Joan Sebastian facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joan Sebastian
Joan Sebastian in 2009
Born	José Manuel Figueroa, Sr. (1951-04-08)April 8, 1951 Juliantla, Guerrero, Mexico
Died	July 13, 2015(2015-07-13) (aged 64) Teacalco, Guerrero, Mexico
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, composer, actor, producer
Musical career
Genres	Regional Mexican, Latin pop
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, alto saxophone
Years active	1975–2015
Labels	Musart, Fonovisa, Universal Music Latin Entertainment

José Manuel Figueroa Figueroa, Sr. (born April 8, 1951 – died July 13, 2015), known professionally as Joan Sebastian, was a famous Mexican singer and songwriter. He wrote more than 1,000 songs for himself and other popular artists. These included songs for Vicente Fernández, Lucero, and Pepe Aguilar.

Joan Sebastian started his career singing Latin pop songs. Later, he focused on Regional Mexican music styles like banda, mariachi, and norteño. He also recorded Spanish versions of country songs. Sebastian won many awards, including seven Latin Grammy Awards and five Grammy Awards. This made him the Mexican artist with the most Grammy awards ever.

Besides music, Sebastian also acted sometimes. In 1996, he appeared in the Mexican TV show Tú y Yo. He passed away in 2015 at age 64 from bone cancer. At the time of his death, he had two number-one albums and seven top ten songs in the United States.

Early Life and Dreams

Joan Sebastian was born in a small town called Juliantla in Guerrero, Mexico. He started writing songs when he was just seven years old. When he was eight, his mother sent him to a school near Guanajuato. He returned home three years later.

At age fourteen, his father sent him to a monastery in Morelos. There, he thought about becoming a priest. He even enrolled in a seminary in Cuernavaca, Morelos. However, he soon realized his true passion was music. He decided to leave the seminary to follow his dream of becoming a musician.

Starting a Music Career

Before becoming a singer, Joan Sebastian worked as an assistant at a vacation resort in Oaxtepec, Morelos. He would often sing over the intercom there. In 1968, he met the Mexican actress Angelica Maria. She encouraged him to record his songs.

Sebastian later moved to Mexico City to try and get his music produced. In 1974, he released his first album, Pedro Parrandas. People really liked his music. In 1977, he changed his name from Jose Manuel Figueroa to Joan Sebastian. This new name was partly a tribute to San Sebastian, a place where he had worked. That same year, he signed a record deal with Musart. He went on to create famous songs like "Juliantla" and the duet "Maracas" with Alberto Vazquéz.

Sebastian performing on horseback at the Pepsi Center in 2009

In 2000, Joan Sebastian released his very successful album Secreto de Amor. This album sold millions of copies in the United States. It won awards for `Regional Mexican Album of the Year` and `Regional Mexican Song of the Year`. He also received an `Excellence Award` for his amazing contributions to music.

In 2006, Sebastian was honored by being added to the `Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame`. This was for his incredible songwriting and music arrangements. He won `Songwriter of the Year` three times from ASCAP. In 2007, he received the `Golden Note Award` for his songwriting career. In 2012, Joan Sebastian even worked with American producer Will.i.am on a song and video called "Hey You."

Family Life

Joan Sebastian had eight children with five different women. His children include José Manuel Figueroa and Zarelea Figueroa Ocampo, who are also singers. Sadly, some of his family members passed away. His son Trigo passed away in 2006. His son Juan Sebastián also passed away in 2010. In 2019, his nephew-in-law, Hugo Figueroa, also passed away.

A few months after Joan Sebastian's death, a TV series about his life was made. His youngest son, Julian Figueroa, played his father when he was younger. His older son, José Manuel Figueroa, played his father in his later years. The series, Por Siempre Joan Sebastian, aired in 2016.

Health and Passing

Joan Sebastian was first diagnosed with bone cancer in 1999. He received treatment and recovered. However, the cancer returned in 2007, then again in 2012, and for a fourth time in 2014.

Weeks before his death, he confirmed he was in the hospital for cancer treatment. On July 13, 2015, Joan Sebastian passed away at his ranch in Teacalco, Guerrero, Mexico. He was 64 years old. His body was buried in a cemetery in Juliantla, near his son Trigo. In 2020, his family reported that his mausoleum had been broken into, and security was increased.

Music Albums

Joan Sebastian released many studio albums during his career:

Awards and Recognitions

Joan Sebastian won many important awards for his music. Here are some of them:

Images for kids

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  Joan Sebastian performing on horseback

See also

In Spanish: Joan Sebastian para niños