Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Mexico

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Gabriel Ruíz was a Mexican composer and songwriter who was born on January 8, 1900, in Guadalajara, Mexico. He was the son of a musician and grew up in a musical family. His father, Gabriel Ruíz de Velasco, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, María de la Luz González, was a pianist. Gabriel Ruíz showed an early interest in music and began studying piano and composition at a young age. Ruíz's musical education began at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música in Mexico City, where he studied piano and composition. He later continued his studies in Paris, where he studied with the renowned composer and teacher Nadia Boulanger. During his time in Paris, Ruíz was exposed to the works of the great composers of the time, including Stravinsky, Debussy, and Ravel, which had a significant influence on his own compositions. Ruíz's early works were primarily classical compositions, including symphonies, chamber music, and piano pieces. However, he is best known for his popular songs, which he began composing in the 1930s. His first hit song, "Adiós, Mariquita Linda," was written in 1938 and became an instant success. The song was later recorded by many artists, including Bing Crosby, Xavier Cugat, and Nat King Cole. Ruíz's success as a songwriter continued throughout the 1940s and 1950s, with many of his songs becoming popular hits in Mexico and the United States. Some of his most famous songs include "Amor," "Sway," and "La Bikina." "Sway" was later recorded by Dean Martin and became a hit in the United States, while "La Bikina" has become a popular folk song in Mexico. In addition to his work as a composer and songwriter, Ruíz was also a conductor and arranger. He conducted the Mexico City Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico, and he arranged music for many popular artists, including Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete. Ruíz's contributions to Mexican music were recognized with many awards and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in the Fine Arts category in 1975, and he was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013. Gabriel Ruíz died on March 10, 1972, in Mexico City, Mexico. His legacy as a composer and songwriter continues to be celebrated today, with his songs remaining popular and influential in both Mexico and the United States.

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