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.

Anahí Returning to Music with “Déjame Vivir,” New Collaboration with the Late Juan Gabriel

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Anahí is preparing for her return to the music world…

The 39-year-old Mexican actress and singer will make her official comeback to music with “Déjame Vivir,” a new collaboration alongside Juan Gabriel.

The single—released posthumously, six years after Juanga’s passing—is a new version of his Rocío Dúrcal-assisted single that launched in 1984. Almost 40 years later, Anahi gives it a modern EDM twist.

“Who’s excited to listen to it?” the singer asked her fans on Instagram, sharing a 15-second preview of the video that features both stars.

“Déjame Vivir,” which marks Anahí’s first official release since “Latidos” in 2020, follows El Divo de Juarez’s “Mía Un Año” released last month in collaboration with Eslabon Armado.

The collaborative track with Juanga comes after his duets with Marc Anthony, J Balvin, and other major artists who formed part of his Los Dúo 2 album released in 2015, which ruled the No. 1 spot on the Top Latin Albums chart for 20 weeks in 2016.

Although it’s Anahí’s first single in two years, she has kept herself busy with music endeavors — in June, the former Rebelde star joined Karol G on stage for an epic rendition of RBD’s 2004 hit “Salvame.”

The performance that took place during the Bichota Reloaded tour in Mexico City became the first time Anahí performed live in 11 years. The singer’s last concert prior to that was in 2011 with her Go Any Go Tour.

Anahí has also been spotted spending time with her former RBD bandmates Maite Perroni, Christian Chávez and Christopher Von Uckermann — first in December 2020 when they hosted a virtual reunion called “Ser o Parecer,” and most recently for Perroni’s wedding to longtime boyfriend Andrés Tovar.

“Déjame Vivir,” which drops at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 27, will form part of the upcoming Los Dúo 3 set.

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Nicky Jam to Receive Billboard Hall of Fame Award at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on September 13, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam is standing hall…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American artist will receive the Billboard Hall of Fame award at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

The special award will recognize the reggaetón artist, actor and entrepreneur for his prolific work that transcends musical genres and languages.

He is also set to perform at the awards show, which will take place on Thursday, September 29, at the Watsco Canter in Miami and will broadcast live on Telemundo beginning at 7:00 pm ET.

Nicky now joins past Billboard Hall of Fame recipients including Alejandro Fernández, Banda El Recodo, Carlos Vives, Daddy Yankee, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Franco de Vita, Joan Sebastian, José José, Marc Anthony, Marco Antonio Solís, Mongo Santamaria, Rocío Dúrcal and Vicente Fernández.

Born Nick Rivera Caminero, the half Puerto Rican, half Dominican star is considered one of the pioneers of reggaetón with more than three decades of music.

The 13-time Billboard Latin Music Award winner is known for his Hot Latin Songs No. 1 hits such as his Enrique Iglesias-assisted “El Perdón,” which topped the chart for 30 weeks in 2015, and “Hasta El Amanecer,” which ruled for 18 weeks.

Currently, he’s making the rounds with his singles “Sin Novia” and “Ojos Rojos,” which topped both the Latin Airplay and Latin Rhythm Airplay charts in April.

Daddy Yankee to Be Inducted Into Hall of Fame at 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on September 13, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is heading into the Hall (of Fame)…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and rapper, known as the “King of Reggaetón,” will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Billboard and Telemundo have announced.

Given to artists who have achieved worldwide recognition for their work, transcending musical genres and languages, the accolade will honor the “Con Calma” hitmaker for his fruitful career that spans over three decades as a pioneer and top exponent of reggaeton.

Daddy Yankee will receive the award during the ceremony set to take place Thursday, September 23, live from Miami where he will also perform his latest hit “Métele al Perreo” for the first time on television.

The chart-topping, global star — known for reggaeton anthems such as “Gasolina” and “Dura” — has sold more than 17 million albums and placed 84 entries on the Hot Latin Songs chart, with seven of those hitting No. 1 and 36 landing in the top 10.

On the Latin Airplay chart, he has logged a total of 73 titles, including 24 No. 1s and 42 top 10s.

On the social front, his philanthropic work through “Daddy’s House” has been recognized by Billboard with the spirit of hope award.

Past recipients of the Billboard hall of fame award include José José, Vicente Fernández, Rocío Durcal, Marco Antonio Solís, Joan Sebastian, Marc Anthony, Franco de Vita and Alejandro Fernández, among others.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards will be broadcast live on Telemundo, kicking off at 7:00 p.m. ET with the traditional red carpet special, followed by the awards show at 8:00 pm.

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.

Karol G Makes History as “Tusa” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Karol Gis racing to the top in historic fashion…

The 28-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer and songwriter’s collaboration with Nicki Minaj, “Tusa,”debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart dated November 23.

The chart ranks the most popular Latin songs of the week, blending airplay, streaming and digital sales data.

“Tusa” becomes the first song to debut at No. 1 in 2019, and the first song by a female act in a lead role to bow at No. 1 since 2016, when Shakira’s “Chantaje,” featuring Maluma, bowed atop the list. It’s also the first title by two women in a lead role to open atop the chart since its inception in 1986.

“One of my biggest personal challenges was exceeding my expectations and those of my fans, following the release of Ocean,” Karol G tells Billboard. “I couldn’t be happier today seeing that “Tusa” debuts at No. 1 in the U.S. after only one week of its release. I’m especially grateful to Nicki Minaj, to my team for keeping the dream alive, and for continuing in this journey — and to my fans who make all of this a reality.”

In addition to Shakira, Karol G and Minaj, only two other songs with women on a lead role have debuted at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs: Rocio Durcalwith “La Guirnalda” in September of 1986 and Gloria Estefanwith “Hotel Nacional” in January of 2012.

Meanwhile, two other titles with female acts in featuredroles have bowed atop the tally: “Mi Verdad” by Mana featuring Shakira (February 2015) and “Taki Taki” by DJ Snake, featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna and Cardi B(October 2018).

“Tusa” gives Karol G her third No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs. Her first leader arrived over a year ago through another collaboration: Pitbull’s “Dame Tu Cosita,” with El Chombo, featuring Cutty Ranks(May 2018).

“Tusa,” Colombian slang for heartbreak, was released on November 7 in conjunction with the song’s music video and was produced by Ovy on the Drumsand written by him, Karol G, Minaj and Keytin. It soars to No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs mainly on the strength of streaming activity and digital sales.

The song logged 9.5 million U.S. streams in its first week (ending November 14), according to Nielsen Music and bows at No. 1 on the Latin Streaming Song chart. It’s just the second song to debut at No. 1 on the list in 2019, following “China,” the former nine-week ruler, where Karol G also takes a lead role alongside Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Ozuna and J Balvin.

“Tusa” concurrently starts at No. 78 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100chart, becoming Karol G’s fourth chart entry.

The song was presented for the first time during the 2019 Latin Grammyweek, as part of a Google Pixel 4motion sense experiment alongside DJ Feloat The Palms, on November 14.

Durcal Among Artists to Perform at Special Tribute Concert for the Late Juan Gabriel

Posted on December 23, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Shaila Durcal is paying tribute to a Mexican legend…

The 37-year-old Spanish Grammy nominated singer-songwriter will perform at a special tribute concert for the late Juan Gabriel.

The homage, entitled Eternamente Juan Gabriel, will take place on February 18 at Foro Pegaso in the State of Mexico, with tickets going on sale in January.

The concert details, revealed four months after the death of Mexican music icon, were announced by Gabriel’s son Iván Aguilera during a press conference in Mexico.

Aguilera said the ambitious tribute concert will the first of many they plan to produce in Mexico and other countries.

“We are here to announce the first official concert that our family is planning in honor of my father Juan Gabriel. We have the support of Mexico’s government to produce something of high quality, just like the concerts my father gave us … It will be something very special where people will be able to relive the experience of watching their idol Juan Gabriel.”

In addition to Durcal, the daughter of the late Rocio Durcal, who collaborated with Gabriel several times throughout their music careers, artists set to participate include Juanes, Jesse & Joy, David Bisbal, Natalia Lafourcade and Aída Cuevas, among others. Gustavo Farias will serve as musical producer.

“During performances, we will be showing images of Juan Gabriel but we have a very very big surprise. I can’t say much yet but we will be using high quality technology,” Farias said hinting at a possible Juan Gabriel hologram for the concert.

Eternamente Juan Gabriel follows the special tribute that took place back in September in Mexico City’s Palacio de Bellas Artes just days after the “Amor eterno” singer passed away in Santa Monica, California at the age of 66 on August 28.

Iglesias Releases “Fallaste Corazón,” His First Spanish Single in 12 Years

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Julio Iglesias is celebrating Mexico in a special way…

The 71-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter, the most successful Latin singer of all time, is planning to release a new album, Mexico – Julio Iglesias, in which he’ll interpret 12 standards from the country’s golden-era songbook.

For his first single, Iglesias offers up “Fallaste Corazón,” by the prolific Mexican songwriter Cuco Sánchez. It’s a song many icons like Rocio Durcal and Pedro Infante have interpreted.

Iglesias’ forthcoming album, due September 18, is his first Spanish-language recording in 12 years. The singer first performed in Mexico in the ‘70s, conquering the largest Spanish-speaking market and then going on to sell more than 300 million records worldwide by recording in as many as 12 languages. But, Mexico still holds a special place in his heart. In fact, this is his second tribute album to a country that was instrumental to his career, the first of which came in 1976.

“Mexico is a country that I love dearly,” said Iglesias in a statement. “The Mexican people have given me many indelible moments in my life. I know this country as if it was my homeland, and I always carry it in my soul. This record is dedicated to the outstanding composers who, generation after generation, filled our lives with love, nostalgia, memories and moments. After all these years, they remain alive in our souls.”

Gabriel Scores First Top Latin Albums in Nearly Two Decades

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

It’s been a long time coming, but Juan Gabriel is back at the top of the charts…

The iconic 65-year-old Mexican singer/songwriter climbs to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums (dated March 7) with Los Duo, scoring his first chart-topping set in 18 years, after debuting last week at No. 2.

The new duets album — which features a variety of guests like Juanes and Marco Antonio Solis — is helping Gabriel cover his own classics — sold 9,000 units in its second week, according to Nielsen Music.

Rising to the top despite a 61 percent decline in sale, the album opened with 23,000 copies (Gabriel’s biggest sales week since Nielsen started tracking sales in 1991) but was bested by Ricky Martin’s No. 1-debuting A Quien Quiera Escuchar, which arrived with 25,000. Both sets saw an expected second-week dip, with Martin dropping 72 percent (to 7,000), allowing Gabriel to take the top spot with the smaller sales decrease.

Gabriel, whose career launched in the early 1970s, last claimed the top spot in 1997 (with his only other No. 1 album) when Juntos Otra Vez, a collaborative set with Spanish singer Rocio Durcal, spent a week at the top.

It garnered a similar second-week climb to No. 1 after debuting the prior week at No. 7. (The Top Latin Albums chart launched in July of 1993.)

Over on Latin Pop Airplay, the new album’s lead single “Querida,” featuring Juanes, steps 26-25 with a two percent increase at the plays-based format.

Among Los Duo’s collaborations is “Se Me Olvido Otra Vez” with Solis, as the pair team up for a cover of Gabriel’s classic song that was first released in 1974.

Other artists from multiple Latin genres that join Gabriel on the set include regional Mexican singer-songwriter Espinoza Paz (duetting on “Siempre En Mi Mente,” the title track from Gabriel’s 1978 album) and Italian pop star Laura Pausini. The latter lends her powerful voice to “ Juan Gabriel,” the title track from a No. 2-peaking Gabriel album released in 2000.

Additional duets with the likes of Vicente Fernandez, Natalia Jimenez, Alejandra Guzman and Fifth Harmony also help to shape Gabriel’s chart-topping set.

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.

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