Pepe Aguilar

When Pepe Aguilar steps on-stage in one of his traditional charro outfits, the 40-year-old man nicknamed "La Voz" still thinks of himself as a roquero.

Born to two of México's biggest stars, late ranchera singer Antonio Aguilar and actress-singer Flor Silvestre, José Antonio Aguilar was already performing with his parents when he was barely out of his diapers. But it was his older brother, Antonio, Jr., who turned a seven-year-old Pepe on to the sounds of Pink Floyd, Rush and The Who. By his teens, the six-foot-five Pepe was pounding the drums in his own rock band, Equs. The group released its debut album in 1987, but disbanded two years later. Pepe cut his long hair and stuck with rancheras.

Blessed with a deep, velvety voice tailor-made for rancheras, the bilingual Pepe has sold over 10 million albums. Along the way, he's interpreted classics like Por Mujeres Como Tu (Because of Women Like You), Me Estoy Acostumbrando De Ti (I'm Getting Used to You) and Me Falta Valor (I Don't Have the Courage). He's also put his personal touch on pop ballads like José José's Lo Que No Fue No Sera and Emmanuel's Todo Se Derrumbo. But it's on No Soy De Nadie (I Belong to No One) where Pepe shows off his rock roots. Miedo, a melancholy pop-rock ballad with echoing drums and acoustic guitar, has become one of Pepe's signature hits.

For his most recent release, 100% Mexicano, Pepe recorded two versions of "Perdono y Olvido," one ranchera and one pop-rock. It's one more reminder that Pepe Aguilar is a roquero at heart: "I think rancheras are the closest thing to rock; they’re full of energy and vitality, without inhibitions or compromises. It’s simply magical. To me, rock is a lot of those things."