Mexico has a rich musical history, with traditional genres like mariachi, ranchera, and cumbia blending with modern styles like pop, rock, and reggaeton. Mexican singers have made a significant impact on the global music scene, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse musical influences.
One of the most famous Mexican singers is Selena, who became a cultural icon in the 1990s with hits like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Como La Flor”. Her music blended traditional Mexican styles with pop and R&B, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Another highly successful Mexican singer is Luis Miguel, known as the “Sun of Mexico”, who has released numerous albums and sold millions of records worldwide. His music is a blend of bolero, pop, and romantic ballads, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in Latin music history.
Mexico has also produced many influential rock and pop musicians, including Carlos Santana, Paulina Rubio, and Julieta Venegas, as well as beloved traditional artists like Vicente Fernández and Juan Gabriel.
In summary, Mexican singers have contributed to a diverse and vibrant music scene that continues to influence global music culture. From traditional mariachi and ranchera to modern pop and rock, Mexican singers have made significant contributions to the global music scene.
1. Selena
This iconic singer, known as the Queen of Tejano Music, broke barriers for Latinx artists with her fusion of cumbia and pop music. Selena's dynamic stage presence and unique style left an indelible mark on the music industry before her untimely death in 1995. Her legacy still lives on, inspiring countless musicians both in Mexico and beyond to follow in her footsteps and continue to push boundaries.
Even if you don't understand Spanish, hearing Luis Miguel sing is like getting a warm embrace from a long-lost lover.
2. Luis Miguel
With a successful career spanning over three decades, the renowned Mexican singer and record producer has released over 30 albums and sold over 100 million records worldwide. Luis Miguel's distinctive pop style, combined with exceptional vocal abilities, has earned him numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards. His popularity extends beyond Spanish-speaking countries as he is frequently touted as one of the most significant Latin music artists of all time.
Some of Luis Miguel's greatest hits include "La Incondicional," "Hasta Que Me Olvides," and "Por Debajo de la Mesa." He has collaborated with various music icons such as Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson. Despite his private personal life, his influence on Latin pop music is undeniable.
Luis Miguel received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996 for his contributions to the recording industry.
If Thalía's music doesn't make you want to dance, you might want to check your pulse.
3. Thalía
Thalía, a renowned Mexican singer, has charmed audiences with her powerful vocals and captivating performances for decades. Her music career initially gained momentum in the 90s, and she went on to achieve widespread success both within and outside her home country. Thalía's discography includes numerous chart-topping hits, and she has won accolades for her impressive vocal range and versatility. With her glamorous persona and talent as an actress, Thalía has also established herself as a household name in the entertainment industry across Latin America.
In addition to her successful career in music and acting, Thalía has also ventured into other areas such as fashion design, philanthropy, and writing. She published a book called 'Growing Stronger' that detailed her personal struggles with Lyme disease which earned great acclaim from medical professionals worldwide.
Thalía is an inspiration to many of her fans due to the hardships she overcame throughout her life. Despite facing various obstacles at different stages of her career, she remains determined to share her talent with the world. Her resilience and perseverance continue to inspire aspiring singers not only within Mexico but also around the globe.
Juan Gabriel's voice may have left us, but his music still fills the heart and the tequila still fills the glass.
4. Juan Gabriel
This Mexican legend was known as "El Divo de Juarez". With a career that spanned for more than 40 years, his music had become synonymous with pop and mariachi genres. Juan Gabriel had followed his passion at a young age; he wrote songs and performed them in local clubs until he recorded his first album "El Alma Joven" in 1971. He sang about sociocultural issues like love, heartbreaks and politics, evoking emotions of the masses. His flamboyant costumes were just as famous as his unique style of music. Conservative society saw him as scandalous, but he continued to flourish without any restrictions.
Pro Tip: Listen to his iconic songs like "Amor Eterno" and "Querida" to understand why Juan Gabriel will always be remembered as a musical icon.
Gloria Trevi's lyrics may be controversial, but there's no denying that she's the queen of stirring up trouble and catchy beats.
5. Gloria Trevi
One of the most well-known Mexican singers is a talented and versatile artist. Her music has captivated audiences all around the world. She began her career at a young age, displaying her exceptional abilities through her unique sound and style, making a name for herself in the music industry. Her powerful voice and energetic performances have garnered her immense popularity among fans worldwide.
As one of Mexico's most successful musicians, this singer has produced multiple hit albums throughout her illustrious career, with chart-topping songs that have become classics. As an actress, she has also starred in numerous movies and even hosted several television shows. Her influence on both the Mexican and international music scenes is undeniable.
This artist's success didn't come easy, as she faced challenges both personally and professionally throughout her journey. However, she persevered through these struggles to become one of Mexico's most legendary voices.
Despite the controversies in her personal life, this artist's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists to pursue their dreams relentlessly. With no doubt, she remains one of Mexico's most respected and beloved singers even today.
Carlos Santana can make a guitar sing like no other, but his busy fingers have also been known to steal the occasional nacho from a nearby snack table.
6. Carlos Santana
This Mexican-born musician and songwriter is a true legend. He is known for his unique blend of rock, blues, and Latin American rhythms that have captivated audiences worldwide for decades. With a career spanning over five decades, Carlos Santana has won multiple Grammys, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. His music continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians around the world.
Carlos Santana's early musical influences came from his family’s love for mariachi music. However, he would soon add elements of rock, jazz, blues, and Latin American rhythms to create a fusion sound that was uniquely his own. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Santana’s band played at many iconic music festivals such as Woodstock, where they gained worldwide notoriety. Today, Carlos Santana remains a highly respected musician who continues to tour the world with his band.
One interesting fact about Carlos Santana is that he had an unusual upbringing. Born in Jalisco, Mexico in 1947, he spent much of his childhood living in Tijuana before moving with his family to San Francisco when he was a teenager. This diverse cultural upbringing would later influence his music greatly.
Paulina Rubio is proof that even if you don't win a singing competition, you can still become a famous singer in Mexico.
7. Paulina Rubio
Paulina Rubio, one of the famous singers from Mexico, is recognized for her versatile vocal range and electrifying stage presence. With a career spanning over three decades, Paulina has solidified her position in Latin pop music with chart-topping hits such as "Ni Una Sola Palabra" and "Dame Otro Tequila."
Born on June 17, 1971, in Mexico City, Paulina began her journey in music at a young age by joining the popular musical group Timbiriche. She later embarked on a solo career and released her debut album La Chica Dorada in 1992, which earned her critical acclaim and commercial success.
Apart from music, Paulina is also recognized for her stint as a judge on the Mexican version of The Voice. Additionally, she has dabbled in acting with roles in films like Bésame En La Boca and television series such as Baila Conmigo.
To further enhance your knowledge of Mexican music industry stalwarts like Paulina Rubio, consider exploring their discography and attending live concerts to experience their mesmerizing performances firsthand.
Vicente Fernández's voice is so legendary, it could make a cactus shed a tear.
8. Vicente Fernández
A legendary singer, Vicente Fernández is known for popularizing the Ranchera genre of music in Mexico. His career spanned over five decades, with more than 50 albums to his credit. Known for his distinctive voice and traditional attire, Fernández was a symbol of Mexican music and culture. He has won several awards throughout his career, including nine Latin Grammy Awards and three Grammy Awards. His songs were about love, heartbreaks, and struggles in life, making him the voice of the people.
Fernández’s life story is equally fascinating as his music career. Starting from a humble background in Huentitan el Alto, Jalisco, he did odd jobs to support his family before pursuing music full-time. One day when he was working on a construction site, he fell from a roof and broke his collarbone. During his recovery period, he learned how to play guitar which eventually led him towards becoming one of the most iconic singers Mexico has ever produced.
Move over tequila, Alejandro Fernández is the real Mexican spirit you need to be sipping on.
9. Alejandro Fernández
With a career spanning over three decades, the famous Mexican singer who holds the 9th spot in our list is none other than Alejandro Fernández. With a father who was also a successful musician, he began singing at an early age and went on to release his first album in 1992. Known for his passionate performances and emotional ballads, Fernández has won numerous awards and sold millions of records worldwide. His music often reflects traditional Mexican culture while incorporating elements of modern pop and rock, making him one of the most versatile artists in his genre. Additionally, he has acted in films and on television, displaying his talents beyond just music.
Fernández's unique style has earned him a place among the best-selling Latin music artists of all time. In addition to his notable career achievements, he is dedicated to various charitable causes such as raising awareness about issues related to poverty and children with disabilities. His philanthropic efforts demonstrate his commitment to making meaningful contributions beyond entertainment.
One true story that showcases Fernández's generosity occurred during one of his concerts when he noticed a young boy crying in the audience. He stopped mid-song to see what was wrong, only to learn that the boy had been bullied because of his love for Fernández's music. Without hesitation, Fernández invited the boy onto stage and sang "Si Tú Supieras" with him – a moment that touched many hearts and demonstrated truly genuine kindness from this beloved artist.
Julieta Venegas has a voice so sweet, I'm pretty sure it could make even the toughest hombres break down in tears.
10. Julieta Venegas
With her captivating voice and impressive songwriting skills, Julieta Venegas has made a name for herself as one of Mexico's most famous singers. Her music combines elements of pop, rock, and traditional Mexican music, delivering a unique sound that has won over audiences around the world. Beyond her music career, Venegas is also an accomplished musician in her own right, playing several instruments including the accordion and guitar. She is widely regarded as one of Mexico's most influential artists and continues to inspire others through her work.
Venegas' success has been driven by her ability to connect with audiences at a deep emotional level. Her lyrics often deal with social issues such as inequality, love and heartbreaks, making her music relatable to people from all walks of life. The combination of this with exceptional vocals and instrumental capability allows Venegas to stand out in the competitive industry.
Moreover, she has received numerous accolades for her contributions to Mexican artistry including six Latin Grammy Awards – the highest number given to any female artist native to Mexico – and three MTV Video Music Awards Latin America. With more than two decades since she first entered the spotlight; despite being undeniably widespread across the Latino community globally; Julieta maintains a cult-like following among casual English-Speaking listeners due to her mastery incorporation of bilingualism in both Spanish-speaking & English speaking nations.
Fans who want to experience more of Julieta Venegas' unique musical style can check out some of her live performances available online or discover her extensive discography. Apart from that, supporting any up-and-coming Mexican artists will help bring greater recognition and support for underrepresented groups in the industry while introducing fresh & new talent to worldwide audiences searching for diversity.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
