12 things you should know about Juan Gabriel

1. He died of a heart attack.

Juan Gabriel died of a heart attack on Sunday, August 28 at 11:43 a.m. in Santa Monica, California, at age 66, his family confirmed.

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2. His real name was Alberto Aguilera Valadez.

The singer was known by his stage name, which he created in order to honor his benefactor, a tinsmith named Juan Contreras, and his father Gabriel Aguilera. His closest friends and relatives called him by his first name. With his stage name he created an alter ego. He even once interviewed himself.

3. His influence transcended Mexico's cultural and social spheres.

The singer was a huge cultural influence in Mexico and throughout Latin America. He wasn't just a popular singer; he became part of the fabric of Mexican society, according to several Mexican intellectuals. His show at Mexico's Palace of Fine Arts, his lyrics and his mannerisms influenced an era and several generations. Along with José Alfredo Jiménez, he "was responsible for Mexicans' sentimental education," said Mexican journalist Eileen Truax.

4. He was called the "Divo of Juárez" but he was born in Michoacán.

Juan Gabriel was born in Parácuaro, Michoacán, though he only spent seven months of his infancy there. He's better known for the place where he grew up and became an artist: Ciudad Juárez, near the U.S.-Mexico border.

5. Noa Noa is a real place.

One of Juan Gabriel's most famous songs, "Noa noa," is dedicated to a bar in Ciudad Juárez where the singer debuted in 1966.

6. When faced with doubts about his sexual orientation, Juan Gabriel had an unforgettable response: “Lo que se ve no se pregunta” (“don't ask about something that is obvious”).

It became one of his most famous declarations, spoken in an interview with journalist Fernando Del Rincón who asked, frankly, if Juan Gabriel was gay.

7. His first famous song was called “No tengo dinero” (I don’t have money).

His first big hit came in 1971, although his first composition was actually “La muerte del Palomo” (The Death of Palomo) in the mid-60s.

8. His last concert was in Los Angeles.

Two days before he died, the singer gave a concert at The Forum in Inglewood, California, where he was accompanied by more than 17,000 attendees, 60 musicians and, as was tradition, a mariachi. Juan Gabriel was on a U.S. tour called "MeXXIco es todo" (MeXXIco is everything).

9. He recorded 35 albums and wrote 1,800 songs.

The 'Divo de Juárez' had an impressive collection of hits. His musical legacy includes songs like “Amor Eterno” (Eternal Love), “Querida” (Darling) and “Se me olvidó otra vez” (Forgot me again), plus a number of tributes.

10. He’s considered the “Elvis" of Latin American music.

Juan Gabriel’s music influenced artists like Marc Anthony. Juanes recently said he considers Juan Gabriel the Mexican “Elvis.”

11. He never won a Grammy.

Although he was nominated six times for the prize and once for a Latin Grammy, he never won the coveted award. However, in 2009 the Academy named him Person of the Year.

12. He became known for his exotic costumes.

Sequins, bright colors and “trajes de charro,” or Mexican cowboy outfits, were part of Juan Gabriel’s shtick. Some of his costumes cost upwards of $5,000.