¡Que Viva Antonio Aguilar! Pepe Aguilar Talks Tribute Album to His Father Featuring Ángela Aguilar, Carín León & More
Categoria: Musica
"A record like this of Antonio Aguilar has never been done before," the Mexican artist tells Billboard Español.
Por Billboard | 28/05/2026
Pepe Aguilar has taken on the task of keeping his father’s legacy alive, this time producing ¡Que Viva Antonio Aguilar! , a compilation album featuring iconic songs by the Mexican music legend reimagined by stars from various generations, from Banda El Recodo and Banda MS to Carín León, Pepe himself and his children. “It’s a very special album,” he says in an exclusive interview with Billboard Español. “A record like this of Antonio Aguilar has never been done before. We’re showcasing the artist’s interpretation of songs my father once performed.” In ¡Que Viva Antonio Aguilar! — to be released Thursday (May 28) at 8 pm ET under Equinoccio Records/Virgin Music — Ángela Aguilar and Leonardo Aguilar perform “China de los Ojos Negros” and “El Adolorido,” respectively, while Pepe Aguilar sings “Noches Tenebrosas.” Among the album’s 14 tracks, Luis R Conríquez lends his voice to “4 Meses,” Banda El Recodo to “La Cama de Piedra,” Chuy Lizárraga to “Ánimas Que No Amanezca” and Banda MS covers “El Chivo.” Carín León takes center stage with the focus track “El Chubasco,” while Edén Muñoz performs “Albur de Amor” and Alfredo Olivas reimagines “El Alazán y el Rosillo.” Two other women also appear on the tracklist: Lucero with “Triste Recuerdo” and Guadalupe Pineda with “Yo Ya Me Voy de Mi Tierra.” Additionally, a non-Mexican artist, Jessi Uribe, delivers his rendition of “El Hijo Desobediente.” Also noteworthy is the inclusion of Vicente Fernández — another iconic, now-deceased figure of Mexican music — who shared a friendship with the patriarch of the Aguilar Dynasty and even attended his funeral. On the LP, his voice can be heard on “Ando Que Me Lleva,” in a version previously released on his 2024 posthumous album, Pa’ La Parranda . “The idea to include Don Vicente Fernández came from my wife,” Aguilar explains. “[My daughter] Ángela participated in the tribute album to Don Vicente, and we thought it would be important to have him on my father’s tribute album since they were very good friends.” Born in Villanueva, Zacatecas, on May 17, 1919, Antonio Aguilar remains a cultural and musical icon of Mexico, with over 150 recorded albums and hits like “Un Puño de Tierra,” “Caballo Prieto Azabache” and “Lamberto Quintero.” Known as “The Charro of Mexico,” Aguilar was also an undisputed figure of the golden age of Mexican cinema, appearing in over 160 films. A lover of charrería — a traditional Mexican equestrian sport he showcased across the U.S. and Latin America through a equestrian show that has become a family legacy — he passed away on June 19, 2007, at the age of 88. “I deeply admire my father’s career not only because I’m his son but also because of everything he rep