Juanes

This Juanes biography may be tinted with favoritism, understandable enough not only because I love his music but also because I know his musical beginnings in Medellin, Colombia. Back then, Juanes' passion was rock, and the fantastic rhythms that today enrich his compositions were not present in the songs that gave his band Ekhymosis, relative success from 1988 to 1998. How Juanes Started

Any Juanes biography tells you how he began playing the guitar at the age of 7 along with his father and brother. After being successful in Colombia he decided to start his soloist career by leaving his native country and establishing himself in Los Angeles, U.S.A.

His discovery happened when a demo tape got into the hands of producer Gustavo Santaolalla. He contacted Juanes after listening to the tape and signed him to Surco, his record label.

In October 17, 2000 Surco and Universal Music Latino released an album that did very well in Colombia under the tile "Fijate Bien." This album only reached modest success outside his native country but gave him in 2001 the nomination to seven Latin Grammys of which he won three including Best New Artist.

After winning the Best New Artist Grammy, Juanes Biography started to include impressive accomplishments. By February 2002 Juanes had already 40 demos for new songs that will become the next hit album "Un Día Normal." This album included the song that would top charts in 12 countries in three continents "A Dios Le Pido."

With songs like "Fotografía" with Nelly Furtado, "Un Día Normal," "Luna," and "Mala Gente" amongst others, Juanes toured the world setting attendance records. "Un Día Normal" became an incredible success with almost every single becoming a hit.

After his second album Juanes continues to release success after success. "Mi Sangre" in 2004 granted him the most prestigious cultural honor in France "L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres." Amazingly, even people from Western Europe (non-Spanish speaking) seemed to be under Juanes' spell with "La Camisa Negra."

The release of "La Vida Es un Ratico" in 2007 experienced total embracing by Juanes fans. Newspapers like The New York Times published articles that describe him as an artist that "transcends most niche-market limitations" and "delivered a powerfully effective blend of pan-American rhythms and catchy, guitar-driven choruses." Juanes Lyrics and Style A good Juanes biography must talk about the profound and strong meaning of Juanes lyrics. His songs are rooted in reality. Compositions like "Fijate Bien Donde Pisas" about landmines in Colombia, and "A Dios Le Pido" meaning "To God I Pray" a song that shows lots of faith -a characteristic of Hispanic culture, are perfect examples of his meaningful lyrics.

On the other hand Juanes lyrics reveal an eternal romantic, a soft and very much sensitive person who connects incredibly well with his audience.

The name of his album "La Vida Es un Ratico" is simply a very common saying particularly in Colombia, where we think life has to be enjoyed because it lasts a very short time, and in my opinion, that is what this album reminds its audience about.

As a young guy, the versatile Juanes played many styles of music amongst them typical Colombian folk music like Cumbias, Vallenatos, and Carrilera, a special genre that is also called Guasca wich talks about broken hearts and revenge. This last style of music was the base for the creation of one of his most successful songs: "La Camisa Negra" or "Tengo la Camisa Negra", how people call it.

But not only the typical rhythms of Colombia marked Juanes, early in his life Heavy Metal played an important role, and the band "Metallica" was the most influential one. Today he has found his style, one that mixes rhythms and the very meaningful Juanes lyrics. Juanes the Humanitarian

Juanes biography is not complete without mentioning his dedicated work as a humanitarian. He is recognized worldwide as a leading social activist who created "Mi Sangre Foundation" to help anti-personnel mines victims, and for whom he has raised money through concerts.

Juanes also acts as a Goodwill Ambassador for United for Colombia, a foundation that aims to help Colombian servicemen and civilians who have suffered the consequences of Colombia's war against drugs and terrorism.

If you fully understand Juanes music, particularly his lyrics, you can relate to the feelings many of his fans have after enjoying one of his songs. His compositions give hope and happiness, faith and desire to live, in a positive way that connects the listener to his fellow man.

Source: http://www.hispanic-culture-online.com/juanes-biography.html