50 things you should know about Pepe Aguilar: Pepe Aguilar seems to be everywhere these days. Turn on a radio and tune in a station, whether it is in Miami, Mexico City, Tegucigalpa, or Los Angeles; and you're likely to find him

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, Feb-March, 2005 by Albert Sgambati

His distinctive brand of Mexican music, steeped in traditional roots with a contemporary twist, along with one of the most celebrated voices in Latin music, has become the hallmark sound for a generation. The single "Miedo," from his recently released album, No Soy de Nadie, has so far become his biggest success--and that's saying something after having had the distinction, in 1999, with "Por Mujeres Como Tu," being among the top ten most requested hits on the Latin charts for 52 consecutive weeks.

Singer, songwriter, musician, composer, and producer are only some of the credits that the multi-talented 35-year-old Aguilar adds to his name. Literally born on the road to one of Mexico's most famous couples, Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre, Pepe started his performing career at about the same time he began to walk, belting out ballads before tens of thousands of fans from New York to Nayarit.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Aguilar at his family ranch in Zacatecas, Mexico. If you've been following Pepe's solo career, that began with his 1987 foray into rock and covered a more traditional terrain before culminating into the unique sound that captivates millions of listeners today, you already know that Aguilar, with his most current contribution, is at the top of his game.

1. Pepe was born in San Antonio, Texas, although he grew up (when he wasn't on the road) in Zacatecas and considers himself Zacatecan.

2. Aguilar considers his concert on Feb. 14, 2004, in Mexico City's Zocalo--the heart of the nation--before 135,000 fans, the most memorable of his career.

3. Among the many awards garnered by Aguilar, Pepe won the Grammy for Best Regional Mexican Album in 2000.

4. As a producer, Pepe's working on a couple of projects for 2005 that he's sure will make a mark on rock n' roll en espanol. Two band names to look out for in the coming year: El Habito, and La Pata Salada.

5. Aguilar's unmistakable silky voice, along with his unique phrasing, has earned him the moniker, "El Voz" (The Voice).

6. Aguilar was the first Latino artist ever to sell out L.A.'s Kodak Theater.

7. With an impressive collection of guitars, Aguilar considers the electric model Texas guitar that Joe Driscoll custom made for him as his most prized instrument. A few Gibson Les Paul's are also among his favorites.

8. Not only big in the world of music, Aguilar at 6' 5" stands out in any crowd.

9. After having performed in the US for over 30 years, Aguilar has witnessed an incredible change in the audience over time. He says his memories of the partially hidden and separate society of Mexicans and Latinos living in the US years ago has given way to a proud, productive, and involved bicultural population that knows both its rights and its contributions.

10. In his free time Aguilar enjoys traveling with his family and spending time in his studio in Mexico City.

11. As a self-proclaimed computer geek and techie, he sometimes relaxes in cyberspace playing strategic games over the Internet.

12. The disadvantage of being the son of such famous parents: Pepe always felt he had to prove himself to get away from the "junior" stereotype.

13. The advantages of growing up in a famous family: He spent much of his childhood on the road touring, and the demands of his musical career are second nature to him.

14. Pepe does at least three charity concerts per year where all the proceeds to the performances go to a worthy cause.

15. After being introduced to the cinema from an early age, and having appeared in 14 films, Aguilar sums up his future in the movies with two words: "No way," adding, "I'm not an actor."

16. Growing up in the Aguilar household, Pepe was exposed by his parents to a musical gamut that ranged from traditional Mexican music to opera, and by his older brother to progressive rock, including bands such as Yes, Rush, Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull.

17. Pepe Aguilar sees himself 25 years down the road singing, writing, producing, and arranging; in other words, continuing to do what he loves to do most now.

18. Aguilar has had 15 number-one singles.

19. The current release, No Soy de Nadie, is Pepe's fourteenth album. Aguilar has sold more than eight million copies.

20. What does "El Voz" like to eat when he's hungry? Why tacos, of course! In Pepe's own words, they're delicious.

21. Aguilar likes to spend his vacations on a Mexican beach, whether it be Acapulco, Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, or Cancun.

22. Is he considering a crossover to English? Not at the moment.

23. After producing 24 albums, among them a number of recordings for his father, brother, and cousin, Pepe notes that it's sometimes more complicated working on projects for family members.

24. Just as he was part of the family entourage as a child, Pepe now takes his own family on the road with him most of the time.

25. Spain tops the list of countries where Aguilar still hasn't performed but would like to.

26. Growing up and virtually living on the road, Pepe and his siblings were educated by tutors.