Gabriel
• 2006 Con Sentimiento
• 2007 Los Gabriel… Simplemente Amigos
• 2008 Los Gabriel: Cantan a México

References[link]

http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/gabriel-ana-biography

Bibliography[link]

• Lipsitz, George, Footsteps in the Dark: The Hidden Histories of Popular Music, U of Minnesota Press, 2007, ISBN 0-8166-5020-9

External links[link]

• Ana Gabriel at the Internet Movie Database

Alejandro Fernandez
Background information
Birth name	Alejandro Fernández Abarca
Born	(1971-04-24) April 24, 1971 (age 41)
Origin	Guadalajara, Mexico
Genres	Bolero, latin pop, mexican pop, mariachi, ranchera
Occupations	Singer
Years active	1991–present
Labels	Sony Music Latin (1992–2008) Universal Music Latino (2009–present)
Website	http://www.alejandrofernandez.com/

Alejandro Fernández (pronounced: [aleˈxandro ferˈnandes]) (born April 24, 1971) is a Mexican singer.

Nicknamed as "El Potrillo" (The Colt) by the media and his fans,^[1] he has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.^[2] Alejandro is the son of the ranchera singer Vicente Fernández.^[3] He originally specialized in traditional, earthy forms of Mexican folk music, such as mariachi and ranchera. He has branched out with great success to internationally-flavored pop music that boasts urban touches.

Alejandro Fernández has performed with artists like: Vicente Fernández, Plácido Domingo, Marc Anthony, José Carreras, Chayanne, Amaia Montero, Joan Sebastian, Gloria Estefan, Malú, Julio Iglesias, Patricia Kaas, Miguel Bosé, Mario Frangoulis, Ednita Nazario, Yuri, Franco De Vita, Diego El Cigala, Nelly Furtado and Beyoncé Knowles.

Musical career[link]

Early years[link]

His first public appearance was in 1977 in one of his father's shows. Alejandro was meant to perform the song "Alejandra" but in the middle of the song he forgot the lyrics, started crying and suffered a panic attack, but his father got on stage and helped him singing along the song.

Fernández released his first album, Alejandro Fernandez under Sony Music. The main hits were "Necesito olvidarla", "Brumas" and "Equivocadamente".^[4] With this material, Alejandro began a tour in Mexico and some cities of the United States. In 1993, he performed with his father in a concert at the Palacio de los Deportes, continuing a season at the famous Teatro Blanquita of Mexico City. In 1993, he released Piel De Niña. The production was directed by Pedro Ramires and became a success. The songs "Piel de niña", "A la vera del camino", and "Cascos ligeros" are some of the hits of the album.^[5] In 1994, he released the album Grandes Exitos A La Manera De Alejandro Fernandez, singing pieces of legendary composers such as Armando Manzanero, Luis Demetrio and Agustín Lara.^[6]

[edit] 1995–1998: "Como quien pierde una estrella", Me Estoy Enamorando

In 1995 he released the album Que Seas Muy Feliz. The song "Como quien pierde una estrella", became his first international hit. "Como quien pierde una estrella" was heavily promoted on radio and television shows.^[7][7]

In 1996, he released Muy Dentro de Mi Corazón and became an instant success.^[8] Songs like "Moño negro", "Nube viajera" and "Abrazame" became hits in Mexico and several countries of Latin America. That same year he recorded "Puedes llegar", theme song for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, with singers like Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada and Ricky Martin. In 1997, he recorded the album Me Estoy Enamorando, produced by Emilio Estefan, Jr. The music of the album is a fusion of bolero, romantic ballad, orchestral arrangements and a touch of Mexican mariachi that became popular in the Latin music. "Si tu supieras" became the most outstanding hit of that production,^[9] and became the theme of the hit soap opera of the time, "Maria Isabel". It also conquered the U.S. market being seven weeks at the top of Billboard Hot Latin Tracks. He became the first Latin singer to hold first place with three hits followed, "Si tu supieras", "En El Jardín" (with Gloria Estefan) and "No se olvidar".^[9] Me Estoy Enamorando sold 2.2 million copies worldwide. In December 1998, he recorded Christmas in Vienna VI, with the tenor Plácido Domingo and Patricia Kaas. His performance was praised by the critics but, however, it did not achieve much popularity among the audience.

[edit] 1999–2003: Mi Verdad, Entre tus brazos, Orígenes

With the album Mi Verdad of 1999, Fernández returned to ranchera music genre.^[10] "Si he sabido amor" became a big hit and was played as the central theme of the hit soap opera Infierno en el paraíso.

In 2000, released the album titled Entre tus brazos, the eighth in his career and the second time with Emilio Estefan, Jr. as the producer. "Quiéreme" was the first single, a moved pop song that showed his musical versatility. For the first time in his career a song was from his own inspiration: "Entre tus brazos". The album contains mostly romantic balladas with moved Latin rhythms.^[11] That same year, he recorded with Julio Iglesias, the song "Dos corazones, dos historias" that was contained on Julio's album Noche de Cuatro Lunas.^[12]

In 2001, he recorded Orígenes.^[13] The single "Sin tantina pena" (a moved mariachi bolero) became an international hit.^[13] In 2002, he launched his production Un Canto De México, which contains twenty-two classic ranchera songs, it was recorded live at the Palacio de Bellas Artes.^[14] In 2003, Alejandro began a Latin American tour with his father Vicente, and recorded the show called "En Vivo: Juntos Por Ultima Vez", which was witnessed by thousands of fans, culminating in Mexico City at the Foro Sol, with over five hours of music in front of nearly 60,000 spectators. That same year he recorded his next album Niña amada mía,^[15] that released the song with the same name which became a hit and the theme of a popular soap opera of that name. That same year, Alejandro toured Latin America and United States. Later he participated in the Christmas special En mi país broadcasted by Telemundo, and recorded in Puerto Rico. Fernández did a duet with Ednita Nazario on the song "Triste Navidad" ( "Sad Christmas").

[edit] 2004–2006: A Corazón Abierto, México - Madrid

In 2004, he played the lead role in Zapata: El sueño del héroe, a movie about the Mexican revolutionary hero Emiliano Zapata by filmmaker Alfonso Arau.That same year, A Corazón Abierto reunites Alejandro with Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Kike Santander, who penned his greatest hits from Me Estoy Enamorando. But it also finds him singing the songs of a new generation of songwriters, including Gian Marco, Leonel García (one half of pop duo Sin Bandera), Reyli Barba (former member of pop band Elefante) and Mexican group Tres De Copas.^[16]

"Romanticism is something that will never die", declared Alejandro Fernández, explaining his choice of songs on A Corazón Abierto, his breakthrough recording about lost love, love that is never forgotten and the capacity to always love again. "I'm super, ultra passionate. We're releasing an album that's an x-ray of myself. That's why it's titled "A Corazón Abierto" ("In Open Heart"). It was something very honest. Not naked, but something deeper than that". The album released the singles: "¿Que voy a hacer con mi amor?", "Qué lastima", "Me dediqué a perderte" and the smashing hit "Canta corazón".^[16]

In 2005, Alejandro launches México - Madrid: En Directo Y Sin Escalas (Mexico - Madrid: Nonstop). Featuring 13 tracks including one new song. Produced by Aureo Baquiero and filmed in front of a live audience at Spain's "Palacio de Congresos IFEMA", the production features Fernández performing some of his biggest hits accompanied by a 28-piece orchestra and some of Spain's most important voices on three of the songs: Amaia Montero from La Oreja de Van Gogh joins him on "Me dediqué a perderte"; Malú duets with him on "Contigo aprendí", and with flamenco star Diego El Cigala perform a moved version of "Como quien pierde una estrella", accompanied on cajón by famed flamenco guitarist Niño Josele.^[17] That same year, Alejandro was chosen to sing along with the tenors José Carreras and Plácido Domingo in a special concerto celebrating the opening of the "Forum Internacional de las Culturas" in Monterrey. At first his father Vicente was invited, but turned down. Alejandro showed his skilled vocals, and operatic tenor range, singing pieces of opera such as "Granada"; his performance was praised by the audience. He also recorded a duet song with the tenor Mario Frangoulis called "Hay más" from the album Follow Your Heart.^[18] After that, Alejandro went on tour with two Latin American stars: Marc Anthony and Chayanne, passing through several of the most important cities of the U.S.^[19] On December 2, 2005, Los Angeles, gave him a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, on Hollywood Boulevard.^[20]

[edit] 2007–present: Viento a Favor, "Mañana es para siempre", Dos Mundos

In 2007, launches Viento A Favor features tunes written by Leonel García and Noel Schajris (better known as emotive Latin-pop duo Sin Bandera) and Mexican singer Reyli Barba.^[21] The first two singles were "Te Voy A Perder", and "Amor Gitano", a duet with Beyoncé Knowles.^[22] After that "Cuando Estamos Juntos" and "No Se Me Hace Fácil" became hits; "Eres" was the last single of the album.

In 2008, Alejandro started a tour on Spanish land covering cities such as Madrid, Valencia and La Coruña. He released the album De Noche: Clásicos A Mi Manera, that contains classic romantic ballads and boleros such as "El Reloj" and "Regálame esta noche", songs that he recorded previously in his career but never released.^[23]

In 2009, his voice is the theme of Mañana es para siempre, the most successful Mexican soap opera of the year. The Grammy-winning singer, composer and producer Nelly Furtado invited Alejandro to sing a duet with her for her new album Mi Plan. The song "Sueños" was recorded in Miami.

Dos Mundos (Two Worlds), is a double production, releasing two albums simultaneously: Dos Mundos: Evolución + Tradición. One of them is pop, produced by Aureo Baqueiro, and the other of ranchera and mariachi, produced by Joan Sebastian. He is the first Latin artist to do something similar. On November 11, 2009 he released simultaneously the videos of the singles "Estuve" and "Se Me Va la Voz".^[24] He recently released the videos of the singles "Me Hace Tanto Bien" and "Bandida". On November 22, 2010, Alejandro released the live album Dos Mundos: Revolución that includes live versions of songs from his album Dos mundos: Evolución / Dos mundos: Tradición, two unreleased tracks "Tu Sabes Quien", "Felicidades" and the song "Vamos a darnos tiempo" originally performed by the iconic singer José José.^[25] Between June and August 2011, he went on his Dos Mundos: Revolucion Tour. On August 1, 2011, Alejandro released the song "Bajo un mismo sol" theme of the 2011 Pan American Games. He toured Latin America along with fellow Marc Anthony in a series of concerts named Dos Mundos, un Concierto (Two Worlds, one Concert).

[edit] Sony Music controversy

The international record label Sony Music was sued by Alejandro Fernández after they tried to release an album with some of his unreleased songs after his contract with the label had ended. Federal Police arrived at the Sony headquarters in Mexico City and seized about 6,000 copies of the album. The song "Diferente", was released on the internet as the first single of the album.^[26]

Personal life[link]

Alejandro Fernández was born in Mexico City and raised in Guadalajara. He studied to become an architect, but turned to singing in 1991, encouraged by his father.^[27] He is the youngest son of his family. Has two older brothers, Vicente, Jr. and Gerardo, and a sister, Alejandra. Fernández and his brothers are known in Mexico as "Los tres potrillos" (The three colts).^[28]

In the late 1990s, his older brother Vicente, Jr. was kidnapped by a powerful band of organized crime.^[29] The kidnappers cut off one of his fingers and sent them to his father as a warning. After Vicente Fernández paid a huge sum of money, Vicente, Jr. was released. The exact amount was never announced.^[30]

Fernández is co-owner of the shopping center in Guadalajara, called "Unicenter", where there are different types of businesses, creating jobs for over 170 people.^[31] He participated with his family in the construction of "Lienzo Charro y Centro de Espectáculos Don Vicente Fernández Gómez" or Arena VFG, with capacity for 11,000 people it is basically dedicated to music shows and eventually will be used for massive charreria competitions.^[32][33] He is an expert in horse riding and charreria.^[34] Fernández supports the Mexican soccer team Atlas.

Alejandro has five children. Three (Alejandro, Jr. and the twin girls América and Camila) with his ex-wife América Guinart and two (Emiliano and Valentina) with Colombian model Ximena Díaz.^[27]

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

• 1992: Alejandro Fernandez
• 1993: Piel De Niña
• 1994 : Grandes Exitos A La Manera De Alejandro Fernandez
• 1995 : Que Seas Muy Feliz
• 1996 : Muy Dentro de Mi Corazon
• 1997 : Me Estoy Enamorando
• 1999 : Mi Verdad
• 2000 : Entre tus brazos
• 2001 : Orígenes
• 2003 : Niña Amada Mía
• 2004 : Zapata: El sueño del héroe (soundtrack)
• 2004 : A Corazón Abierto (album)
• 2007 : Viento A Favor
• 2009 : Dos mundos: Evolución / Dos mundos: Tradición

Live albums[link]

• 1999 : Christmas in Vienna VI
• 2002 : Un Canto De México
• 2003 : En Vivo: Juntos Por Ultima Vez
• 2005 : México – Madrid: En Directo Y Sin Escalas
• 2010 : Dos Mundos: Revolución

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Alejandro Fernández at Univisión
• Foro Alejandro Fernández at Univisión

José Pascual Antonio Aguilar Barraza^[1] (May 17, 1919 – June 19, 2007) most commonly known as Antonio Aguilar, nicknamed "El Charro de México", was a Mexican film actor, singer, producer and screenwriter. During his career, he made over 150 albums, which sold 25 million copies, and made 167 movies.^[2] Aguilar was best known in cinema for his participation in films concerning the Mexican Revolution, its heroes, and its folk songs or corridos. He won the Premio ACE for Best Actor for his eponymous role in Emiliano Zapata.^[3] Aguilar was also awarded with the Special Golden Ariel for his invaluable contribution and spreading of Mexican cinema.^[3]

He married actress-singer Flor Silvestre after meeting her during the filming of a motion picture. Their sons, Antonio Aguilar Jr. and Pepe Aguilar also entered into the film and music industry. Antonio Aguilar along with his family are known together as La Dinastía Aguilar, or "The Aguilar Dynasty".

Antonio de Jesús: Dueño de Perapple

Acting career[link]

Aguilar began his acting career in 1952 during the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. He is credited with popularising la charrería, considered to have originated in Mexico, to international audiences.^[2]

Antonio Aguilar was the first Mexican performer to mix rodeos and concerts while touring his show in Latin America and the United States.^[4] He made 167 movies and has been compared to American actors like Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Ronald Reagan.

In the 1950s, Aguilar was cast in a series of films centered on rural hero "Mauricio Rosales" in El rayo justiciero (1955), La barranca de muerte (1955), La sierra del terror (1956), La huella del chacal (1956), La pantera negra (1957), La guarida del buitre (1958), and Los muertos no hablan (1958). A total of seven low-budget ranchera films produced by Rosas Films S.A.

Aguilar gained cinematic notice when cast in Ismael Rodríguez's Tierra de hombres in 1956. Other collaborations with Rodríguez include La Cucaracha (1959) and Ánimas Trujano (1962), where he received starring roles. Amongst his best ranchera films are Yo... el aventurero (1959), Caballo prieto azabache (1968) El ojo de vidrio (1969), and Valente Quintero (1973). Aguilar appeared in American western films like 1969's The Undefeated starring John Wayne.^[2] He also made a memorable starring role alongside Flor Silvestre in Triste recuerdo (1991).

Aguilar's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

For contributions to the recording industry, Antonio Aguilar Barraza was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7056 Hollywood Boulevard.^[5] He was similarly honored with his handprints and star on the Paseo de las Luminarias in Mexico City for his work in movies and in the recording industry.

Musical career[link]

Antonio Aguilar began his recording career in 1950, eventually making over 150 albums and selling more than 25 million records. He was known for his corridos with some of his best known songs, including "Gabino Barrera", "Caballo Prieto Azabache", "Albur de Amor", and "Un Puño De Tierra".^[2] Antonio was also largely responsible for the renewed popularity of the tambora music in the mid 1980s, when he single-handedly resuscitated the genre with the hit "Triste Recuerdo". To this day he has been the only Hispanic artist to sell out the Madison Square Garden of New York City for six consecutive nights on 1997.^[6][7]

Family[link]

Ángela and Jesús, Antonio's parents, had six other children: José Roque, Salvador (dec.), Guadalupe (dec.), Luis Tomás (dec.), Mariano (dec.) and Josefina. Aguilar was married to actress Flor Silvestre (born Guillermina Jiménez Chagoya), and one of their children, José "Pepe" Aguilar, is among Mexico's most popular modern singers. In addition to Pepe Aguilar, he had another child with Flor Silvestre who is the eldest, Antonio Aguilar, Jr. Aguilar's grandchildren include Emiliano, Aneliz, Leonardo, and Ángela are Pepe Aguilar's children. María José and Flor Susana are Antonio Aguilar Jr's. children.^[2]

Death[link]

Portrait of Antonio Aguilar at his funeral.

On June 18, 2007, Doctors announced that Antonio was no longer responding to treatment and was expected to pass away before the end of the night. On June 19, 2007, the doctor spoke out to the media that Aguilar was still alive, and his body was responding to the medication but was still in critical condition. While there, the family received visits from many famous people including Vicente Fernández.

Aguilar died on June 19, 2007 at 11:45 p.m. from pneumonia. His coffin was carried through the streets of Zacatecas, the state capital, and was honored at a memorial service attended by hundreds at a church there.

His body was then taken to the hamlet of Tayahua, about 100 kilometers (62 mi) to the south, where residents waited in the streets to bid Aguilar a final farewell before he was buried at his family's "El Soyate" ranch nearby, the government news agency Notimex reported.

Obituaries appeared in many newspapers, including Los Angeles Times (US), New York Times (US), Washington Post (US), The Guardian (UK) and The Independent (UK). News of Antonio’s death were reported in newspapers of many Spanish-speaking countries, including Guatemala (El Periodico), Honduras (La Tribuna), El Salvador (El Diario de Hoy), Nicaragua (El Nuevo Diario), Costa Rica (Diario Extra), Venezuela (Correo del Caroní), Peru (Crónica Viva), Colombia (El Tiempo), Ecuador (El Diario) and Chile (El Mercurio).

References[link]

External links[link]

• Antonio Aguilar at the Internet Movie Database
• Antonio Aguilar's movies at TKcine
• Pepe Aguilar's website - Antonio Aguilar's son
• Obituary in the Houston Chronicle