Google Mexico Dedicates its Latest Google Doodle to the Late Juan Gabriel

Juan Gabriel’s legacy lives on(line)…

For the first time in its history, Google has dedicated its famous doodle to the late Mexican singer, songwriter and actor, one of the greatest figures of Mexican music, for his invaluable artistic legacy.

Juan GabrielOn Monday, July 15, the logo that appears on the search engine’s home page in Mexico honored the legendary composer and performer to remember that on this day in 1995, his song “El Palo” reached the top spot on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart. 

“Today, our Google Doodle honors a legend, Juan Gabriel, ‘El Divo de Juárez’. One of the most important singer-songwriters in Latin America. His songs and his entire legacy continue to live on in Mexico and the world,” wrote Google México on its X account.

According to information from Google Mexico, the doodle was created by Mexican illustrator Humberto Irigoyen, who spent four months working on it in order to gather many details about the artist’s life and work.

To the rhythm of his famous song “Noa, Noa”, Internet users can navigate the 2D illustration, which shows different stages and facets during a fruitful career spanning more than four decades, in which he became a true benchmark of Hispanic music in the world: from his youth on stage, his foray into television, his creative process when writing his songs, as well as his bright and colorful costumes that sealed part of his artistic personality.

The doodle also illustrates his historic 1990 performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico’s most important cultural venue, which was recorded and released as the live album Juan Gabriel en el Palacio de Bellas Artes. That recital made the artist the first Mexican popular music singer-songwriter to perform there with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional.

Juan Gabriel, known internationally for classics such as “Querida” and “Amor Eterno”, died on August 28, 2016 at his home in Santa Monica, California, of natural causes, in the middle of a concert tour. He was 66 years old.

“El Palo” was part of his album El México Que Se Nos Fue, which won the 1995 Premio Lo Nuestro award for best regional Mexican album.

Inducted into the Billboard Hall of Fame in 1996, Juan Gabriel built a legacy as a multifaceted artist over more than four decades, recording songs in genres as diverse as rancheras, baladas, pop and boleros, songwriting and producing other artists.

Among his many accomplishments, El Divo de Juárez sold more than 150 million records, composed more than 1,800 songs, released 34 studio albums, was nominated six times for a Grammy, won three posthumous Latin Grammys and more than 20 of his hits reached the top 10 on the Billboard charts, including seven No. 1s on the Hot Latin Songs chart. His song “Yo No Sé Qué Me Pasó” opened the first edition of that chart in 1986 at No. 1.

Google Celebrates the Late Lola Beltrán with Animated Google Doodle

The late Lola Beltrán’s legacy lives in on(line)…

Google is officially celebrating the late legendary Mexican ranchera icon with an animated Google Doodle on what would have been her 92nd birthday on Thursday, March 7.

Lola Beltrán, Golden Doole.In the purple-hued illustration, Beltran is elegantly presented with her hair in a bun adorned with a flower, and large earrings while singing into a microphone. Known for her monumental role in popularizing ranchera and huapango music globally,

Beltrán stands among the most venerated Mexican singers of all time.

Lola Beltrán’Born María Lucila Beltrán Ruiz in El Rosario, Sinaloa, Mexico, her journey to stardom began in the 1950s and 1960s, a period celebrated as the Golden Age of Mexican cinema.

Before fame, “Her church choir inspired her love of singing and she became obsessed with ballads,” reads the About the Doodle section. “In 1953, Beltrán and her mother moved to Mexico City to pursue her career as a singer. After getting a job as a popular radio station’ secretary, Beltrán earned the chance to participate in an on-air singing contest. She didn’t just win — the producers were so impressed that they helped her secure a recording contract Beltrán started to cover popular songs on air and even earned her own radio show, but she had bigger dreams.”

This victory launched her onto a path of success, culminating in approximately 100 album releases, such as Alma Cancionera de México (1960) and Joyas (1969), and starring roles in 50 films, including La Desconocida (1954) and Canción del Alma (1963).

Beltrán’s influence extended beyond music to acting, earning her widespread acclaim and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Notably, she was the first ranchera singer to grace the stage of the prestigious El Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, and performed for numerous world leaders.

Her interpretations of “Cucurrucucú Paloma” and “Paloma Negra” have become enduring standards. Beyond her artistic talents, Beltrán’s distinctive style and stage presence made her a fashion icon and emblem of Mexican cultural pride.

Beltrán’s legacy continued to flourish until her death in 1996 due to a pulmonary embolism.

Through its Doodle, Google aligns Beltrán’s tribute with past honorees such as Tito Puente, Raoul A. Cortez and Diana Sacayán. 

Google Honors the Late Tito Puente with Special Google Doodle

Tito Puente’s legacy lives on… with a special doodle.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Google is commemorating the late Puerto Rican musician, songwriter, bandleader, and record producer, known as the King of Latin Music, with a charming new Doodle video, created by New York-based Puerto Rican illustrator Carlos Aponte.

Tito Puente“Tito was part of my musical experience growing up in Puerto Rico. My aunt introduced me to Tito Puente via La Lupe, a famous singer in Puerto Rico and New York,” says the illustrator. “Tito was like a Svengali for talents like Celia Cruz. He was a household name. So Tito was part of my Puerto Rican soundtrack.”

Featuring the lively “Ran Kan Kan,” the animated clip takes viewers back to Puente’s childhood at 110th Street and Third Avenue in Spanish Harlem, where the budding artist bangs on pots and pans in his room bedecked with a Puerto Rican flag. It follows Puente’s various stints as a musician, showing him as a U.S. Navy ship’s bandleader (he served during World War II) up to him ruling over New York City nightlife as the undisputed King of the Timbales.

Tito Puente, Google DoodleThe Google Doodle also celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Tito Puente Monument, which was unveiled in his hometown of East Harlem, New York, on this day (Oct. 10), located on the northern end of Central Park.

In 2000, the same year the musical legend died, 110th Street was renamed Tito Puente Way.

Born Ernesto Antonio Puente Jr. on April 20, 1923, in Spanish Harlem to Puerto Rican parents, the young Nuyorican musician grew up surrounded by the rich Latin diversity the city is known for. He led his first orchestra in the late ‘40s, and by the 1950s, he became an unrivaled master of timbales and vibraphone. In 1969, he was bestowed the key to New York City.

In his lifetime, he released an immense discography that includes more than 100 full-length albums that showcased his propulsive dance rhythms and jubilant brass melodies. He penned timeless hits such as “Oye Como Va,” which was famously covered by Santana, “Mambo Gozón” (1958), “La Guarachera” (1966) with Celia Cruz, and many more. In the late ‘60s, Tito Puente joined New York’s maverick troupe Fania All-Stars, also starring Eddie Palmeri, Ricardo Ray and Bobby Cruz.

His journey began with “Ran Kan Kan,” his first recorded track, which is featured in the Google Doodle. In 1992, “Ran Kan Kan” entered the top 10 of Billboard‘s Dance Club Songs chart. In 2010, “Guantanamera” by Celia Cruz, featuring Puente, landed at No. 2 on the World Digital Song Sales chart. In 1995, Puente was given the Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award.

Last year, Google Doodles honored Latin culture independence days, celebrating Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Mexico. Another Doodle celebrated a Chilean holiday with a drawing of a huemul, represented on the country’s national shield.

Illustrator Aponte has also provided artwork for the Latin Recording AcademyThe New Yorker and The New York Times. He currently teaches drawing at the Fashion Institute of Technology. With his Doodle, he hopes people will take away this message: “Love what you do, train, study, and be the best you can be. If you excel, everything else will fall into place. There are no shortcuts. Those who make it easily don’t last long. Tito was a perfect example; he was the best!”

Selena Gomez to Serve as Guest Judge for This Year’s Doodle for Google Contest

Selena Gomez is ready to judge your doodles…

The 29-year-old Mexican American actress, singer and mental health advocate has signed up to be a celebrity judge for this year’s Doodle for Google contest.

Selena Gomez

The annual event, which encourages students from kindergarten through 12th grade to design their own version of the company’s logo has an inspiring theme for 2022: “I care for myself by…”

“I can’t wait to learn how students across the country are approaching mental health and self-care,” Gomez tweeted in announcing her participation. In an accompanying video, Gomez explained why she decided to get involved in this year’s contest.

“I know firsthand how scary and lonely it can feel to face the pressure of the world alone, especially at a young age,” said Gomez. “That’s why I started the Rare Impact Fund with the goal of raising $100 million for mental health education, particularly in underserved communities. And it’s great that Google is joining us in this mission!”

The winning doodles will be featured on the iconic Google home page, with students encouraged to use any material or medium they want to express themselves, as long as it can be clearly photographed and displayed in a two-dimensional format. In addition to bragging rights, the winner will get a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology award for their school; the contest will run through 11:59 p.m. PT on March 4.

A description of this year’s prompt reads: “We all have a lot going on – and now more than ever, it’s important for us to take care of our bodies and minds. What are your favorite things to do that make you feel better when you’re feeling down? How do you take a break? What activities make you feel calm or give you energy? What or who brings joy to your heart? Our theme this year invites you to share how you nurture your mind, body, and/or spirit as you face the opportunities and challenges every new day brings.”

Other judges for this year’s contest include Sad Girls Club founder and mental health advocate Elyse Fox and 2021 National Teacher of the Year special education teacher Juliana Urtubey, who immigrated to the U.S. from Colombia at age five.

Diego Rivera Celebrated by Google…

If you’ve spent any time on Google today, you’ve probably noticed a special mural on the site’s main page…

It was Google Doodle’s way of celebrating the 125th anniversary of legendary Mexican painter Diego Rivera’s birth.

Elements of Rivera’s original work are displayed in the Doodle, including  figures from some of his iconic paintings like “The Flower Carrier” and “Mother and Child Sleeping.” A man painting while standing on scaffolding is intended to depict Rivera at work. You can view more details here about the best painting and art tips.

Born on December 8, 1886, in Guanajuato, Mexico, Rivera is credited with helping establish the Mexican Mural Movement.

He joined the Academy of San Carlos in Mexico City to study art when he was just 10-years-old. Rivera later went to Europe, where he studied in Madrid then moved to Paris to live and work with the artists in Montparnasse.

Google-Runs-Mural-Doodle-Dedicated-to-Diego-Rivera

Rivera was greatly inspired by the political ideals of the Mexican Revolution and the Russian Revolution. Through his art, he sought to reflect the lives of the working class and native people of Mexico.

Under a special government program in 1921, Rivera created a series of murals in public  buildings. During the 1930s and 1940s, he moved on to paint several murals in the United States. But not all of his murals received overwhelming love. One of them at the Rockefeller Center in New York City—called “Man at the Crossroads” and featuring a portrait of Russian communist leader Vladimir Lenin—was later destroyed.

In 1929, Diego Rivera married fellow Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who was some 20 years his junior. The two divorced in 1939, only to remarry later.

Rivera died in 1957 at the age of 70, but his legacy lives on as his awe-inspiring works continue to inspire younger generations.