- Juanes
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▪ 2006When Time named Colombian singer-songwriter Juanes one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2005, the magazine was only ratifying what had become obvious to anyone who followed Latin pop music. In only four years Juanes reached the very top of the music world, and he did it without embracing the music industry practice of “crossing over.” Though his music remained firmly rooted in cumbia, tango, and the folk music of his native Colombia, he filled arenas and topped charts throughout North and South America and the Caribbean. The handsome singer-songwriter was often compared to Bruce Springsteen and U2's Bono for his absorbing stage presence and passionate lyrics that examined both romantic love and social struggle.Juanes was born Juan Estebán Aristizábal Vásquez on Aug. 9, 1972, in Medellín, Colom. When he was seven years old, his father and brothers taught him to play guitar, and he quickly became immersed in the musical traditions of his homeland. Later he became infatuated with rock and roll, and for 11 years he was a singer and guitarist for Ekhymosis, a heavy-metal band that enjoyed a strong following in Colombia. Juanes grew restless with the artistic limitations of the band, however, and in 1999 he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a solo career.In 2000 Juanes debuted with Fíjate bien, a brooding album that produced a handful of hits and earned the singer three Latin Grammy Awards, including best new artist. Juanes's major breakthrough came with the release of his second album, the bright and energetic Un día normal (2002), which included the songs “A Dios le pido,” an anthem for peace that hit number one in 12 countries, and “Fotografia,” a duet with Nelly Furtado that also hit the top of the charts. Un día normal won five awards at the 2003 Latin Grammys, including album of the year, record of the year, and song of the year. In 2004 he released his third album, Mi sangre, which spun off the number one hits “Nada valgo sin tu amor” and the sexy “La camisa negra.” The album earned him three Latin Grammys in 2005. His passion for music was matched by the sadness he felt over the violence that plagued Colombia. Through his songs Juanes confronted his despair and anger over violence in the world but also embraced hope for the future.James Hennelly
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Universalium. 2010.