Mexico has a rich and diverse musical heritage, with a range of genres and styles that have captivated audiences around the world. From traditional Mexican music such as ranchera, bolero, and mariachi, to modern pop and rock, Mexican singers have made a significant impact on the global music scene. In this article, we will explore the top 20 famous Mexican singers who have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Each artist on this list has contributed in their own unique way, with their powerful vocals, emotional performances, and dynamic stage presence. Some have achieved worldwide success and international fame, while others are beloved icons in Mexico and Latin America. From the legendary Pedro Infante and Vicente Fernández to contemporary stars like Thalía and Becky G, we will take a closer look at the careers and legacies of these influential artists. Join us on a journey through the vibrant and diverse world of Mexican music, as we celebrate the top 20 famous Mexican singers of all time.
1. Selena Quintanilla-Pérez
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was an American singer, songwriter, actress, and fashion designer who was widely known as the “Queen of Tejano music.” Born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, Selena began her music career as a child and quickly gained recognition for her powerful vocals and dynamic performances. She released her first album at the age of 12 and went on to become a chart-topping artist with numerous hit songs. Selena was known for her unique blend of Tejano music and pop, which appealed to a wide audience, and for her flamboyant style, which helped her stand out in the male-dominated music industry. Tragically, her life was cut short when she was shot and killed by her former fan club president in 1995, at the age of 23. However, Selena’s legacy has lived on through her music, which continues to inspire and influence generations of fans.
2. Ritchie Valens
Ritchie Valens, born Richard Steven Valenzuela on May 13, 1941, in Pacoima, California, was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who was one of the pioneers of the rock and roll genre. Valens rose to fame in the late 1950s with his hit song “La Bamba,” which blended traditional Mexican music with rock and roll. He was known for his unique guitar playing style and his ability to sing in both English and Spanish, which made his music accessible to a wide audience. Tragically, Valens’ life was cut short in 1959, at the age of 17, when he died in a plane crash along with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. Despite his short career, Valens’ influence on the rock and roll genre was significant, and he remains a beloved figure in music history. His life and music were the subject of the 1987 film “La Bamba,” which brought his story to a new generation of fans.
3. Mimi Fariña
Mimi Fariña, born Margarita Mimi Baez on April 30, 1945, in Palo Alto, California, was an American singer, songwriter, and activist who was known for her folk music and social justice activism. She was the younger sister of folk singer Joan Baez and began performing with her sister at a young age. Mimi later formed her own music duo with her husband, Richard Fariña, and released several albums throughout the 1960s. She was also involved in social activism and founded the Bread and Roses organization, which brought live music and entertainment to people in hospitals, prisons, and other institutions. Mimi passed away in 2001, but her music and legacy continue to inspire generations of musicians and activists.
4. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez, born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, is an American singer, actress, and producer who first gained recognition as a child actor on the Disney Channel. She later pursued a music career and has released several successful albums and hit singles, including “Come & Get It” and “Lose You to Love Me.” Gomez is known for her pop and dance-pop music style and has collaborated with several high-profile artists, including DJ Snake, Cardi B, and Marshmello. In addition to her music career, Gomez has also been involved in philanthropic work and has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.
5. Baby Bash
Baby Bash, born Ronald Ray Bryant on October 18, 1975, in Vallejo, California, is an American rapper and singer who is known for his blend of hip hop, R&B, and Latin music. He first gained recognition in the early 2000s with his hit singles “Suga Suga” and “Baby I’m Back,” which both topped the charts. Baby Bash has released several successful albums throughout his career and has collaborated with a variety of artists, including Frankie J, Akon, and T-Pain. He is known for his smooth flow and catchy hooks and has been a prominent figure in the Chicano rap and Latin hip hop scenes. Baby Bash continues to tour and release new music, and his music remains popular among fans of hip hop and Latin music.
6. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato, born on August 20, 1992, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who first gained recognition as a child actor on the Disney Channel. She later pursued a music career and has released several successful albums and hit singles, including “Sorry Not Sorry” and “Heart Attack.” Lovato is known for her powerful vocals and emotional performances, and she has been open about her struggles with mental health and addiction, becoming a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. Lovato continues to release new music and tour, and her music has resonated with fans around the world.
7. Fey
Fey, born María Fernanda Blázquez Gil on July 21, 1973, in Mexico City, is a Mexican singer and actress who is known for her dance-pop music and energetic performances. She rose to fame in the early 1990s with her hit single “Media Naranja” and went on to release several successful albums throughout the decade. Fey is known for her unique fashion sense and her catchy, upbeat music, which has been popular in Latin America and beyond. She has won numerous awards for her music and continues to be a prominent figure in the Latin pop music scene.
8. Diana Reyes
Diana Reyes, born on November 18, 1979, in La Paz, Mexico, is a Mexican singer known for her blend of traditional Mexican music and modern pop and dance music. She has released several successful albums throughout her career, including “La Reina del Pasito Duranguense” and “Te Voy a Mostrar.” Reyes is known for her powerful vocals and energetic performances, and she has been a prominent figure in the regional Mexican music scene. She has won numerous awards for her music and continues to tour and release new music, cementing her status as one of the leading voices in Mexican music today.
9. Juan Gabriel
Juan Gabriel, born Alberto Aguilera Valadez on January 7, 1950, in Parácuaro, Mexico, was a Mexican singer, songwriter, and actor who is considered one of the most successful and influential musicians in Latin American history. He began his music career in the 1970s and went on to release numerous successful albums, earning him the nickname “El Divo de Juárez.” Juan Gabriel’s music was known for its emotional intensity and romantic themes, and his songs have become classics in the Latin American music canon. He passed away in 2016, but his music continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans around the world.
10. Alfonso Herrera
Alfonso Herrera, born on August 28, 1983, in Mexico City, is a Mexican singer and actor who first gained recognition as a member of the popular Mexican pop group RBD. The group was formed in 2004 and went on to release several successful albums before disbanding in 2009. Herrera has since pursued an acting career and has appeared in several television series and films, both in Mexico and internationally. He has also released solo music, including his debut album “Amoeba Gigante” in 2018, showcasing his musical talent and versatility.
11. Samo
Samo, born Samuel Parra Cruz on December 2, 1975, in Veracruz, Mexico, is a Mexican singer and songwriter who is known for his romantic ballads and pop music. He first gained recognition as a member of the popular Mexican pop group Camila, which he co-founded in 2005. The group went on to release several successful albums and hit singles, including “Todo Cambió” and “Mientes.” Samo later pursued a solo career, releasing several successful albums and collaborating with other high-profile artists. He is known for his smooth vocals and emotional performances, and his music continues to be popular among fans of Latin pop music.
12. Jenni Rivera
Jenni Rivera, born on July 2, 1969, in Long Beach, California, was an American singer and actress of Mexican descent who became known as “La Diva de la Banda.” Rivera was known for her powerful vocals and her frank and honest lyrics, which often addressed themes of heartbreak, resilience, and empowerment. She released numerous successful albums throughout her career, including “La Gran Señora” and “Joyas Prestadas,” and was also a successful television personality and businesswoman. Tragically, Rivera died in a plane crash in 2012, but her music continues to resonate with fans around the world.
13. Becky G
Becky G, born on March 2, 1997, in Inglewood, California, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress of Mexican descent who first gained recognition with her hit single “Shower” in 2014. She has since released numerous successful albums and hit singles, including “Mayores” and “Sin Pijama,” showcasing her versatility in genres such as pop, reggaeton, and Latin trap. Becky G is known for her high-energy performances and her empowering lyrics, which often address themes of self-confidence and female empowerment. She has won numerous awards for her music and continues to be a prominent figure in the Latin music scene.
14. Jorge Negrete
Jorge Negrete, born on November 30, 1911, in Guanajuato, Mexico, was a Mexican singer and actor who is considered one of the most iconic and influential figures in Mexican music and cinema. Negrete began his career in the 1930s and went on to become known for his powerful vocals and his patriotic songs, many of which became anthems of Mexican national identity. He starred in numerous films throughout his career, becoming a beloved and influential figure in Mexican cinema. Negrete passed away in 1953, but his music and films continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
15. Lola Beltrán
Lola Beltrán, born on March 7, 1932, in Rosario, Sinaloa, Mexico, was a Mexican singer and actress who is considered one of the most iconic and influential figures in Mexican music. Beltrán was known for her powerful voice and her interpretations of traditional Mexican music, including ranchera, bolero, and mariachi. She appeared in several films and television shows throughout her career and was a beloved figure in Mexican popular culture. Beltrán passed away in 1996, but her music continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans around the world.
16. Rick Trevino
Rick Trevino, born on May 16, 1971, in Austin, Texas, is an American country music singer and songwriter of Mexican-American descent. Trevino first gained recognition in the 1990s with hits such as “She Can’t Say I Didn’t Cry” and “Bobbie Ann Mason,” showcasing his unique blend of traditional country music and Latin American influences. He has since released numerous successful albums and continues to tour and perform, both in the United States and internationally. Trevino is known for his powerful vocals and his ability to blend different musical traditions, earning him a dedicated following among fans of country and Latin American music.
17. Vicente Fernández
Vicente Fernández, born on February 17, 1940, in Huentitán el Alto, Jalisco, Mexico, is a Mexican singer and actor who is known as “El Rey de la Música Ranchera” (The King of Ranchera Music). Fernández has released over 50 albums throughout his career, many of which feature traditional ranchera music, mariachi, and bolero. He has won numerous awards for his music and has also appeared in several films and television shows, becoming a beloved and influential figure in Mexican popular culture. Fernández is known for his powerful vocals, his flamboyant outfits, and his emotional performances, which continue to captivate audiences around the world.
18. Thalía
Thalía, born on August 26, 1971, in Mexico City, Mexico, is a Mexican singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. Thalía began her career as a member of the popular Mexican music group Timbiriche before launching a successful solo career, which has spanned multiple genres, including pop, rock, and Latin American music. She has released numerous successful albums and has won numerous awards for her music, including several Latin Grammy Awards. Thalía is also known for her acting work, having appeared in several films and television shows throughout her career, both in Mexico and the United States.
19. Pedro Infante
Pedro Infante, born on November 18, 1917, in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, was a Mexican actor and singer who is considered one of the most influential and beloved figures in Mexican popular culture. Infante appeared in over 60 films throughout his career, many of which featured him singing traditional Mexican music, including ranchera, bolero, and mariachi. He is known for his powerful voice and his ability to connect with audiences through his emotional performances. Infante passed away in 1957, but his music and films continue to inspire generations of fans and artists around the world.
20. 6ix9ine
6ix9ine, born on May 8, 1996, in New York City, United States, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who is known for his controversial persona and aggressive rap style. 6ix9ine’s music is characterized by his use of bold lyrics, loud beats, and aggressive delivery, which have earned him a dedicated following among fans of hip-hop and rap music. However, 6ix9ine has also been embroiled in numerous controversies throughout his career, including legal issues and feuds with other artists. Despite these challenges, he continues to be a popular and influential figure in the world of rap music.