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Mexican singer-songwriter and cultural icon, renowned for his prolific output, flamboyant stage presence, and deeply emotional ballads and rancheras.Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Juan Gabriel rose from extreme poverty and time in an orphanage to become one of Latin America's most successful and beloved musical artists. His career spanned over four decades, producing hundreds of songs, countless hits, and iconic performances that earned him the title "El Divo de Juárez". He was a master of multiple genres, including ballad, ranchera, pop, and mariachi.

• As a young man, he was falsely accused of theft and spent 18 months in a correctional facility, where the director encouraged his musical talents and helped him gain early performance experience.
• He famously declined a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, reportedly due to feeling the awards didn't adequately represent or respect Mexican regional music traditions.
• He died suddenly of a heart attack at his home in Santa Monica, California, while recovering from a bout of pneumonia, just hours after performing a triumphant sold-out concert at the Forum in Inglewood.