Aguilar was beloved mariachi performer, actor

Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, June 20, 2007

MEXICO CITY – Mexican mariachi singer and actor Antonio Aguilar, who recorded more than 150 albums and began his acting career during Mexico’s “Golden Era” of cinema, has died in Mexico City. He was 88.

Aguilar died late Tuesday after a long fight with pneumonia, Medica Sur hospital spokeswoman Shere Sanchez said.

Born in the northern state of Zacatecas, Aguilar recorded with his traditional mariachi group for 50 years and sold more than 25 million records. His hit songs include “Triste Recuerdo,” “Albur de Amor,” “Gabino Barrera” and “Puno de Tierra.”

He appeared in 167 films, including “The Undefeated,” starring John Wayne.

In 2000, he got a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Aguilar’s son, singer Pepe Aguilar, is also one of Mexico’s best-known performers and has been nominated for a Latin Grammy six times.