Mexican Male Singers of All Time

From traditional rancheras to modern pop, Mexican male singers have captivated a diverse global audience with their emotive voices and profound lyrics. Their contributions to music are not limited to entertainment; rather, they celebrate the traditions and stories of Mexico.

Are you ready to dive into the world of the best Mexican male singers of all time? This comprehensive guide is your passport to their music, shedding light on their significant contributions to the music industry and delving deep into their artistic journeys.

List of Mexican Male Singers

1: Pedro Infante

Born: November 18, 1917, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México

Died: 15 April 1957, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico

Famous songs:

• Cien Anos
• Amorcito Corazón
• Luna de Octubre
• Tu Enamorado
• Flor Sin Retono

Awards/ Accreditations:

• Silver Bear for Best Actor at the 7th Berlin International Film Festival for his performance in “Tizoc.”
• Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film (Mexico) in 1958 for the film “Tizoc.”
• Ariel Award, Mexico’s highest film award

The multi-talented Pedro Infante Cruz was one of the most celebrated Mexican male singers of all time. He dominated the stage and screen during the golden age of Mexican cinema. Infante’s legacy is honored at the Museo API de Pedro Infante in Isla Arena, Campeche, Mexico, where his Silver Bear, Golden Globe, and Ariel awards are proudly displayed.

Over the course of his career, Infante starred in more than 60 films and 350 recorded songs. His portrayal of Pepe el Toro in the melodramatic trilogy highlighted the life and troubles of the urban working class, symbolizing their struggles and triumphs. Infante also collaborated for many of his works with Sara García, who was known as “Mexico’s grandmother.”

Tragically, his untimely death in a plane crash in 1957 marked the end of an era in Mexican music, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

2: Antonio Aguilar

Born: May 17, 1919, Villanueva, Mexico

Died: June 19, 2007, Mexico City, Mexico

Famous songs:

• Caballo Prieto Azabache
• Caballo de Patas Blancas
• El Caballo Blanco
• El Cantador
• El Caballo Bayo

Awards/ Accreditations:

• Latin ACE Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Emiliano Zapata in the 1970 epic film “Zapata.”
• Awarded the Golden Ariel in 1997 for his invaluable contribution to Mexican cinema

Antonio Aguilar recorded over 150 albums, selling 25 million copies which made him one of the best-selling Mexican male singers of all time. Aguilar’s versatility extended beyond music; he acted in more than 120 films, becoming a renowned film star known for his roles in Mexican cinema.

Aguilar belonged to the “La Dinastía Aguilar” (The Aguilar Dynasty) which includes famous singer and actress Flor Silvestre and sons Antonio Aguilar Hijo and Pepe Aguilar, both of whom followed in their father’s footsteps as singers and actors.

3: Jorge Negrete

Born: November 30, 1911, Guanajuato City, Mexico

Died: December 5, 1953, Los Angeles, California, United States

Famous Songs:

• Yo Soy Mexicano
• Mexico Lindo
• Mexico Lindo y Querido
• Coplas de dos tipos de cuidado
• Ay, Jalisco No Te Rajes!
• El Jinete

Awards/ Accreditations: Spain’s Best Actor Award in 1950 for his performance in Teatro Apolo

Jorge Negrete graduated from El Colegio Militar, where his fascination for music developed. He began singing for Radio XETR at the age of 20. He recorded operas in the United States in 1932 under the stage name Alberto Moreno. Known for his immense stage performances, Negrete’s music exhibited his intense diversion towards Mexican heritage and his passion for traditional music.

Negrete starred in 38 films and popularized the charro film genre, making him one of the top Mexican male singers of all time. He also played a crucial role in founding the Mexican National Association of Actors (ANDA) and became one of its most important leaders.

4: Javier Solis

Born: September 4, 1931, Tacubaya, Mexico City, Mexico

Died: April 19, 1966, Mexico City, Mexico

Famous songs:

• Sombras
• Payaso
• Amanecí En Tus Brazos

Javier Solís was a popular Mexican singer and actor with expertise in genres like bolero and ranchera. He emerged as a prominent figure in Mexican music and cinema, often compared to icons like Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete, collectively known as the “Three Mexican Roosters.”

Following Pedro Infante’s untimely death in 1957, Solís experienced a surge in popularity. Between 1961 and 1966, he achieved an impressive 12 No. 1 hits on the Mexican charts. His popularity and influence on the music industry are still significant, making him one of the most renowned Mexican male singers of all time.

5: Armando Manzanero

Born: December 7, 1935, Ticul, Mexico

Died: December 28, 2020, Mexico City, Mexico

Famous songs:

• Voy a apagar la luz (I’m Going to Turn Off the Lights)
• Contigo Aprendí ( With you I Learned… )
• Adoro (I Adore)
• No sé tú (I don’t know if you…)
• Por Debajo de la Mesa (Underneath the Table)

Awards/ Accreditations:

• Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2014)
• Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)
• Excellence Award at the 1993 Lo Nuestro Awards
• Induction into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame (2000)
• Induction into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame (2003)
• Induction into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (2013)
• ASCAP Latin Heritage Award (2010)
• Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award (2020)

Armando Manzanero’s composition, “Somos Novios,” has been performed by legendary singers like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Andrea Bocelli. Manzanero has composed over 400 songs, 50 of which gained international fame.

Manzanero served as President of the Mexican Society of Authors and Composers, advocating for copyright laws and earning international acclaim for his contributions. Throughout his career, Manzanero performed across Latin America and in iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York.

6: El Chalino Sanchez

Born: August 30, 1960, Rancho Las Flechas, Municipio de Culiacán, Sinaloa, México

Died: May 16, 1992, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico

Famous songs:

• El Güilo Rivera
• Armando Sánchez
• Los Hermanos Mata
• El Crimen de Culiacán
• Renato Avendaño

El Chalino Sánchez was popularly known as “El Rey del Corrido” (The King of the Corrido). He is known for his pioneering contributions to narcocorrido music. Chalino Sánchez showcased musical talent from a young age, composing ballads that captured the stories of inmates.

His brother’s tragic murder in 1984 inspired his debut corrido, “Recordando A Armando Sánchez,” marking the beginning of his musical journey. Chalino gained prominence throughout California during the late 1980s in venues like El Parral Nightclub and El Farallón.

He formed Los Amables del Norte, a musical group through which he signed with various record labels. Tragically, he was fatally shot just hours after a performance in Culiacán, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most iconic Mexican male singers of all time.

7: José Alfredo Jiménez

Born: January 19, 1926, Dolores Hidalgo, Mexico

Died: November 23, 1973, Mexico City, Mexico

Famous songs:

• Un Mundo Raro
• Ella
• El Jinete
• Paloma Querida
• El Hijo del Pueblo
• El Caballo Blanco

José Alfredo Jiménez Sandoval was known for his significant contribution to modern regional Mexican music and ranchers. Though he did not receive any formal musical training, did not play an instrument, and was unfamiliar with musical terminology, he wrote over 1000 songs during his lifetime.

Furthermore, Alfredo was Inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame. His legacy lives on through the numerous artists who have covered his songs, solidifying his status as one of the most influential Mexican male singers of all time.

8: Joan Sebastian

Born: April 8, 1951, Juliantla

Died: July 13, 2015, Teacalco, Mexico

Famous songs:

• Oiga
• Secreto de Amor
• Un Idiota
• Manantial de Llanto
• Más Allá del Sol

Awards/ Accreditations:

• 7 Latin Grammy Awards
• 5 Grammy Awards at the global level

Joan Sebastian composed over 1,000 songs, including hits for artists like Bronco, Vicente Fernández, Lucero, and Pepe Aguilar. His works initially focused on Latin pop but then transitioned to regional Mexican music, particularly banda, mariachi, and norteño.

Sebastian made his acting debut in the 1996 Mexican soap opera, “Tú y Yo,” alongside his former wife, Maribel Guardia. His legacy includes two number-one albums on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and seven top-ten songs on the Hot Latin Songs chart in the United States. His accomplishments and versatility cement his status as one of the most famous Mexican male singers of all time.

9: Luis Miguel

Born: April 19, 1970, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Famous songs:

• Ahora Te Puedes Marchar
• La Incondicional
• Hasta Que Me Olvides
• La Media Vuelta
• Por Debajo De La Mesa
• No Sé Tú

Awards/ Accreditations:

• Grammy Award for his duet “Me Gustas Tal Como Eres” with Sheena Easton at the age of 14
• Recognition by the RIAA for his 1991 album “Romance” as one of the best-selling Latin albums of all time
• First Latino artist to earn two platinum certifications for Spanish-language albums in the United States, for “Romance” and “Segundo Romance”
• Billboard’s recognition as the artist with the most top-10 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart
• Highest-grossing Latino touring artist since 1990, with a total of $278.5 million in earnings
• Holds records for the most consecutive and total presentations in the Auditorio Nacional
• Ranked number two on Billboard’s Greatest of All-Time Latin Artists chart as of October 2020

Luis Miguel, popularly known as “El Sol de México,” is a Mexican-Puerto Rican singer and record producer. With approximately 100 million records sold worldwide, he has made a significant mark on the music industry. His career began early, earning his first Grammy at the age of 14 for his duet “Me Gustas Tal Como Eres’ ‘ with Sheena Easton.

10: Juan Gabriel

Born: January 7, 1950, Parácuaro, Mexico

Died: August 28, 2016, Santa Monica, California, United States

Famous songs:

• Abrazame Muy Fuerte
• Pero Que Necesidad
• Debo Hacerlo
• Te Sigo Amando
• El Destino
• Yo No Se Que Me Paso

Awards/ Accreditations:

• Multiple Grammy Awards
• Latin Grammy Awards
• Received recognition at the Billboard Latin Music Awards for his chart-topping hits
• Earned accolades from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers for his exceptional songwriting skills
• Celebrated at the Premio Lo Nuestro Awards for his significant impact on Latin music

Juan Gabriel, the Mexican male singer popularly known as “Juanga” and “El Divo de Juárez.” He was known for his flamboyant style, breaking norms and standards within the Latin music industry. With an estimated 40 million records sold worldwide, he remains one of Latin America’s top-selling music artists.

His album “Recuerdos, Vol. II” is reportedly the best-selling album of all time in Mexico, with over eight million copies sold. Throughout his career, Juan Gabriel penned approximately 1,800 songs, including beloved hits such as “Amor Eterno,” “Querida,” and “Hasta que te conocí.”