27 Famous Mexican Singers You Need to Know About in 2024
LOOKING FOR A LIST OF MEXICAN FAMOUS SINGERS?
You’re in the right place! This is the Ultimate List of Famous Mexican singers you need to know about if you want to understand Mexico’s cultural identity through music.
Living in Mexico since 2018, I’ve seen firsthand the country’s profound cultural richness and diversity, and I want to share it with you — hence this list!
From old Mexican singers to famous Mexican women singers, it celebrates the artists and entertainers who have made significant marks on the world stage.
Ready to dive into the stories of famous Mexican celebrities? Ready to discover the impact of these great Mexican singers and the global influence of Mexican musicians?
¡Vamanos! (Let’s get to it already!)
The 27 Famous Mexican Singers You Need to Know About
1. Selena Quintanilla
No list of famous Mexican singers doesn’t include Selena Quintanilla. Usually known simply as Selena, she has long been called The Queen of Tejano Music.
Renowned for her performances and powerful voice, she significantly shaped the landscape of Latin music.
Born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas, Selena’s rise to fame began in the mid-1980s as she performed with her family’s band, Selena y Los Dinos.
📀 Selena Quintanilla‘s Career
Her career flourished with albums like Amor Prohibido (1994), and Entre A Mi Mundo, (1992) which included hits such as Bidi Bidi Bom Bom and Como La Flor.
Her album Selena Live (1993) won Best Mexican/American Album at the 1994 Grammy Awards, It was the first recording album by a female Tejano artist to win.
Selena’s impact extended beyond music. She was also a fashion icon and a promoter of cultural pride among the Hispanic community.
🏆 Awards and Legacy
She is one of the famous Mexican singers who died at a young age.
Her life was tragically cut short when she was murdered on March 31, 1995, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Despite her early death, Selena’s legacy endures.
She was posthumously awarded a Grammy Award, has been commemorated with various tributes, and continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
In fact, April 16th, her birthday, has been named Selena Day in Texas.
Selena has sold more than 18 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists in Latin America, and one of the most famous female Mexican singers of all time.
2. Pedro Infante
A titan of Mexican cinema and music, Pedro Infante’s legacy as a cultural icon endures, captivating fans across generations.
Born in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, on November 18, 1917, Infante became synonymous with The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema in the 1940s and 1950s.
📀 Pedro Infante‘s Life and Career
His career was marked by more than 60 films and about 350 recorded songs, showcasing his versatility as a Mexican actor and a singer.
Classics like Nosotros Los Pobres and Pepe El Toro highlight his ability to connect with the common person, embodying the struggles and joys of everyday life.
Infante’s tragic death in a plane crash on April 15, 1957, near Mérida, Mexico, plunged the nation into mourning.
🎵 Pedro Infante‘s Legacy
Yet, his music and films remain as vibrant and beloved as ever, a testament to his enduring appeal and the indelible mark he left on Mexican cultural heritage.
Infante is among history’s most famous Mexican guy singers, but there are many others, like Vicente Fernández, José José, and Juan Gabriel.
Along with Infante, these are some of the most famous Mexican male singers ever.
Speaking of even more famous singers from Mexico, Infante was one-third of the renowned Los Tres Gallos Mexicanos (The Three Mexican Roosters), along with Jorge Negrete and Javier Solís.
3. Ariadna Thalía Sodi Miranda (AKA Thalía)
Have you heard of the Mexican Queen of Latin Pop? If not, you’re about to!
Ariadna Thalia Sodi Miranda, usually known as simply Thalía, is a multifaceted talent whose impact spans music, acting, and beyond.
Born in Mexico City on August 26, 1971, she rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the pop group Timbiriche.
She later launched a solo career that would make her an international sensation.
📀 Thalia’s Acting and Singing Career
Thalia is perhaps best known for her roles in telenovelas like Marimar and María la del Barrio.
These have been broadcast in more than 180 countries and helped make her a household name worldwide.
This famous Mexican female singer’s music career is marked by hits like Amor a la Mexicana and No Me Enseñaste.
These showcase her ability to blend pop, rock, and Latin rhythms, earning her the Queen of Latin Pop title and solidifying her status among Mexican celebs.
Though her native language is Spanish, impressively, Thalia has recorded songs in several other languages, including English, French, Portuguese, and Tagalog.
This is similar to another famous Mexican singer, Lucero Hogaza León.
4. Luis Miguel
Luis Miguel Gallego Basteri is regarded as one of the most iconic famous Mexican musicians — though he was actually born in Puerto Rico on April 19, 1970.
Though he’s not Mexican by birth, he grew up in Mexico and lived in Mexico for much of his life, so he has long been embraced as a Mexican cultural symbol.
📀 Music Career and Awards
He holds Mexican citizenship and has been a dominant figure in Latin music since the 1980s. He is known for his exceptional vocal talent and charismatic stage presence.
Often referred to as El Sol de México (The Sun of Mexico), Luis Miguel has a career that spans across genres, predominantly focusing on pop, bolero, and mariachi.
His discography includes numerous best-selling albums that have earned him an array of accolades, including several Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards.
Albums such as Romance (1991), and México En La Piel (2004) have not only been critical and commercial successes, but also played a role in popularizing the bolero genre.
His famous songs like La Incondicional and Hasta Que Me Olvides are staples in Latin music repertoires.
Aside from his music, Luis Miguel’s life has intrigued fans and media alike, marked by his notoriously private nature and high-profile relationships.
6. Alejandro Fernández
Alejandro Fernández Abarca, who first appeared on the music scene in the early 1990s, has established himself as one of the greatest Mexican singers in both ranchera and pop music.
Born on April 24, 1971, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, he is the son of the legendary Vicente Fernández — one of the most famous Mexicans of all time.
Known as El Potrillo (The Colt) in his homeland, Alejandro has released numerous successful albums that highlight his versatile vocal ability.
📀 Music Career and Awards
He has crossed from traditional Mexican sounds to more modern pop influences.
His albums, such as Me Estoy Enamorando (1997), and Confidencias (2013), have received critical acclaim and commercial success.
He has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling Latin music artists.
Fernández has won two Latin Grammy Awards, and has been nominated for a Grammy Award.
He continues to perform internationally, maintaining a significant presence in the music industry.
7. Juan Gabriel
Dubbed El Divo de Juárez, Juan Gabriel was one of the top Mexican singers and songwriters, known for his flamboyant style and passionate performances.
Born Alberto Aguilera Valadez on January 7, 1950, in Parácuaro, Michoacán, he rose to fame in the 1970s.
His dynamic voice and vivid songwriting won him immense popularity across Latin America and among Hispanic communities in the United States.
📀 Career and Legacy
With more than 1,800 songs to his credit and several best-selling albums, including Recuerdos, Vol. II, which is one of the best-selling albums in Mexico, his music spans a variety of genres from ballads to upbeat pop tunes.
Juan Gabriel’s unexpected death on August 28, 2016, in Santa Monica, California, shocked and saddened fans worldwide.
However, his legacy lives on in his extensive discography and his influence on Latin music and culture.
8. Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez was born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas. She is an American singer, actress, and producer of Mexican descent.
She rose to fame as a child star on the Disney Channel series, Wizards of Waverly Place.
This became a stepping stone for her multifaceted career.
Gomez’s Mexican heritage, from her father’s side, has played a crucial role in shaping her identity. It has often been reflected in her work and public engagements.
Today, she is one of the most famous Mexican American actresses. However, her talents extend beyond just the acting realm.
🎤 SELENA GOMEZ: ACTRESS, POP STAR & ENTREPRENEUR
As a pop star, Gomez has released several successful albums and singles, showcasing her musical talent and versatility. Really — What can’t Selina do?!
This Mexican American superstar does it all and it would take me ages to write out all of her accomplishments, including all the awards that she has received both for her music and films.
Along with music and films, Gomez is an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
In 2020, she launched a make-up company called Rare Beauty, which is valued at about $2 billion today.
She also has worked with various charitable organizations that focus on the topics of gender, racial and LGBT equality and mental health.
She has also been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2009.
9. José Alfredo Jiménez
José Alfredo Jiménez was an influential figure in Mexican ranchera music, often hailed as one of its greatest songwriters.
Born on January 19, 1926, in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, he did not receive formal musical training, yet he composed more than 1,000 songs.
Known for his profound and heartfelt lyrics, Jiménez’s works, including El Rey, Si Nos Dejan, and Media Vuelta, are iconic in Mexican culture.
He passed away on November 23, 1973, in Mexico City, but his songs continue to be celebrated widely, influencing many generations of artists.
10. Jenni Rivera
Jenni Rivera, known as La Diva de la Banda (The Diva of Banda Music), was a major figure in regional Mexican music.
She was a dominant force in regional Mexican music, including genres like banda, norteño, and corrido.
Born Dolores Janney Rivera Saavedra on July 2, 1969, in Long Beach, California, she broke into a male-dominated music scene with her debut album Que Me Entierren Con la Banda in the 1990s.
Her powerful voice and emotive music led to multiple platinum albums with major hits like De Contrabando and Culpable o Inocente.
Tragically, her life ended in a plane crash on December 9, 2012, in Nuevo León, Mexico.
Rivera’s legacy continues through numerous awards, including Billboard Music Awards and Latin Grammy nominations, inspiring a new generation of artists.
11. José José
José José, also known as El Príncipe de la Canción (The Prince of Song), was a cornerstone of Latin American pop music.
He was celebrated for his melodious voice and refined lyrical interpretation.
Born José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz on February 17, 1948, in Mexico City, he quickly became a musical icon with his performance of El Triste at the Latin Song Festival II in 1970.
📀 Life and Career
His career was marked by massive commercial success and critical acclaim, with albums like Secretos (1983) becoming a staple in Latin music.
Throughout his career, he sold more than 250 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling Latin music artists.
His influence extended beyond music as he starred in films and telenovelas, such as Gavilán o Paloma (1985), and Perdóname Todo (1995).
Despite battling health issues later in life, José José continued to perform until his health declined significantly.
He passed away on September 28, 2019, in Homestead, Florida.
12. Paulina Rubio
Paulina Rubio, often hailed as La Chica Dorada (The Golden Girl), is a prominent figure in Latin pop music.
Born on June 17, 1971, in Mexico City, she first gained fame in the 1980s as a member of the popular music group Timbiriche.
📀 Acting and Music Career
Rubio launched her solo career in the early 1990s with the release of La Chica Dorada (1992), which marked the beginning of her journey as a solo artist.
Her music, known for its catchy melodies and performances, blending pop with Latin influences, albums like Paulina (2000) and Border Girl (2002), brought her critical acclaim and commercial success.
Paulina has sold more than 15 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling Latin music artists.
Her work extends beyond music. She’s also known for her roles in telenovelas and as a judge on music competition shows, like the coach on The X Factor USA.
She is a Mexican pop icon and one of the most influential and famous Mexican female singers of all time.
13. Ana Gabriel
Born on December 10, 1955, in Guamúchil, Sinaloa, Ana Gabriel emerged as a powerful voice in Latin music with a career spanning over four decades.
She first gained attention in the late 1970s and achieved fame with hits like Ay Amor in 1987.
Known for her raspy voice and emotional delivery, Gabriel’s music blends elements of rock, pop, and traditional Mexican styles.
📀 Career and Awards
Ana Gabriel has released more than 20 albums, with significant sales leading to numerous awards, including a 🏆 Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her songs, such as Quién Como Tú and Simplemente Amigos, are anthems in the Latin music world.
Beyond her music career, Gabriel is respected for maintaining her artistic independence, often writing and producing her own songs.
She continues to perform internationally, captivating audiences with her passion and authenticity.
14. Linda Ronstadt
Born on July 15, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona, Linda Ronstadt is a celebrated American singer with deep Mexican roots, which significantly influenced her music.
Throughout her versatile career, she has explored a variety of genres, including rock, country, opera, and traditional Mexican music.
📀 Career and Legacy
Ronstadt gained prominence in the 1970s with a string of hit records and is best known for songs like You’re No Good and Blue Bayou.
Her album Canciones de Mi Padre (1987), was a collection of traditional Mexican songs that pays homage to her heritage.
It became the best-selling non-English language album in American record history.
A recipient of multiple Grammy Awards, including one for her Mexican-influenced album, Ronstadt has also been recognized for her broad impact on music and her pioneering role among female rock and country artists.
Despite her retirement from performing due to health issues, Linda Ronstadt’s contributions to music continue to be celebrated.
She remains an influential figure in both American and Mexican music cultures.
15. Carlos Rivera
Born March 15, 1986, in Huamantla, Tlaxcala, Carlos Rivera catapulted to fame after winning the third season of La Academia, a popular Mexican reality television show, in 2004.
Known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Rivera quickly became a leading figure in the Latin music scene.
His music focuses on pop and traditional Mexican styles.
📀 Music Career
Carlos Rivera has released several successful albums, such as Yo Creo (2016) and Guerra (2018).
Gis singles, like Regrésame Mi Corazón and Que Lo Nuestro Se Quede Nuestro, have topped the charts in multiple countries.
In addition to his music career, Rivera has also made significant strides in theater, starring in productions like The Lion King (Spanish version), where he played the lead role of Simba.
His involvement in charitable activities and his role as a judge on various TV talent shows have further endeared him to the public.
16. Natalia Lafourcade
Natalia Lafourcade has made a name for herself as a strong voice in Latin music, specifically in the folk and indie pop genres.
Born February 26, 1984 in Mexico City, Lafourcade’s career began in the early 2000s, and includes collaborations with artists like Miguel Bosé and Julieta Venegas.
She also gained critical acclaim for her solo work, which includes delicate musical compositions and insightful lyrics.
🏆 Multiple Awards
Natalia Lafourcade’s albums include Hasta la Raíz (2015) and Musas (2017), a homage to Latin American folklore through acoustic sounds.
She has won multiple awards, including Latin Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album.
Her song, Hasta la Raíz, and the album Musas, received widespread praise for their artistic depth and respect for musical heritage.
Lafourcade has also contributed to film soundtracks, most notably the Oscar-winning song Remember Me from Pixar’s Coco, which is about Day of the Dead.
Her efforts to preserve and promote Latin American music traditions through projects and collaborations have made her a respected figure in international music circles.
17. Espinoza Paz
Espinoza Paz (born Isidro Chávez Espinoza) hails from Angostura, Sinaloa Mexico, and is a major force in regional Mexican music.
With emotional richness, authenticity and songs that resonate deeply with fans, he is most known for his poignant ballads and traditional banda sound.
Since his first album in 2007, Paz has become a prolific songwriter, creating hits for himself and other artists, including Lo Intentamos and El Próximo Viernes.
With emotional richness, authenticity and songs that resonate deeply with fans, Paz also contributes to the music community as a mentor and judge on television music shows.
18. Julieta Venegas
Julieta Venegas has etched her name into the fabric of Latin music with her distinctive blend of pop, rock, and traditional Mexican sounds.
Hailing from Tijuana, Baja, California, where she was born on November 24, 1970, Venegas demonstrates remarkable talent as a Mexican singer-songwriter.
Besides being one of the most famous female Mexican singers, she is also a multi-instrumentalist musician who plays the guitar, accordion, and keyboard.
Her music, often introspective and laced with lyrical depth, speaks to themes of love, life, and social issues.
Albums like Sí and Limón y Sal have garnered Venegas critical acclaim and numerous awards.
19. Lila Downs
Lila Downs is famous for her distinctive fusion of traditional Mexican, indigenous, and global musical influences.
Born September 9, 1968, in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, she is one of the most famous Oaxacans, known for her strong vocal delivery and dynamic stage presence.
Downs’ music seamlessly blends genres such as folk, jazz, and hip-hop, reflecting her rich cultural heritage.
Her albums, including Pecados y Milagros and Balas y Chocolate, have won multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards.
Apart from her musical career, Downs is an active advocate for indigenous and women’s rights, often addressing social issues in her lyrics and public engagements.
20. Christian Nodal
Christian Nodal was born January 11, 1999, in Caborca, Sonora, and is known for his innovative blend of traditional Mexican mariachi music with modern pop sounds.
With his unique style, which he has dubbed “mariacheño,” Nodal gained significant attention in 2017 with his debut single, Adiós Amor.
His fresh approach has revitalized traditional Mexican music genres, appealing to both young and older audiences.
📀 Successful Albums and Awards
His albums, including Me Dejé Llevar (2017) and Ahora (2019), have received critical acclaim and commercial success, contributing to his rapid ascent in the Latin music world.
Nodal has won several Latin Grammy Awards early in his career, highlighting his impact and potential.
Beyond his music, Nodal’s personal life, particularly his high-profile relationships, has captured public interest, keeping him in the media spotlight.
21. Carla Morrison
Carla Morrison is a distinguished figure in the Mexican indie-pop music scene, known for her emotive voice and heartfelt lyrics.
Born on July 19, 1986, in Tecate, Baja, California, this Mexican guitarist has become a symbol of emotional depth and artistic integrity in the music industry.
She first gained attention with her EP Aprendiendo a Aprender (2010), and has since won multiple Latin Grammy Awards.
Her music, often dealing with themes of love, pain, and personal growth, has resonated widely, especially her hits like Disfruto and Te Regalo.
Carla’s work is celebrated for its poetic approach and the vulnerability she brings to her performances. She is a beloved artist among fans of contemporary Mexican music.
22. Mimi Fariña
Mimi Fariña, born Margarita Mimi Baez on April 30, 1945, in York, Pennsylvania, was an influential American folk singer-songwriter with deep Mexican heritage.
Alongside her husband, Richard Fariña, she became a notable figure in the 1960s folk music scene with their album, Celebrations for a Grey Day (1965).
After her husband’s death, Fariña continued her solo career and dedicated herself to activism.
She founded Bread & Roses, a nonprofit that brings live entertainment to institutionalized people, enhancing her musical legacy with philanthropic efforts.
23. Diana Reyes
Diana Reyes, born on November 18, 1979, in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, has mastered the genres of banda, duranguense, and norteño music.
Known for her powerful voice and emotive performances, Reyes broke onto the music scene with her album La Reina del Pasito Duranguense in 2005.
This album helped popularize the duranguense genre, and propel the success of hit singles like Ajustando Cuentas and Yo No Creo en los Hombres.
These singles resonated with audiences and critics for their themes of empowerment and resilience, and Reyes has been nominated for several Latin Grammy Awards.
Her commitment to her roots and her ability to connect with fans through relatable lyrics have kept her a beloved figure among fans of Mexican music.
24. Samo
Samuel Parra Cruz, known professionally as Samo, was born on December 2, 1975, in Veracruz, Mexico.
He initially captured the public’s attention as a member of the Grammy-winning pop group, Camila.
Following his departure from Camila in 2013, Samo embarked on a solo career that quickly took off with the release of his debut album, Inevitable.
As a solo artist, his distinct tenor and heartfelt performances have made him a beloved figure in Latin pop.
His solo work, featuring tracks like Sin Ti and El Aprendiz, showcases his lyrical introspection and musical versatility.
Samo’s influence extends beyond his music, as he actively engages with fans and budding artists, sharing insights from his extensive career in the industry.
25. Becky G
Rebbeca Marie Gomez, better known as Becky G, was born on March 2, 1997, in Inglewood, California, to Mexican-American parents.
She burst onto the music scene with her 2014 hit Shower, and has since become a force in both the Latin music and American pop markets.
Her debut Spanish-language album, Mala Santa (2019), features a blend of reggaeton, pop, and urban styles and includes chart-topping singles like Mayores and Sin Pijama.
Beyond catchy tunes and dynamic performances, Becky G is a vocal advocate for immigrant rights and Latino issues, leveraging her platform to address social injustices.
26. Lola Beltrán
Lola Beltrán, born María Lucila Beltrán Ruiz on March 7, 1932, in Rosario, Sinaloa, is revered as one of the most influential figures in ranchera music.
Known affectionately as Lola la Grande (Lola the Great), her powerful voice and dramatic performance style captivated audiences worldwide.
📀 career and Legacy
Beltrán’s recordings of classics like Cucurrucucú Paloma and Paloma Negra are considered definitive interpretations within the genre.
She has appeared in about 50 films, recorded about a 100 albums, and has appeared on international stages.
This includes a memorable performance at Carnegie Hall in New York, which solidified her status as a global ambassador of Mexican culture.
Her contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in Folklore and Traditional Music.
Sadly, Beltrán died of a pulmonary embolism at Hospital Ángeles in Mexico City on March 24, 1996.
Her grave, located at the beautiful Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in El Rosario, Sinaloa, interestingly has the wrong date on it.
27. Chico Che
Francisco José Hernández Mandujano, widely known as Chico Che, was born on December 7, 1940, in Villahermosa, Tabasco.
He rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with his unique blend of cumbia, tropical, and rock rhythms, which brought a fresh and playful sound to the Mexican music scene.
His band, Chico Che y la Crisis, became famous for hits like Quién Pompó and De Quen Chon, which are known for catchy tunes and humorous lyrics.
Chico Che’s eccentric stage presence, often characterized by his trademark bald head and quirky outfits, made him a beloved figure in Mexican popular culture.
Beyond his musical career, he was also known for his wit and social commentary, which resonated with the common man.
He died suddenly of a stroke in March 1989 in Mexico City, at the ripe age of 43, making him another one of the famous Mexican people gone too soon.
Best Mexican Singers: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most popular Mexican singer?
Luis Miguel is often regarded as the most popular Mexican singer
His broad appeal across various generations and his significant influence in the Latin music industry have solidified his status as a prominent figure.
Fun Fact: Luis was not actually born in Mexico. He was born in Puerto Rico but moved to Mexico at a young age.
He spent most of his life in Mexico, and was even granted Mexican citizenship, and if you ask most Mexicans, they will tell you that Luis Miguel is a Mexican!
Who is the best selling Mexican artist of all time?
The best-selling Mexican artist of all time is Luis Miguel.
Over his decades-long career, Luis Miguel has sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
His albums have consistently achieved gold and platinum status, making him a monumental figure in Latin music.
Who is the Mexican singer superstar?
Juan Gabriel is often hailed as the Mexican singer superstar.
With a career spanning several decades, his stage presence and heartfelt songs have left a lasting impact on millions.
Even after his death, he is still a beloved and legendary figure in Mexican and Latin music.
He is hands down one of the most famous male Mexican singers, as well as the most popular Mexican singers of all time.
Who is the most famous Mexican female singer?
Selena Quintanilla, known simply as Selena, is considered the most famous Mexican female singer.
Dubbed The Queen of Tejano Music, her blend of Tejano music with other genres like pop and Latin influenced countless artists.
Her legacy continues to inspire new generations even decades after her untimely death.
Who is the king of music in Mexico?
Vicente Fernández, known as El Rey de la Música Ranchera (The King of Ranchera Music), is also often referred to as the King of Music in Mexico.
His profound impact on ranchera music and his iconic status in Mexican culture are celebrated throughout the country and by fans around the world.
Final Thoughts on Famous Mexican Singers
The tapestry of Mexican music is richly woven with the talents of pop Mexican singers, traditional icons, and the dynamic energy of young Mexican singers.
This array of artists ensures that the music scene remains fresh and exciting, continuously evolving to meet the tastes of listeners worldwide.
From the ballads of ranchera music to the catchy rhythms of modern pop, Mexico’s musical heritage continues to influence and inspire.
As these musicians carry forward their cultural legacy, they not only honor their roots but also pave the way for future generations in the global music landscape.