By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez,
As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition October 2016.
It is a pleasure for me to publish Kent Paterson’s notes and his introduction of this article written by Dr. María Teresa Vázquez Castillo that tributes Juan Gabriel.
“Juangamania, the commotion over and remembrance of legendary Mexican singer Juan Gabriel, who was fondly known as Juanga or the Divo of Juarez, continues to sweep Mexico, the United States and beyond. In the days since Gabriel’s August 28, 2016 death, a steady stream of articles and broadcast reports have poured forth in the Mexican media detailing not only Juanga’s personal life but his wider impact on Mexican and Latin American music, changing notions of sexuality and even the contemporary lexicon of Mexico.
The immense popularity of Gabriel was attested to by 316 million views of his YouTube videos (a number that beat out Justin Bieber) during the period of August 26-September 1, 2016 according to El Diario de Juarez. Last month, the El Paso County Commissioners Court declared September 12 will be remembered as Juan Gabriel Day, while officials in Las Vegas, Nevada, issued similar declarations setting aside September 16, Mexican Independence Day, also as Juan Gabriel Day. A song that Juanga recorded in Acapulco shortly before his death, “Si quieres,” was released after his passing.
Dr. María Teresa Vázquez Castillo reflects on an unforgettable week in Ciudad Juarez following Gabriel’s death at 66, which came at a moment when the Mexican border city that launched the singer’s star-studded career is undergoing trying times again.
I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Juan Gabriel during the late 70s. As I started my radio career in McAllen Texas, I had the opportunity to meet and hang around with many of the great singers, composers and interpreters that Mexico has produced. The October 2016 issue of Texas Border Business is now a tribute to the one and only Juan Gabriel!
On another note, Sergio Contreras has accepted a new job with the Valley Chamber Partnership. Currently, he is still with Pharr Economic Development Corp. Mayor Ambrosio “Amos” Hernandez, M.D. through a written statement told Texas Border Business, “We are very fortunate to have had Sergio’s expertise leading our economic development activities,” said Mayor Hernandez upon learning of Contreras’ news. “Under his guidance, Pharr has continued to expand its commercial and retail opportunities, to enjoy healthy and steady financial growth, and to remain competitive as a driving economic force in the region,” Hernandez continued.
Recently, The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office announced the opening of a new Women’s Business Center in Cameron County. The new center, hosted by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, will be housed at the Brownsville Chamber offices.
Get ready, the Mission Chamber of Commerce is celebrating The Roaring Twenties during its Annual Banquet this month.
Every year the Chamber hosts its Annual Banquet in October to introduce its new Board of Directors to the members and the community, and partners with the Progress Times local newspaper to acknowledge Mission’s hard working and supportive citizens. Inside this issue find more information.
I know that you’ll enjoy this issue. TBB
Related articles:
Mexico and the World Mourn a Cultural Giant, Juan Gabriel left us
¡Bienvenido! Juan Gabriel Mexico’s Singer / Composer of All Times, Juan Gabriel performs Nov 11
RGV Partnership hires Sergio Contreras as their President and Executive Director
