Google doodle honors the Mexican singer, songwriter, and actor ‘Juan Gabriel’

This video doodle pays tribute to Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel, who wrote over 1,500 songs throughout his artistic career. Created by guest artist Beto Irigoyen, who is based in Guadalajara, the doodle shows Juan Gabriel performing with a mariachi band.

Gabriel was born Alberto Aguilera Valadez in Paracuaro, Michoacán, on January 7, 1950. He attended school in Juárez, where he met a music teacher who inspired him to start singing. At the age of 13, he went to work and wrote his first songs. He gave his first performances in church choirs and nightclubs. In search of permanent employment as a singer, he went to Mexico City, where he was homeless for a time and even imprisoned for false accusations.

After many years of hardship, Gabriel secured a record deal and released his first studio album, El Alma Joven… He made his mark in rock, mariachi, ranchera and pop, but is best known for his moving ballads such as “Querida” (My Dear) and Amor Eterno (Eternal Love).

With each of his 30 albums, his fame grew and fans loved his dramatic style of delivery. Iconic shows include the Palacio de Bellas Artes in 1990, the Latin Grammy Awards in 2009 and the Acapulco Festival in 2012.

Juan Gabriel has not commented on whether he identifies as LGBTQ+, but many in the community consider him an icon. His gender-bending glitter jackets and makeup experiments opened the door for other Mexicans to freely express themselves, regardless of gender or sexuality.

A six-time Grammy nominee, his musical influence is impressive, but his legacy of giving back to the community is even greater. Gabriel donates proceeds from benefit concerts and photo shoots to orphanages and founded a home for orphaned children called Semjase.

El Divo de Juárez is immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Love or loss, hope or despair, and every emotion in between – Juan Gabriel has been the soundtrack to many people’s lives. His music still lives on in the hearts of millions.