MIAMI (CelebrityAccess) — Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel, one of the top selling artists in the Latin music has died. He was 66.
Gabriel's publicist said that the beloved singer died suddenly at his home, but did not specify a cause of death.
"He has passed on to become part of eternity and has left us his legacy through Juan Gabriel, the character created by him for all the music that has been sung and performed all around the world," his press office said in a statement.
“My father’s untimely passing is a tragic loss for all of us, his family, colleagues, and fans alike. We give heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of condolences we have received from around the world including from President Enrique Pena Nieto. We know that our father will miss entertaining his countless fans, who brought him tremendous joy in life,” said Juan Gabriel’s son Ivan Aguilera in a press statement.
Gabriel toured extensively during his life, performing right up until his death, performing most recently on August 26th at the Forum in Los Angeles.
Gabriel, born Alberto Aguilera Valadez, was known for his flamboyant style, often wearing sequin-covered jackets or brightly colored silk outfits, and for his energetic stage presence.
Gabriel was a prolific songwriter as well, writing his first song at the age of 13 and penning more than 1,500 songs over the course of his career.
A six-time Grammy nominee, Juan Gabriel was named ASCAP Songwriter of the Year in 1995, inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame in 1996 and was named as the Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year 2009. – Staff Writers
