Artists across Latin America and in the United States covered many of his songs, including Paul Anka and Marc Anthony, who broke into the salsa music world in the US with Juan Gabriel’s “Hasta Que Te Conoci”.
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Juan Gabriel gave his last performance just two days before his death in Los Angeles.
Word of the iconic performer’s death sparked an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, rock stars and fans.
Gabriel, whose real name was Alberto Aguilera, was born in 1950 into a poor family.
He had 15 other U.S. tour dates scheduled through early December, and his life story was set to be told in a telenovela airing on Telemundo. His music, a legacy to the world. His album “Juan Gabriel live from the Palace of Fine Arts” set record sales.
He also acted in several films after his debut in 1975 in the movie Nobleza Ranchera.
Among Gabriel’s many honors are People’s Choice Latin Music Award, six Grammy nominations, a Lifetime Achievement Award from La Opinion Tributo Nacional, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award (1995).
Latin music icon Juan Gabriel has died of a suspected heart attack at his home in Santa Monica, Calif. on Sunday morning, sources said.
Juan Gabriel was considered one of Mexico’s leading commercial artists, writing and performing in many diverse styles. “His music is a legacy for the world”. He was gone too soon. “May he rest in peace”.
“More leaders than any other artist in that span of time”, according to Billboard.
His website lists more than 60 albums, with the first, “El Alma Joven”, produced in 1971. He was Mexico’s top-selling artist, known for his ballads and mariachi songs, with his hits including “Hasta Que Te Conoci” (“Until I Met You”), “Amor Eterno” (“Eternal Love”), and “Querida” (“Dear”).
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“Gabriel ended the spectacular with his iconic song ‘El noa noa, ‘ getting the entire audience on their feet and dancing along with him and his dancers”, reads Billboard’s review of the concert. Cortes and his wife say it’s because of Gabriel that they have a successful career in showbiz.
