WASHINGTON, DC- Mexican singer Juan Gabriel was recognized by the National Recording Registry in the United States, by including his emblematic song “Amor Eternal” on the list.
The Library of Congress, which coordinates the integration of recordings annually, noted that the ranchero bolero “Amor Eternal,” a 1990 single, is Juan Gabriel’s most famous and “heartbreaking” song.
“Juan Gabriel, famous Mexican singer-songwriter and actor, wrote ‘Amor Eterno’ as a tribute to his mother, who died in 1974, while the singer was on tour in Acapulco,” says a report from the Library of Congress that this newspaper had in advance. . “[Juan] Gabriel relates this moment in the lyrics as ‘The saddest memory of Acapulco.'”
The description to integrate it into the National Recording Registry highlights that the title of the song does not even require a translation, due to the impact of the expression itself.
“[Es un] bolero with mariachi accompaniment”, it is indicated, “’Amor Eterno’ does not need translation; Anyone can grasp the magnitude of the pain expressed in the lyrics and melody. It has become an anthem of pain, immortalizing the sadness of losing a loved one and, at the same time, commemorating the eternal love that exists between a mother and a child.”
Juan Gabriel died at the age of 66 in 2016 and his son, Iván Gabriel Aguilera, spoke with La Biblioteca about his father’s legacy.
“I think that generations in the future, that’s what he always wanted, for them to see his music and for it to apply to their lives too. There was something he always said. “That as long as the public, the people, continue singing my music, Juan Gabriel will never die, and it is nice to see that happening here,” he said.
Aguilera also expressed her pride about the immortalization of the Mexican singer-songwriter.
“It is something wonderful for us, it is a great honor, it is a great honor for my dad; I think that for his legacy it is something of the greatest. As you say, it’s going to be immortalized there in the Library of Congress,” he said.
The taste of Panama and Puerto Rico
In addition to Juan Gabriel, Puerto Rican salsa singer Héctor Lavoe was recognized when the song “El Cantante” was added to the registry, a production by Panamanian composer Rubén Blades and produced by Willie Colón.
The 1978 single is considered Lavoe’s (1946-1993) emblematic song, which debuted on the Fania Records album “Comedia.”
“’El Cantante’” became Lavoe’s signature song and provided the title of the 2006 biographical film about his life starring Marc Anthony,” notes La Biblioteca. “Lavoe’s difficult life also inspired the 1999 off-Broadway production ‘Who Killed Hector Lavoe?’ (‘Who killed Héctor Lavoe?’). The song narrates the livelihood, struggles and adversities that the singers experience, in addition to describing how they must interact positively with the public, who, in the end, is their only support.”
Part of the reason for its entry into the National Recording Registry is that “El Cantante” is considered an emblematic song of the “1970s New York City salsa era.”
The 25 songs in 2024
The National Recording Registry incorporates this year sounds from ABBA, Blondie, The Cars, The Chicks, Juan Gabriel, Green Day, The Notorious BIG
Also recordings by Gene Autry, Jefferson Airplane, Perry Como, Kronos Quartet, Johnny Mathis, Bobby McFerrin, Patti Page.
Among the songs are “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, “Parallel Lines” by Blondie, “Ready to Die” by The Notorious BIG, “Dookie” by Green Day, “Wide Open Spaces” by The Chicks and the comedy by Lily Tomlin.
“The Library of Congress is proud to preserve the sounds of American history and our diverse culture through the National Recording Registry,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “We have selected audio treasures worthy of preservation with our partners this year, including a wide range of music from the last 100 years, as well as comedy.”
Recordings that are integrated annually are considered preservation “audio treasures” due to their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance.
This year’s list also includes “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry, the debut album by The Cars, “Catch a Falling Star” / “Magic Moments” by Perry Como, “Pieces of Africa” by Kronos Quartet , “Chances Are” by Johnny Mathis, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin, “Tennessee Waltz” by Patti Page and “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers.