Mexico has a rich and diverse musical heritage, from traditional mariachi and ranchera music to modern pop and rock. Mexican singers have made a significant impact on the music industry both in Mexico and around the world, with their powerful vocals, catchy melodies, and unique styles. In this article, we will explore the top 10 famous singers from Mexico, their careers, and their contributions to the music industry.
The list includes legendary figures such as Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” who broke down barriers as a female artist in the male-dominated genre, and Ritchie Valens, a pioneering rock and roll musician who blended traditional Mexican music with American popular music. We also feature contemporary artists such as Selena Gomez, who has become a global pop icon with her unique blend of pop, R&B, and Latin music, and Baby Bash, a rapper and singer who has made significant contributions to the Latin hip-hop scene. With their unique talents, powerful voices, and cultural influences, these singers have left a lasting impact on Mexican and Latinx culture, inspiring generations of fans and musicians to come.
1. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is a multi-talented singer, actress, and producer hailing from Grand Prairie, Texas. While she was born in the United States, she has Mexican ancestry and has been influenced by her cultural heritage throughout her career. Gomez rose to fame as a Disney Channel star before transitioning to music with her band Selena Gomez & the Scene. Since then, she has released several successful solo albums, with hits like “Come and Get It,” “Good for You,” and “Lose You to Love Me.” In addition to her music career, Gomez has also acted in films and television shows, including the popular Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.” She has also used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and other social issues. Overall, Selena Gomez is a talented and influential artist who has made a significant impact on both the music and entertainment industries.
2. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato is a singer-songwriter, actress, and author from Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Mexican and Spanish ancestry. She first rose to prominence as a child actress on Barney & Friends and then became a Disney Channel star. Lovato has released several successful albums, including “Unbroken,” “Confident,” and “Dancing with the Devil…The Art of Starting Over,” which features deeply personal and vulnerable lyrics about her struggles with addiction, mental health, and recovery. She has also acted in films and television shows, such as “Camp Rock” and “Glee.” Lovato is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has been open about her own experiences with bipolar disorder and eating disorders. Overall, Demi Lovato is a talented and courageous artist who has used her platform to raise awareness and inspire others to seek help and support.
3. Selena Quintanilla-Pérez
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, also known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” was a singer, songwriter, and fashion designer from Texas with Mexican ancestry. She began singing as a child and eventually formed the band Selena y Los Dinos with her siblings. Selena became a cultural icon in the 1990s, breaking down barriers as a female artist in the male-dominated Tejano music genre. She released several successful albums, including “Amor Prohibido,” which became one of the best-selling Latin albums in the United States. Selena was tragically killed at the age of 23 by the president of her fan club, but her legacy lives on through her music and impact on Latinx culture. She has inspired generations of musicians and fans with her unique style, powerful vocals, and pioneering spirit.
4. Thalía
Thalía, born Ariadna Thalía Sodi Miranda, is a singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur from Mexico City. She began her career as a child actress and eventually transitioned to music, releasing her first album at the age of 14. Thalía has since released multiple successful albums, including “En Éxtasis,” “Amor a la Mexicana,” and “Habítame Siempre.” She has been recognized for her powerful vocals, catchy pop songs, and ability to blend different genres and styles. Thalía has also acted in films and television shows, such as the telenovela “María la del Barrio,” which became a global phenomenon. In addition to her entertainment career, Thalía has also launched her own fashion and beauty brands. Overall, Thalía is a talented and versatile artist who has made a significant impact on Mexican and Latinx culture through her music and entrepreneurship.
5. Ritchie Valens
Ritchie Valens, born Richard Steven Valenzuela, was a pioneering singer, songwriter, and guitarist from California with Mexican ancestry. He rose to fame in the late 1950s with hits such as “La Bamba,” “Donna,” and “Come On, Let’s Go.” Valens was known for his unique blend of rock and roll, R&B, and traditional Mexican music, which inspired many musicians to come. His career was tragically cut short when he died in a plane crash at the age of 17, along with fellow musicians Buddy Holly and J.P. Richardson, also known as “The Big Bopper.” Despite his short career, Valens left a lasting impact on the music industry and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is remembered for his musical talent, pioneering spirit, and contribution to the Chicano and Latinx music scenes.
6. Juan Gabriel
Juan Gabriel, born Alberto Aguilera Valadez, was a singer, songwriter, and producer from Michoacán, Mexico. He is considered one of the most successful and influential Latin American artists of all time, having sold over 100 million records worldwide. Juan Gabriel’s music was known for its emotional and romantic lyrics, catchy melodies, and unique blend of traditional Mexican music with pop, rock, and ballads. He released dozens of albums throughout his career, including “Querida,” “Recuerdos,” and “Juan Gabriel en el Palacio de Bellas Artes.” Juan Gabriel was also known for his flamboyant and charismatic stage presence, which earned him a devoted fan base. He passed away in 2016, but his music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world. Overall, Juan Gabriel is a legendary figure in the music industry and a proud representative of Mexican culture and identity.
7. Mimi Fariña
Mimi Fariña, born Margarita Mimi Baez, was a folk singer, songwriter, and social activist from Palo Alto, California, with Mexican and Scottish ancestry. She was part of the influential Baez family, which also included her older sister, Joan Baez. Mimi released several albums throughout her career, including “Reflections in a Crystal Wind,” which featured collaborations with other prominent folk musicians of the time. She was known for her clear and powerful vocals, as well as her ability to write poignant and socially conscious songs. Mimi was also involved in various social causes, including the anti-war movement, civil rights, and environmental activism. She co-founded Bread and Roses, an organization that brings live music performances to people in institutions such as prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes. Despite her relatively short career, Mimi Fariña left a lasting impact on the folk music and social justice scenes, inspiring generations of musicians and activists to come.
8. Fey
Fey, born María Fernanda Blázquez Gil, is a singer, songwriter, and actress from Mexico City. She first rose to fame in the 1990s as a pop icon, with hits such as “Media Naranja,” “Azúcar Amargo,” and “Muévelo.” Fey’s music was known for its catchy melodies, danceable beats, and provocative lyrics, which challenged traditional gender roles and sexuality. She has released several successful albums, including “Tierna la Noche,” “El Color de los Sueños,” and “Todo lo que Soy.” Fey has also acted in films and television shows, such as the telenovela “Corazones al límite.” She is a cultural icon and representative of the Latin pop music scene, inspiring generations of fans and artists with her music and style. Overall, Fey is a talented and influential artist who has made a significant impact on Mexican and Latinx culture.
9. Diana Reyes
Diana Reyes is a singer, songwriter, and actress from La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. She began her music career in the early 1990s and has since become known as the “Queen of the Bandas,” with a loyal following in the regional Mexican music scene. Diana Reyes has released several successful albums, including “Las No. 1 de la Reina,” “La Reina del Pasito Duranguense,” and “Yo No Creo en los Hombres.” Her music is known for its upbeat rhythms, catchy melodies, and emotional lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and empowerment. Diana Reyes has also acted in films and television shows, such as the telenovela “Hasta el Fin del Mundo.” She is a talented and influential artist who has made a significant impact on the regional Mexican music scene, earning numerous awards and accolades for her music and performances.
10. Baby Bash
Baby Bash, born Ronald Rey Bryant, is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Vallejo, California, with Mexican and Anglo heritage. He began his music career in the late 1990s, collaborating with artists such as SPM and Jay Tee. Baby Bash rose to mainstream success in the early 2000s with hits like “Suga Suga,” “Cyclone,” and “Baby, I’m Back.” He is known for his smooth flow, melodic hooks, and ability to blend hip-hop, R&B, and Latin music. Baby Bash has released several successful albums, including “Tha Smokin’ Nephew,” “Super Saucy,” and “Cyclone: The Soundtrack.” He has also collaborated with numerous other artists in the hip-hop and Latin music scenes, such as T-Pain, Frankie J, and Pitbull. Overall, Baby Bash is a talented and versatile artist who has made a significant impact on the rap and Latin music industries.
Darren Jamison 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.