Juan Gabriel died at the age of 66, just two days after a concert in California.
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Gabriel’s son Ivan Aguilera released a statement late Sunday.
The world lost yet another musical icon on Sunday, as Mexico’s legendary singer and songwriter Juan Gabriel, was declared dead after a fatal heart attack.
Known for his powerful ballads such as “Hasta Que Te Conocí” (Until I Met You) and “Querida” (Dear), Gabriel was beloved across the world, including here in the United States. “Juan Gabriel hasn’t died, as Alberto would say, ‘As long as someone exists who sings my songs, Juan Gabriel will live'”.
“His music was his legacy for the world”.
He signed his first record contract in 1971. He was to perform Sunday evening at the Haskins Center.
Mario Lafontaine, a specialist in Mexican music, said “an artist like him is born only every 500 years”. His mother cleaned houses, and when she could not earn enough to care for him, he spent time in an orphanage.
Fans hastened to the Mexico City plazas where mariachi musicians perform to ask for favourites like “No Me Vuelvo Enamorar” (I’ll Never Fall in Love Again). LA’s office did not specify the heart and diabetes problems behind the death of the Juan Gabriel.
Juan Gabriel said that he preferred to keep his distance from the USA music industry.
“He gave off happiness, he gave off love, and he was pure joy to be around”, said a crying fan, roses in her hand as she stood next to his plaque.
Local authorities had to open the way for the van containing the artist body could leave the building, given many fans outside of Gabriel’s house.
Juan Gabriel poses with a replica of his star during an unveiling for the Las Vegas Walk of Stars at the Mirage hotel & casino.
“His music is universal, and eternal, his music has been a part of all of us since the early ’70s”, said Gourley, who noted “Amor Eterno” was played at his mother’s funeral.
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Juan Gabriel rarely gave interviews. The Latin American music icon who sold more than 100 million records was on a US tour scheduled through December. Juan Gabriel had four children with a friend the AP identified as Laura Salas. “I’m happy single”, Juan Gabriel is quoted as saying in his biography.
