Juan Gabriel and Héctor Lavoe Join the Treasure Trove of the Library of Congress of the USA

Juan Gabriel and Héctor Lavoe's voices made a significant impact in Hispanic music, which is why their most iconic songs have been added to the Library of Congress in the United States. They are among the few artists to have their Spanish-language works recognized in this way.

Songs like "Amor Eterno" by Juan Gabriel and "El Cantante" performed by Lavoe were deemed essential in capturing the cultural history of the United States.

The Library of Congress National Recording Registry includes songs and albums that are deemed to be culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant, and/or that inform or reflect life in the United States.

In the case of Juan Gabriel (1950 - 2016), his song was seen as an anthem to the pain of loss and a prime example of the bond of love between a mother and a child.

How 'Amor Eterno' was born

"Juan Gabriel, a famous Mexican singer-songwriter and actor, wrote 'Amor Eterno' as a tribute to his mother, who passed away in 1974 while the singer was on tour in Acapulco," according to a report from the Library of Congress.

A bolero with mariachi accompaniment that anyone can feel the depth of pain expressed in the lyrics and melody. It has become an anthem of sorrow, immortalizing the sadness of losing a loved one while also commemorating the eternal love between a mother and a son," stated the official press release.

Juan Gabriel's son, Iván Aguilera, expressed his gratitude for the honor at the Library of Congress in Washington DC. "There was something he always said: as long as the audience, the people, continue to sing my music, Juan Gabriel will never die, and it's beautiful to see that happening here," he added in the official statement.

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Amor eterno was composed by Juan Gabriel, but it was Rocío Dúrcal who turned the song into a hit in 1984. Years later, it became one of the iconic songs of the singer-songwriter, especially after performing it with a mariachi band at his legendary concert in Bellas Artes in 1990.

‘El cantante’, the signature song of a salsa legend: Héctor Lavoe

A similar success was achieved by the song "El Cantante," composed by salsa icon Rubén Blades and produced by Willie Colón. It was released in 1978 and became the signature song of Héctor Lavoe (1946-1993). The song also served as the title track for his biographical film, starring Marc Anthony, which was released in 2006.

Lavoe's challenging life also inspired the off-Broadway production "¿Quién mató a Héctor Lavoe?" in 1999. The song tells of the struggles and hardships faced by singers, highlighting the importance of positive interaction with the audience, who ultimately are their main support, as summarized by the Library of Congress.

Héctor Lavoe passed away from a heart attack, but years prior he had been diagnosed with HIV after using an infected needle, and he also had a suicide attempt in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Other Hispanic songs can be found in the General National Archive.

The album Abraxas by Carlos Santana was added to the Library of Congress in 2015. Rhythm Is Gonna Get You by Gloria Estefan and the pop band Miami Sound Machine made it to the registry in 2017. In 2018, La Bamba by Ritchie Valens was included, and the song Ven conmigo by Selena was added in 2019.

Songs Of My Father by Linda Ronstadt, Livin' La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin, and the debut album of Buena Vista Social Club are also part of the Library of Congress registry and were selected in 2022.

Editor's P/S:

The inclusion of Juan Gabriel and Héctor Lavoe's iconic songs in the Library of Congress is a testament to the profound impact their music has had on Hispanic culture and the broader American musical landscape. These songs have transcended language barriers, resonating with audiences on an emotional level and capturing the essence of love, loss, and the struggles of the human experience. Their addition to the National Recording Registry ensures that their legacy will be preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

Furthermore, the recognition of these songs highlights the growing importance and influence of Hispanic music in the United States. As the Hispanic population continues to grow, so too does the demand for representation and recognition of their cultural contributions. The addition of these songs to the Library of Congress serves as a symbol of the increasing visibility and acceptance of Hispanic music within the American mainstream.