Juanes Story - Goodwill Ambassador For The United For Colombia Foundation
Juanes is an acclaimed name internationally, as a talented musician and a multi faceted philanthropist. Perhaps, he is the most popular Latin American musician of the 21st century. He has many awards to his credit, including 23 Grammys.
Childhood
Juanes was born to a farmer family. He has Basque descent on his paternal side and his mother was of Spanish origin. His childhood was spent listening to traditional Columbian music. At an early age of seven, he started learning guitar from his brothers and during his teenage years, he was introduced to heavy rock music of bands like Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and so on. On the personal front, he lost his father at a very young age, and was greatly affected by the Columbian civil war and the homicides that happened during his childhood.
Early career
Juanes spent his teen years learning traditional Latin and Columbian music styles that included boleros, tangos, cumbias, vallenatto and guasca respectively. In 1988, he launched Ekhymosis, which later became a renowned music band in Columbia. Ekhymosis produced ten popular albums in the decade that followed, and even shared stage with great musicians of the time like Ricky Martin. Eventually Juanes chose to follow a solo career after dispersing the band in 1998.
Career highlights
Juanes debuted with the solo album Fijate bein (Take a Good Look) in 2000, which earned him 3 Grammy Awards including the best new artist. His second album, Un día normal (A Normal Day), was released in 2002, and it became a super duper hit. The albums which followed, including Me enamora (It makes me fall in love), also became super hits and earned him the title of the best Latin American musician of the time. In 2007, he launched his record label called the 4Js. The themes of his albums were mostly love and peace; and also highlighted some social concerns.
As a philanthropist, Juanes started the Mi Sangre foundation in 2006, which is dedicated to support victims of landmine accidents.
Reputation
Juanes is one of the most loved musicians of Latin America. He was named a Knight by France's Order of Arts and Letters, in 2006. Juanes was also one of 100 Most Influential People In The World, in 2005 according to the Time magazine, and the Los Angeles Times recognised him as the single most important figure in the Latin music scene. Being a philanthropist, he is the Goodwill Ambassador for the United for Colombia foundation.
Personal life
Juanes married Karen Martínez in 2004. She is a model and actress. They separated after three years and later rejoined to live happily. Together, they have two daughters, Paloma and Luna and a son by the name Dante.
TV And Books
Juanes released his autobiography by the name Persiguiendo el sol (Chasing the Sun), in 2013. He also gave a stunning performance in the MTV Unplugged in 2012, to earn the third Latin Grammy for the album of the year.
Awards
- 2013
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Grammy Best Latin Pop Album
- 2009
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Grammy Best Latin Pop Album
