Music is a universal language that transcends borders. Mexican music, in particular, is renowned for its passionate rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and phenomenal vocal performances. From Ranchera and Mariachi to Banda and Latin pop, the diversity and richness of Mexican music are reflective of the country’s colorful culture and history. At the heart of this musical vibrancy are Mexican singers who’ve captured global attention with their captivating voices and undeniable stage presence.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the ten most popular Mexican singers, spanning various genres and generations. Prepare to embark on a musical journey that will undoubtedly stir your senses and deepen your appreciation for Mexican music.
1. Vicente Fernández
When we talk about Mexican music, it’s impossible to overlook the legendary figure known as Vicente Fernández. Born in 1940, Fernández is often hailed as the ‘King of Ranchera Music’. His baritone voice, imbued with heartfelt emotion, has dominated the Mexican music scene for over five decades.
Fernández’s music career skyrocketed after his performance of the song “Volver, Volver,” which has since become an iconic anthem in Mexican music. He has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and continues to be a beloved figure in Mexico and beyond.
2. Luis Miguel
Luis Miguel, fondly known as “El Sol de Mexico” (The Sun of Mexico), is a symbol of Latin pop music. Born in Puerto Rico but raised in Mexico, he started his music career at a young age and gained massive success thanks to his exceptional vocal talent and charisma.
Best known for his romantic ballads and powerful voice, Miguel has sold over 100 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including several Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards. His life and career were recently dramatized in a popular Netflix series, which revived interest in his music among a new generation of fans.
3. Selena Quintanilla
Selena Quintanilla, often simply known as Selena, was a Tejano music icon whose influence reached far beyond her tragically short life. She was often referred to as the ‘Queen of Tejano Music‘ and is credited with bringing this regional Texan-Mexican music genre into the mainstream.
Her most famous songs include “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “Como La Flor,” and “Amor Prohibido.” Despite her untimely death at the age of 23, Selena’s legacy continues to inspire countless artists, and her posthumous crossover album, ‘Dreaming of You,’ debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200, a testament to her enduring popularity.
4. Alejandro Fernández
Carrying the torch of his legendary father, Vicente Fernández, Alejandro Fernández has carved out his niche in the music world. His versatile singing style has allowed him to perform traditional Mexican music as well as pop.
Some of his most popular hits include “Como Quien Pierde Una Estrella,” “Me Dediqué A Perderte,” and “Estuve.” Alejandro has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, affirming his status as a vital figure in Mexican music.
5. Thalía
Born as Ariadna Thalía Sodi Miranda, Thalía is one of the most beloved and successful singers from Mexico. Known as the ‘Queen of Latin Pop,’ she has achieved global fame with her music and acting career. Thalía is famous for her catchy pop tunes and charismatic performances.
Her most popular songs include “Amor a la Mexicana,” “No Me Enseñaste,” and “Desde Esa Noche.” Throughout her career, she’s sold over 50 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards. In addition to her music career, Thalía is also a successful actress, known especially for her roles in globally popular telenovelas.
6. Juan Gabriel
Alberto Aguilera Valadez, known professionally as Juan Gabriel, was a multi-talented artist with a unique flair for performance. His impact on Latin music is immense, with a career that spanned over four decades.
Juan Gabriel was a prolific songwriter and performer known for his emotionally charged songs and flamboyant style. His most popular hits include “Querida,” “Hasta Que Te Conocí,” and “Amor Eterno.” His music transcended generations and continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages, even after his passing in 2016.
7. Ana Gabriel
Ana Gabriel, born as María Guadalupe Araújo, is one of Mexico’s most celebrated female singers. Known for her deep, husky voice, she’s mastered various styles, including pop, rock, and ranchera.
Her hit songs include “Quién Como Tú,” “Simplemente Amigos,” and “Luna.” Throughout her career, she’s been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has won numerous accolades for her contribution to Latin music. Ana Gabriel’s music continues to resonate, with her songs regularly featured in the Latin music charts.
8. Julieta Venegas
Julieta Venegas is a contemporary Mexican artist known for her unique blend of pop, rock, and folk. She’s not only a talented singer but also a gifted instrumentalist who can play the guitar, piano, and accordion.
Some of her most popular songs are “Me Voy,” “Lento,” and “Andar Conmigo.” Venegas has been awarded multiple Latin Grammy Awards and continues to be a vital force in Latin music, known for her thoughtful songwriting and innovative style.
9. Pepe Aguilar
Son of the famous actors and singers Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, Pepe Aguilar was born into the world of music and performing arts. He’s renowned for his fusion of traditional ranchera with pop and rock, creating a unique style that has captivated audiences worldwide.
His hit songs include “Por Mujeres Como Tu,” “Directo al Corazón,” and “Prometiste.” Aguilar’s albums have sold millions of copies, and he’s received numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and five Latin Grammy Awards.
10. Natalia Lafourcade
Rounding up our list is Natalia Lafourcade, an artist who’s significantly influenced contemporary Mexican music. With her soulful voice and poetic lyrics, Lafourcade has brought a modern twist to traditional Mexican music.
Her most popular songs include “Hasta la Raíz,” “Nunca Es Suficiente,” and her rendition of the traditional folk song “La Llorona.” Over the years, she has won several Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, reinforcing her status as one of the most prominent Mexican artists of her generation.
11. Gloria Trevi
First on our continued list is Gloria Trevi, often referred to as the ‘Supreme Diva of Mexican Pop’. Trevi is not just a singer but also a songwriter, dancer, and actress. Her music is characterized by a daring style and social messages.
Known for her energetic performances and controversial lyrics, Trevi has been a major influence in the Latin music industry. Her most successful tracks include “Dr. Psiquiatra,” “Todos Me Miran,” and “No Querías Lastimarme.” Trevi’s influence extends beyond music, as she’s also recognized as a bold symbol of female empowerment.
12. Marco Antonio Solís
Marco Antonio Solís, one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters in Latin music, has a career that spans over four decades. He first rose to fame as a member of the group “Los Bukis” and later continued to achieve great success as a solo artist.
His poetic lyrics and romantic ballads have won the hearts of millions. Some of his most famous songs are “Si No Te Hubieras Ido,” “Más Que Tu Amigo,” and “O Me Voy O Te Vas.” With numerous hits and awards under his belt, Solís is undoubtedly a cornerstone of Mexican music.
13. Paulina Rubio
Paulina Rubio, known as the ‘Golden Girl’, is a pop music icon. She began her career as a member of the popular teen group “Timbiriche” and later soared to stardom as a solo artist.
Rubio’s unique voice and edgy style are embodied in hits like “Yo No Soy Esa Mujer,” “Don’t Say Goodbye,” and “Ni Una Sola Palabra.” Her music has transcended the Latin market, making her one of the most international Mexican pop artists.
14. Rocío Dúrcal
Rocío Dúrcal, born as María de los Ángeles de las Heras Ortiz, was a music and film icon. Although she was Spanish by birth, Dúrcal became an essential part of Mexican music culture, especially in the genre of ranchera.
Her signature style was a unique blend of Spanish music influences with traditional Mexican music. Dúrcal’s iconic songs include “Amor Eterno,” “Me Nace del Corazón,” and “Costumbres.” Her music and her love for Mexico have left an indelible mark on the Mexican music scene.
15. Maná
While we’ve mostly explored solo artists so far, we cannot overlook the influence of Mexican bands, and Maná is one of the most successful ones. This rock band from Guadalajara has achieved international recognition.
Known for their fusion of rock with Latin and Caribbean rhythms, Maná’s hits include “Rayando El Sol,” “En El Muelle De San Blas,” and “Labios Compartidos.”
16. Los Tigres del Norte
Another group that has left an indelible mark on Mexican music is Los Tigres del Norte. This norteño band, formed by the Hernández brothers, has been influential in narrating the stories of Mexican immigrants in the United States through their music.
They’ve made significant contributions to regional Mexican music, with a repertoire that includes corridos, ballads, and cumbias. Some of their most famous songs are “Jefe de Jefes,” “La Puerta Negra,” and “Contrabando y Traición.” Their powerful storytelling through music has earned them a dedicated fan base spanning several generations.
17. Belinda
Starting her career as a child star, Belinda Peregrín Schüll, known professionally as Belinda, has successfully transitioned into a prominent figure in Latin pop. Known for her catchy tunes and youthful style, Belinda has captured the hearts of younger audiences.
Belinda’s discography is characterized by pop and electronic sounds. Her notable hits include “Bella Traición,” “Egoísta,” and “Luz Sin Gravedad.” As a testament to her global popularity, she has sold millions of albums and earned several Latin Grammy nominations throughout her career.
18. Carla Morrison
Carla Morrison is a contemporary Mexican artist known for her emotive indie-pop music. Her deeply personal lyrics, coupled with her distinctive voice, have established her as one of Mexico’s most exciting musical talents.
Morrison’s biggest hits include “Disfruto,” “Dejenme Llorar,” and “Eres Tú.” With several Latin Grammy Awards to her name, her music continues to resonate with audiences for its emotional depth and relatability.
19. Café Tacvba
Last but not least, Café Tacvba, often stylized as Café Tacuba is a band that has transformed the Mexican music scene with their unique blend of rock, folk, and traditional Mexican music.
Known for their experimental approach, some of their most renowned songs include “Eres,” “Como Te Extraño Mi Amor,” and “Las Flores.” Café Tacvba’s impact extends beyond Mexico, earning them a dedicated international following and solidifying their status as one of Mexico’s most innovative and enduring bands.
Wrapping Up
While the richness and diversity of Mexican music can’t be fully encapsulated in a single list, this compilation presents a comprehensive look into the depth and breadth of talent found in Mexico’s vibrant music scene. From pop and rock to ranchera and norteño, these artists and bands have greatly contributed to the cultural fabric of Mexico and the world at large.
This exploration of Mexican music is not just about recognizing these artists for their exceptional talent and success but also about appreciating how their music has been a vehicle for storytelling, a reflection of cultural heritage, and a platform for social commentary.
