Juan Gabriel’s life reads like one of his own ballads. Born in Parácuaro, Michoacán, Mexico, in 1950, he was the youngest of ten children. His father was interned in a psychiatric hospital, and when he was only five, his mother—facing extreme poverty—sent him to an orphanage in Ciudad Juárez.
Juan Gabriel (born Alberto Aguilera Valadez) was a legendary Mexican singer, songwriter, and cultural icon who redefined Spanish-language music. Known as the his career spanned over four decades, during which he wrote approximately 1,800 songs and sold more than 100 million albums. Early Life: From Alberto to Juan Gabriel who is juan gabriel
It was in that orphanage that he found his escape. He would listen to the radio, memorize rancheras and boleros, and eventually ran away at age 13 to busk on the streets and sing in small bars. Juan Gabriel’s life reads like one of his own ballads