Juan Gabriel was a legendary Mexican singer, songwriter, and actor known for his flamboyant style and powerful ballads. Born on January 7, 1950, in Parácuaro, Michoacán, Mexico, he became one of Latin America’s best-selling artists, with sales of more than 100 million albums.
Please note that Juan Gabriel passed away on August 28, 2016, in Santa Monica, California, United States.
| Full Name | Alberto Aguilera Valadez (stage name: Juan Gabriel) |
| Date of Birth | January 7, 1950 |
| Date of Death | August 28, 2016 |
| Birthplace | Parácuaro, Michoacán, Mexico |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Education | Unknown |
| Parents | Gabriel Aguilera Rodríguez (father), Victoria Valadez Rojas (mother) |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Actor |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $30 million (at the time of his death) |
Early Life and Education
Born Alberto Aguilera Valadez, Juan Gabriel was the youngest of ten siblings. He was sent to a boarding school in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, where he met music teacher Juan Contreras. Recognizing the boy’s talent, Contreras taught him music theory and nurtured his musical abilities.
Career
Juan Gabriel started his music career in local clubs and TV spots, later writing songs and singing in the music group Estrella. His breakthrough came in 1971 when he signed a recording contract with RCA Records and officially adopted his stage name, Juan Gabriel. His debut album, El Alma Joven, was a success, and the single “No tengo dinero” became a hit in Mexico.
During his career, Juan Gabriel released over 30 albums and wrote over 1,000 songs, many of which are considered classics in Latin America. He was known for his flamboyant stage presence and his emotional performance style, often moving audiences to tears. Juan Gabriel was also known for his work in television and film, both as an actor and as a composer.
Personal Life
Juan Gabriel was famously private about his personal life. He had four children, all adopted: Ivan Gabriel, Joan Gabriel, Hans Gabriel, and Jean Gabriel. Despite numerous rumors and speculation about his sexuality, Juan Gabriel chose never to publicly confirm his orientation.
In 1984, he was briefly imprisoned in the United States on accusations of tax evasion but was released after proving his innocence.
Juan Gabriel died of a heart attack on August 28, 2016, in Santa Monica, California. His death was mourned by fans across the world, highlighting the significant impact he had on Latin music.
