Sony Music Vision Producing Biopic About the Late Rocio Durcal

Posted on September 24, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Art will soon be imitating the life of the late Rocío Durcal…

Nearly two decades after her passing, the legacy of the Spanish singer and actress, nicknamed the “Queen of Rancheras,” is heading to the big screen in a biopic.

Produced by Sony Music Vision, in partnership with Sony Music Mexico and Dean Altit of Altit Media Group, the biopic will chart how Dúrcal began her career in her native Spain before going on to become a hit in Mexico and one of Spain’s most celebrated singers across the Atlantic.

Known for Spanish-language hits including “La Gata Bajo la Lluvia,” “Déjame Vivir” and “Amor Eterno,” Durcal received a special Latin Grammy for Musical Excellence in 2005, as well as three Grammy nominations and three Latin Grammy nominations.

She also appeared in 20 films, recorded more than 20 albums, garnered more than 11 billion audio and video streams worldwide and sold more than 40 million albums.

Roberto López, president of Sony Music Mexico, said: “We are proud to pay a very deserving tribute to Rocío Dúrcal’s career by celebrating her legacy and ensuring that her cultural impact remains intact in the industry and society. Additionally, this movie is the best way to introduce the new division of Sony Music Vision in México to the world.”

López added that “in partnership with Altit Media Group, our goal is to produce a fiction film that reaches both Dúrcal’s existing fans and helps her music find new audiences around the world.”

“It is an unimaginable honor to see the story of our mother, a woman who left an indelible mark on the world of music and cinema, come to life on the big screen,” affirmed Shaila Dúrcal and Carmen Morales, the artist’s two daughters.

They continued: “Nearly two decades after her passing, this film is a tribute to her legacy, and we hope it encourages new generations to discover and appreciate the immense talent and passion with which she lived her life.”

No details have been revealed as yet about start date or casting.

Mattel Honors Juan Gabriel’s Legacy with Signature Barbie Doll

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

The late Juan Gabriel is being celebrated in a special way…

Mattel is honoring the legendary Mexican singer-songwriter with a signature Barbie doll ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The doll commemorates the six-time Grammy nominee’s nearly four-decade career, which includes the release of more than 30 studio albums and 1,500 composed songs, highlighting his influence as one of Latin America’s most significant musical figures.

Juan Gabriel’s greatest hits, known for their heartfelt ballad style, include “No Tengo Dinero,” “Abrázame Muy Fuerte,” “Amor Eterno” and “Siempre En Mi Mente.”

To honor the singer’s music and career, the Barbie Signature Juan Gabriel Doll ($55) dazzles with a mic in her hand and a glittering bolero jacket, drawing inspiration from the outfit he wore during his iconic 1990 performance at Mexico City’s El Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Juan Gabriel expressed his love and appreciation for his Mexican culture not just through his music, but also through his attire, often wearing mariachi suits with gold accents onstage — just like the Barbie’s outfit.

For those inspired by his legacy, the doll serves as a collaboration that pays tribute to the extraordinary artistry of this beloved music icon.

The late Juan Gabriel is being celebrated in a special way…

Mattel is honoring the legendary Mexican singer-songwriter with a signature Barbie doll ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Juan Gabriel’s greatest hits, known for their heartfelt ballad style, include “No Tengo Dinero,” “Abrázame Muy Fuerte,” “Amor Eterno” and “Siempre En Mi Mente.”

For those inspired by his legacy, the doll serves as a collaboration that pays tribute to the extraordinary artistry of this beloved music icon.

Fans have been anxiously waiting for the doll’s release, with one Reddit user writing, “Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor. I am absolutely blown away by this Barbie. I love the darker hues… which we haven’t seen before.” Another Reddit user described the doll as “beautiful.”

Mattel’s Signature Doll inspired by Juan Gabriel is now available at Amazon, Walmart, Target and Mattel Shop.

Google Mexico Dedicates its Latest Google Doodle to the Late Juan Gabriel

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Juan Gabriel’s legacy lives on(line)…

For the first time in its history, Google has dedicated its famous doodle to the late Mexican singer, songwriter and actor, one of the greatest figures of Mexican music, for his invaluable artistic legacy.

On Monday, July 15, the logo that appears on the search engine’s home page in Mexico honored the legendary composer and performer to remember that on this day in 1995, his song “El Palo” reached the top spot on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart.

“Today, our Google Doodle honors a legend, Juan Gabriel, ‘El Divo de Juárez’. One of the most important singer-songwriters in Latin America. His songs and his entire legacy continue to live on in Mexico and the world,” wrote Google México on its X account.

According to information from Google Mexico, the doodle was created by Mexican illustrator Humberto Irigoyen, who spent four months working on it in order to gather many details about the artist’s life and work.

To the rhythm of his famous song “Noa, Noa”, Internet users can navigate the 2D illustration, which shows different stages and facets during a fruitful career spanning more than four decades, in which he became a true benchmark of Hispanic music in the world: from his youth on stage, his foray into television, his creative process when writing his songs, as well as his bright and colorful costumes that sealed part of his artistic personality.

The doodle also illustrates his historic 1990 performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico’s most important cultural venue, which was recorded and released as the live album Juan Gabriel en el Palacio de Bellas Artes. That recital made the artist the first Mexican popular music singer-songwriter to perform there with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional.

Juan Gabriel, known internationally for classics such as “Querida” and “Amor Eterno”, died on August 28, 2016 at his home in Santa Monica, California, of natural causes, in the middle of a concert tour. He was 66 years old.

“El Palo” was part of his album El México Que Se Nos Fue, which won the 1995 Premio Lo Nuestro award for best regional Mexican album.

Inducted into the Billboard Hall of Fame in 1996, Juan Gabriel built a legacy as a multifaceted artist over more than four decades, recording songs in genres as diverse as rancheras, baladas, pop and boleros, songwriting and producing other artists.

Among his many accomplishments, El Divo de Juárez sold more than 150 million records, composed more than 1,800 songs, released 34 studio albums, was nominated six times for a Grammy, won three posthumous Latin Grammys and more than 20 of his hits reached the top 10 on the Billboard charts, including seven No. 1s on the Hot Latin Songs chart. His song “Yo No Sé Qué Me Pasó” opened the first edition of that chart in 1986 at No. 1.

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Juan Gabriel’s “Amor Eterno” Added to Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry

Posted on April 16, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

One of the late Juan Gabriel’s most iconic songs is being preserved…

The Library of Congress has added the late Mexican singer/songwriter’s “Amor Eterno” to its National Recording Registry, which designates recordings worthy of preservation “based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.”

Gabriel’s heartrending ballad, which he wrote the in memory of his deceased mother, has long been a staple in the singer’s native Mexico and across Latin America.

Gabriel died in 2016 at the age of 66, but his son, Ivan Gabriel Aguilera, said his father would have been thrilled to see one of his most famous songs be enshrined in the registry. Aguilera talked with the Library about the song’s induction into the registry in Spanish.

“I believe that future generations – that’s what he always wanted – that they see his music and make it relatable to their lives as well. He would always say that ‘as long as the public, people, keep singing my music, Juan Gabriel will never die,’ and it’s nice to see that happening here,” Aguilera said. “It’s something wonderful for us. It’s such a great honor. It’s a great honor for my dad. I think that for his legacy it is something great. As you say, he’s going to be immortalized there in the Library of Congress.”

But Juan Gabriel isn’t the only Latinx artist to have a song added to this year’s registry.

The late Héctor Lavoe’s 1978 single “El Cantante” was also among the 25 songs selected.

“El Cantante” is the signature song of the late Puerto Rican salsa singer and first single of the album Comedia. The song was written by Rubén Blades and produced by Willie Colón.

The 2006 movie about Lavoe’s life starring Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, El Cantante, takes its title from the song.

Among the 25 selected this year are ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” Blondie’s “Parallel Lines,” The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Ready to Die,” Green Day’s “Dookie” and The Chicks’ “Wide Open Spaces.”

Members of the public can submit nominations for the registry on the Library’s website. Almost 2,900 were submitted this year.

The latest entrants to the registry bring its total number of titles to 650.

This year’s list, with includes singles and albums:

“Clarinet Marmalade,” Lt. James Reese Europe’s 369^th U.S. Infantry Band (1919)
“Kauhavan Polkka,” Viola Turpeinen and John Rosendahl (1928)
Wisconsin Folksong Collection (1937-1946)
“Rose Room,” Benny Goodman Sextet with Charlie Christian (1939)
“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Gene Autry (1949)
“Tennessee Waltz,” Patti Page (1950)
“Rocket ‘88,’” Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats (1951)
“Catch a Falling Star” / ”Magic Moments,” Perry Como (1957)
“Chances Are,” Johnny Mathis (1957)
“The Sidewinder,” Lee Morgan (1964)
“Surrealistic Pillow,” Jefferson Airplane (1967)
“Ain’t No Sunshine,” Bill Withers (1971)
“This is a Recording,” Lily Tomlin (1971)
“J.D. Crowe & the New South,” J.D. Crowe & the New South (1975)
“Arrival,” ABBA (1976)
“El Cantante,” Héctor Lavoe (1978)
“The Cars,” The Cars (1978)
“Parallel Lines,” Blondie (1978)
“La-Di-Da-Di,” Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick (MC Ricky D) (1985)
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” Bobby McFerrin (1988)
“Amor Eterno,” Juan Gabriel (1990)
“Pieces of Africa,” Kronos Quartet (1992)
“Dookie,” Green Day (1994)
“Ready to Die,” The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)
“Wide Open Spaces,” The Chicks (1998)

Carlos Rivera Releases New Album “Leyendas,” Featuring Duets with Iconic Singers

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Rivera is celebrating for a legendary moment…

The 35-year-old Mexican singer has released his new album Leyendas, in which he shows off his young spirit and classic heart.

On the album, Rivera duets with older, iconic singers on some of their best-known tracks.

From Roberto Carlos’ “Un Millón de Amigos” to José Luis Rodríguez’s “Agárrense de Las Manos,” Rivera traverses the Latin American songbook with the care of someone who grew up admiring, and finally emulating, the voices and personalities that defined Latin pop in the ’70s and ’80s.

These are big arrangements, big strings, big voices, big productions, and it’s a reminder of another face of Latin music.

Rivera took great care to curate the songs by artists who’ve passed: The set includes Rocío Dúrcal’s “Amor Eterno” and José José’s “Amor, Amor,” both recorded from existing tracks.

The most poignant inclusion is Armando Manzanero’s “Todavía,” which Rivera was actually able to record live with Manzanero during the pandemic, just a few months before his death.

It’s a reminder that there’s no reason to wait to celebrate greatness.

Gabriel Dethrones Justin Bieber on YouTube’s Global Music Top 100 Chart

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Juan Gabriel may be gone, but his music videos live on in a massive way…

The late Mexican singer-songwriter, who passed away unexpectedly on August 28, has replaced Justin Bieber as the most-played artist on YouTube. He’s now No.1 on the YouTube Global Music Top 100 chart.

According to YouTube, JuanGa’s views increased by nearly 600 percent and got a total viewership of 316 million.

Also, two of the crooner’s songs have entered YouTube’s Top 100 chart for the first time ever. “Querida,” featuring Juanes, lands on No. 93 and “Hasta Que Te Conocí” comes in at No. 95. These were also the two songs that YouTube users listened to most following Gabriel’s death.

Other popular tracks listened on YouTube following his passing were “Así Fue,” “Abrazame Muy Fuerte,” “Amor Eterno” and “Siempre en Mi Mente.”

Gabriel is also dominating Billboard‘s Latin charts. On Hot Latin Songs, 10 of Gabriel’s tracks make the list while five of his albums dot the Top Latin Albums chart (dated Sept. 17) with four in the top 10.

Spotify Reports a 257% Increase in Streams of Gabriel’s Songs

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

He may have left this world suddenly… But Juan Gabriel’s music lives on.

It appears the world is honoring and remembering the late Mexican singer and music icon by listening to his timeless songs.

Within less than 24 hours of Gabriel’s unexpected passing on Sunday (August 28), Spotify reported a 257% increase in streams of JuanGa‘s tracks.

In his native Mexico, he currently has 19 songs on the Top 50, including “Abrazame muy fuerte,” which peaks at No. 1 on the Spotify Mexico chart and “Hasta que te conocí,” which lands on No. 4. On Spotify’s Top 200 Global, the singer and songwriter has three songs: “Abrazame muy fuerte,” “Hasta que te conocí” and “Querida.”

Spotify also honored the Mexican crooner with their own playlist titled “Hasta siempre, Juan Gabriel,” now with more than 50,000 followers, that includes songs like “No tengo dinero,” “Siempre en mi mente,” “La muerte del palomo,” “El noa noa,” “Amor eterno,” plus 50 other songs.

Venegas to Record with Juan Gabriel…

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

It appears Julieta Venegas will be joining the growing list of artists hitting the recording studio with legendary Mexican singer Juan Gabriel…

The 41-year-old Mexican singer/songwriter, who was born in Long Beach, California, will record a special duet with el Divo de Juárez to celebrate Gabriel’s 40-year history in the music industry.

“We’ve communicated a couple of time and I’m looking t see when I can go see him, or else, when he can come to Mexico City. But he is recording with a ton of invited [artists] and it looks like it’s going to be awesome,” Venegas told El Universal.

“I feel incredible. They’re songs for all time and Juan Gabriel is part of my emotional life, like he is for so many people,” added Venegas. “So I am excited to be part of something like this.”

The “Limon y Sal” says Gabriel’s music has been a huge part of her life since she was a young girl.

“Ages ago, I covered ‘Siempre en mi mente,’” recalls the Grammy-winning singer. “But ‘Amor eterno’, the disc he made with Rocío Dúrcal left a big impression on me and it’s still a disc I refer to.”

Previously, it was announced that Mexican singer/actress Anahi would be part of the Juan Gabriel 40-year celebration.

Thousands Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City…

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no denying that Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is Mexico’s most popular religious and cultural image… And, “La Morenita,” as she called, has become one of the most popular icons of the Virgin Mary throughout Latin America and the world.

On Monday, December 12, hundreds of thousands gathered at the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City— one of the most visited Catholic shrines in the world—to observe the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an annual celebration that dates back to the 16th century.

This year’s observance—which included a special performance of “Las Mañanitas” to the Empress of Latin America by superstars like Lucero, Aracely Arámbula, Pedro Fernández and Gabriela Spanic—commemorated the 480th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s apparitions in Mexico, on a hill in the Tepeyac desert, on December 9, 1531.

According to Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a poor 57-year-old recently converted Aztec Indian named Juan Diego and asked him to build a church on the spot where they were standing. He told the local bishop, who asked for proof. When he returned to the hill, Mary gave Juan Diego the requested sign. Miraculously, roses appeared on the hill in the middle of winter, and Juan gathered them in his tilma.
Mary arranged the roses in his tilma with her own hands, and Juan returned to the bishop. When he released the tilma, the flowers fell to the floor and an imprint of the Virgin Mary appeared on the tilma from the residue of the soil and roses.

Along with “Las Mañanitas,” Monday’s celebration included a performance of “Amor eterno” and special prayer readings.

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