Pepe Aguilar

José Antonio Aguilar Jiménez, known as Pepe Aguilar, was born on August 7, 1968, in San Antonio, Texas, during a tour by his legendary parents, Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre. Raised in Zacatecas, Mexico, he made his debut at age three, joining his father on stage at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Initially influenced by rock bands such as Pink Floyd and The Who, Aguilar formed a band named Equs in his teenage years. This early exposure to diverse genres later informed his unique musical style, blending traditional Mexican music with contemporary pop elements. He began his solo career in 1989 with “Pepe Aguilar Con Tambora” and released his first mariachi album, “Recuérdame Bonito,” in 1992, produced by Joan Sebastian. His 1998 album “Por Mujeres Como Tú” significantly elevated his profile across Mexico and Latin America, selling millions of copies.

Aguilar’s career is marked by substantial critical and commercial success, reflected in his extensive discography and multiple accolades. His 1999 album “Por El Amor De Siempre,” a collection of 1970s covers, solidified his stature in the music industry. He has consistently topped the Billboard charts with fifteen different recordings and has sold over 13 million albums worldwide. His work has earned him numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards and five Latin Grammy Awards, alongside nineteen Lo Nuestro Awards. Notable Grammy wins include Best Mexican/Mexican-American Album for “Por Una Mujer Bonita” (2000), “Historias de Mi Tierra” (2006), and “100% Mexicano” (2007), and Best Regional Mexican Music Album (including Tejano) for “Bicentenario” (2011).

Beyond his musical career, Aguilar has demonstrated acumen as a businessman. He established his own record label, Equinoccio Records, and operates a state-of-the-art recording studio in Latin America. In 2009, he launched “Pepe Aguilar Línea de Calzado,” a fashion line, and later the “Pepe Aguilar Signature Collection” through WSS Warehouse Shoe Sale retailer. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 26, 2012, placed next to his father’s. Aguilar also initiated an eco-friendly agricultural project in Zacatecas, aiming to promote organic crop production using traditional and modern sustainable practices. His commitment extends to his family, with his children, Leonardo and Ángela Aguilar, following in the footsteps of their father and grandparents in music.