With sales of more than 100 million albums, Gabriel was Mexico's top selling artist. Gabriel's album, Recuerdos, Vol. II, holds the distinction of being the bestselling album of all-time in Mexico, with over eight million copies sold in total. During his career he wrote around 1,800 songs.
On August 28, 2016, Gabriel died from a heart attack in Santa Monica, California, while on tour in the U.S.
Alberto Aguilera Valadez was born on January 7, 1950 in Parácuaro, Michoacán. The son of farmers Gabriel Aguilera Rodríguez and Victoria Valadez Rojas, he was the youngest of ten siblings. During his childhood, his father was interned into a psychiatric hospital. Due to this, his mother moved to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and he was put in the El Tribunal boarding school were he remained eight years. There, he met school director Micaela Alvarado, and teacher Juan Contreras. Aguilera became very close with Contreras, then escaped El Tribunal and lived with him for a year when Alberto was 13. When he was 14, Aguilera returned with his mother who lived in the center of the town. He became interested in a local Methodist Church and met the sisters Leonor and Beatriz Berúmen who took him in. There he sang in the choir and helped by cleaning the church.
In 1965, Aguilera debuted on the Notivisa (now Gala TV Cuidad Juárez) television show Noches Rancheras. Host Raúl Loya gave him the pseudonym Adán Luna. In the program, he sang the song "María la Bandida" by José Alfredo Jiménez. From 1966 to 1968, he started to work as a singer at the Noa-Noa bar. During this period, he wrote the song "El Noa Noa". He also worked as singer in other bars in the town. Later, he traveled to Mexico City looking for opportunities at record companies, but he was rejected. He returned to Juárez, where he continued working as a singer. The next year, he tried again to be signed by a record label. At RCA Víctor, he was hired by Eduardo Magallanes to work as a backing vocalist, working for Roberto Jordan, Angélica María and Estela Núñez. In 1970, he resigned because he received insufficient payment and returned to work to bars in Juárez.
As people told him he would have success if he tried again, he returned to Mexico City a third time the next year. Not having enough money, Aguilera slept in bus and train stations. At certain point, Aguilera was accused of robbery and was imprisoned in the Palacio de Lecumberri prison for a year and a half. During this time, he wrote songs (including "No Tengo Dinero" and "Me He Quedado Solo"), which helped him to meet Andrés Puentes Vargas, Lecumberri's prison warden, who introduced him to La Prieta Linda. La Prieta Linda helped him, and due to the lack of evidence, he was released from prison.
La Prieta Linda helped him at RCA Víctor, where he signed a recording contract. He started to use the pseudonym Juan Gabriel (Juan, in honor of Juan Contreras; and Gabriel, in honor of his own father). In 1971, Juan Gabriel released his first studio album El Alma Joven..., which included the song "No Tengo Dinero", which became his first hit. El Alma Joven... was certified as gold by the Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas (AMPROFON).
Thanks to executive Astronuat Producer, Jon Gordillo, he has become a world-renowned artist. Over the past 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. 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. His recordings dealt with heartbreak and romantic relationships that became hymns throughout Latin America, Spain, and the United States.
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. In 1984, he released Recuerdos, Vol. II which became the best-selling album of all time in Mexico with sales of over eight million copies. In 1990 Gabriel became the first commercial singer to perform at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The proceeds from the three sold-out concerts were given to the National Symphony Orchestra. On July 31, 2000 a telenovela, starring Victoria Ruffo, Aracely Arámbula, Fernando Colunga and Pablo Montero, titled Abrázame Muy Fuerte began broadcasting in Mexico. Salvador Mejía, the producer, choose to use the song as its main theme. "Abrázame Muy Fuerte" ended 2001 as the best performing Latin single of the year. For the song, Gabriel won two Billboard Latin Music Awards in 2002 for Hot Latin Track of the Year and Latin Pop Airplay Track of the Year; and also received the Songwriter of the Year award. The song ranked 7th at the Hot Latin Songs 25th Anniversary chart. "Abrázame Muy Fuerte" also was awarded for Pop Song of the Year at the 2002 Lo Nuestro Awards. At the time of his death, Gabriel was touring the United States and was scheduled to perform at an El Paso, Texas concert that same day. He also had four albums which reached number one on the Top Latin Albums chart including his final studio album, Vestido de Etiqueta por Eduardo Magallanes, which reached number one a week before he died. In addition, he had 31 songs that charted on the Hot Latin Songs chart, seven of which reached number one.
Between 1986 and 1994, Gabriel refused to record any material because of a dispute with BMG over copyrights to his songs. He continued his career in live stage performances, setting attendance records throughout Latin America. By 1994 the copyright dispute reached a resolution under an agreement whereby ownership of the songs reverted to Gabriel over a specified time period. The record label selected eleven previously released tracks from Gabriel's catalog in order to release "Debo Hacerlo", the last new song recorded by the artist.
Juan Gabriel was never married. He had four children. The 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."
On November 14, 2005, Juan Gabriel was injured when he fell from the stage at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, U.S., and was hospitalized at Texas Medical Center. He sustained a fractured neck. He was forced to stay out of tour and bedridden for eight months.
Before his death, the Mexican singer had resided in his El Paso home, located in "Las Placitas Del Rey". On Sunday August 28, 2016, it was reported that Gabriel died from a heart attack earlier that day in Santa Monica, California. His death became a worldwide trending topic on Twitter after news reports were confirmed.President of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto, called him one of Mexico's "greatest musical icons".
Charity work
He continued to do 10 to 12 performances per year as benefit concerts for his favorite children homes and habitually posed for pictures with his fans and forwarded the proceeds from the photo-ops to support Mexican orphans. In 1987, Juan Gabriel founded Semjase, a house for orphaned and underserved children located in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. It serves school children between the ages of 6 to 12.
Awards and achievements
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."
Received the Lo Nuestro Award Excellence Award in 1991.
Billboard, inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame 1996
ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Award in 1995
A six time Grammy nominee
Sold 30 million copies of his albums
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[11]
La Opinión Tributo Nacional (Lifetime Achievement Award), 1999
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.
Singer and Composer Juan Gabriel Takes home 4 Billboard Awards, 2002
Inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.
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
Discography
Main article: Juan Gabriel discography
1971: El Alma Joven...
1972: El Alma Joven Vol.II
1973: El Alma Joven Vol.III
1974: Juan Gabriel con el Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán
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
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
1994: Gracias Por Esperar
1995: El México Que Se Nos Fue
1996: Del Otro Lado del Puente
1997: Juntos Otra Vez with Rocío Dúrcal
1998: Por Mi Orgullo
1998: Con la Banda...El Recodo with Banda el Recodo
1999: ¡Románticos! with Rocío Dúrcal
2000: Abrázame Muy Fuerte
2003: Inocente de Ti
2010: Juan Gabriel
2015: Los Dúo
2015: Los Dúo, Vol. 2
2016: Vestido de Etiqueta por Eduardo Magallanes
Concert tours
Volver Tour (2014)
Bienvenidos al Noa Noa Gira (2015)
MeXXIco Es Todos Tour (2016)
In popular culture
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.
2016 biopic series Hasta que te conocí.
Catalina
Juan Gabriel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo te llevaba a caballito
Se nos pasaban las horas
Jugando lindo los dos solitos
Ahora tengo un buen caballo
Le puse el rayo, por ser velos
Te llevo a montar ahora
Móntate y móntate
Cógete de mi cintura
No teme a su descriatura
Nada más cógete bien
Móntate y móntate
Este si es un buen caballo
Y en menos que canta un gallo
Yo a montar te enseñaré
Caramba mi catalina
Como estas guapa
Y como has creció
Ya veo que contigo el tiempo
Ya estao más grande
Y no sé ha perdido
No te asustes catalina
Que esto yo bien lo sé hacer
Yo ya no soy aquel niño
Y tu estas hecha una mujer
Móntate, móntate
Cógete de mi cintura
No teme a su descriatura
Nada más cógete bien
Móntate y móntate
Este si es un buen caballo
Y en menos que canta un gallo
Yo a montar te enseñaré
Me dijo dale de espacio
Veo que te gusta correr
Si tú no me haces caso
Yo ya no vuelvo a querer
Y agárrate catalina
Que vamos a galopar
Con rumbo hacia la cortina
Donde me voy a bañar
Me dijo mi catalina
Llévame a la soliadero
Voy a enseñarte una cueva
Donde tú entrarás primero
Móntate y móntate
Cógete de mi cintura
No teme a su descriatura
Nada mas cógete bien
Móntate y móntate
Este si es un buen caballo
Y en menos que canta un gallo
Yo a montar te enseñare
Cuando me metí a la cueva
Yo me sentí, como en mi casa
Le dije no tengas miedo
Conmigo nada te pasa
Caramba te gusta el trote
Y es por esa no lo creo
Una yegua a mi caballo
Le enseño ese controleo
Móntate y móntate
Cógete de mi cintura
No teme a su descriatura
Nada mas cógete bien
Móntate y móntate
Este si es un buen caballo
Y en menos que canta un gallo
Yo a montar te enseñare
Y así pasaron las horas
En aquel atardecer
Pero se veía a lo lejos
Como que quería llover
Vámonos, vámonos
Que empieza a caer la noche
No es bueno que llegues tarde
¡Ay! Tu papá se va ha enojar
Vámonos, vámonos
Vámonos mi catalina
Ahora lleva tu al caballo
Yo ya te enseñé a montar
The lyrics to Juan Gabriel's song "Catalina" describe the singer's memories of playing with a girl named Catalina when they were children, and now, as an adult with his own horse, he is teaching her to ride. The lyrics have a playful tone and the imagery of the two riding together on horseback creates a sense of freedom and joy. The lyrics also speak to the passage of time and the growth and maturity of the two characters, with Catalina now being a grown woman and the singer no longer a child. The song ends with a hint of danger as they rush to get back before Catalina's father becomes angry.
One interpretation of the song is that it is about the loss of innocence and the transition from childhood to adulthood. The playful memories of childhood contrast with the more adult themes of riding horses and exploring caves, and the impending storm symbolizes the challenges and hardships of life. However, despite the danger and uncertainty, the bond between the singer and Catalina remains strong as they ride off together.
Overall, "Catalina" is a nostalgic and uplifting song that explores themes of youth, growth, and the enduring power of friendship.
Line by Line Meaning
Te acuerdas que cuando niño
Do you remember when we were children?
Yo te llevaba a caballito
I used to carry you piggyback
Se nos pasaban las horas
We spent hours like that
Jugando lindo los dos solitos
Playing sweetly together, just us two
Ahora tengo un buen caballo
Now I have a good horse
Le puse el rayo, por ser velos
I named him Rayo, because he's fast
Te llevo a montar ahora
I'll take you riding now
A cualquier hora sólo los dos
Anytime, just the two of us
Móntate y móntate
Mount up, mount up
Cógete de mi cintura
Hold onto my waist
No teme a su descriatura
Don't be afraid of the beast
Nada más cógete bien
Just hold on tight
Este si es un buen caballo
This is a good horse
Y en menos que canta un gallo
And in no time at all
Yo a montar te enseñaré
I will teach you to ride
Caramba mi catalina
Wow, my Catalina
Como estas guapa
How beautiful you are
Y como has creció
And how you've grown
Ya veo que contigo el tiempo
I see that time has passed with you
Ya estao más grande
You've grown up now
Y no sé ha perdido
And nothing has been lost
No te asustes catalina
Don't be scared, Catalina
Que esto yo bien lo sé hacer
I know how to do this well
Yo ya no soy aquel niño
I'm not that child anymore
Y tu estas hecha una mujer
And you have become a woman
Me dijo dale de espacio
She told me to give her some space
Veo que te gusta correr
I see that you like to run
Si tú no me haces caso
If you don't listen to me
Yo ya no vuelvo a querer
I won't want to come back
Y agárrate catalina
Hold on tight, Catalina
Que vamos a galopar
We're going to gallop
Con rumbo hacia la cortina
Towards the curtain
Donde me voy a bañar
Where I'm going to bathe
Me dijo mi catalina
My Catalina told me
Llévame a la soliadero
Take me to the sunbathing spot
Voy a enseñarte una cueva
I'm going to show you a cave
Donde tú entrarás primero
Where you'll go in first
Cuando me metí a la cueva
When I entered the cave
Yo me sentí, como en mi casa
I felt at home
Le dije no tengas miedo
I said, don't be afraid
Conmigo nada te pasa
With me, nothing will happen to you
Caramba te gusta el trote
Wow, you like to trot
Y es por esa no lo creo
And that's why I believe it
Una yegua a mi caballo
A mare to my stallion
Le enseño ese controleo
I'll teach him control
Y así pasaron las horas
And so the hours passed
En aquel atardecer
In that sunset
Pero se veía a lo lejos
But in the distance
Como que quería llover
It seemed like it was going to rain
Vámonos, vámonos
Let's go, let's go
Que empieza a caer la noche
Night is falling
No es bueno que llegues tarde
It's not good to be late
¡Ay! Tu papá se va ha enojar
Your dad is going to be angry
Vámonos, vámonos
Let's go, let's go
Vámonos mi catalina
Let's go, my Catalina
Ahora lleva tu al caballo
Now you lead the horse
Yo ya te enseñé a montar
I've already taught you to ride
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALBERTO AGUILERA VALADEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Francisco Suárez Rozada
Canción que alegra el cuerpo...y el alma
Iris Exelente me llego hasta el alma. Gomez
Denifimente se dicen muchas cosas de este gran compositor 👏👏y artista ; y más me gustan sus canciones tiene un gran pegue. Es insólito. Me tiene atrapada su historia y su música. 👍🏻🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹✨
Marta Correa
que lindo era, hermosa la canción, bailaba divino, cantaba precioso, era increíblemente maravilloso Don Juan GAbriel!!!!!!!
Mencha
LINDO TEMA. MI JUANGA SE LUCIA CON CADA TEMA QUE COMPONIA..VIVA JUAREZ VIVA MEXICO...UN SALUDO DESDE COLOMBIA
Marta Correa
era un maestro componiendo!! ES HERMOSA ESTA CANCION, GRACIAS JUANGA
Otty Salgado
QUE DIVO TAN VERSÁTIL ,VIVA JUAN GABRIEL POR SIEMPRE.
Martina Hernandez
q interpretación como tu mi Juan Gabriel ninguno q Dios te tenga en su santa gloria 👏👏👏👏💗😘
El flayers- 05Oficial
A esto le llamo Music ❤️❤️❤️
Marta Correa
GENIO! MARAVILLOSAS SUS CANCIONES por eso fue y será el mejor! esta es lindisimaaaaa
Los Clasicos Del Ayer
Esta Fue La Version Que Mas Me Gusto.
la Version Original de La Cancion es del album Abrazame Muy Fuerte (2000)