Throwback Thursday 12/30 – Juan Gabriel

It’s the last Throwback Thursday of 2021 and this is a big one. This week we’re talking about El Divo De Juarez, Juan Gabriel. We’ve talked a lot about Juan Gabriel before on the site but we’ve never dedicated an entire post to him. What better way to end the year than with an iconic artist like Juanga?

Juan Gabriel – Icon

Born Alberto Aguilera Valadez in Michoan, Mexico, Juan Gabriel is one of the most interesting and consequential artists in Mexico’s storied history. He was one of 10 siblings. Gabriel’s life was never easy. As a child, his father left the family to stay in psychiatric hospital. As a result, Gabriel was put into a boarding school for several years.

At the age of 13, he wrote his first song. By 15, he had made his television debut and began singing at local bars. Gabriel continued this career, writing songs along the way, for a few years. He traveled to Mexico City in an attempt to take his career to the next level. He failed and returned to Juarez. After some time, he returned to Mexico City and worked as a backup singer. He quit and returned to Juarez once again.

The third time he returned to Mexico City was the most tumultuous. As he attempted to begin his career in earnest, he was forced to live a life of homelessness. He was arrested as a suspect in a robbery case and spent over a year in prison. He was eventually released and went on to find musical success.

Gabriel has since reached levels of success that few others have. He has sold more albums than nearly any other Mexican artist. His concerts were legendary, as were his outfits. A noted songwriter, Gabriel wrote dozens of classic tracks that have become staples in Latin music. His songs have been covered by dozens of artists over the years. Over the course of his career, he released over 35 albums and over 1,500 songs.

Gabriel had 6 children. While assumed to be gay, he never explicitly stated or denied his sexuality. Gabriel died suddenly of a heart attack in August 2016.

Querida

This week’s song is “Querida”. This track is one of the most well known of Gabriel’s career. The title translates to “Dear” or “Beloved”. The song is a plea to one’s beloved, telling them that their absence is causing such pain. Gabriel calls on his missing loved one to see his loneliness and to come and alleviate the pain. The themes of desperation and loneliness permeate the track. At the same time, there’s a purity to the track and an authenticity in his words.

From 1984, “Querida”.

For last week’s post, click here.