Celebrated singer/songwriter Juan Gabriel was born Alberto Aguilera Valadez on January 7, 1950, in the state of Michoacan, Mexico.  He was one of 10 siblings and was raised by a single mother.

Having sold an estimated 60 million records worldwide, Juan Gabriel is considered one of the greatest Mexican composers of all time and among the most beloved Spanish language artists known the world over.  His early hits, No Tengo Dinero (1971, focused on his humble beginnings and thrust him into the limelight making him a folklore type of hero. 

Juan Gabriel received his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2002 and in 2009, the singer was honored as the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year.

Billboard listed Gabriel, in their list of the 30 most influential Latino artists in history.  He received three Latin Grammys Awards after his death.

Some of Gabriel’s famous award-winning songs include Abrazame Muy Fuerte, Te Sigo Amando, El Destino (a duet with Rocio Durcal), Yo No Se Que Me Paso, No Tengo Dinero, and Amor Eterno is perhaps his most famous, an homage to his mother. 

His album Recuerdos is said to be the best-selling album of all time in Mexico, having sold over eight million copies.

Juanga, as he was affectionately called by his adoring fans performed in prestigious venues worldwide and in the U.S. In Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay, and in Los Angeles, at the Universal Amphitheater, the Rose Bowl, and The Forum. Nationwide and globally, Gabriel performed at the largest and most famous venues. 

Juan Gabriel was a generous philanthropist donating to orphanages and children’s homes, and their families. He especially doted on single mothers struggling to raise their children.

Featured Photo: Facebook

— Latin Heat News Service

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