The King of Latin Pop

It does not matter that Juan Gabriel refuses to cross over to Anglo audiences (“The Ballad of Juan Gabriel,” by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, Feb. 28). The only thing that does matter is that he continues to write and perform the most inspired songs of our time in his native language and for all to enjoy.

Besides, he has already achieved an even more impressive “crossover”: reaching out to second, third and even fourth generations of Latino Americanos in the U.S.

CESAR MADRID

Orange

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As an African American introduced to Gabriel’s genius in the early ‘80s, I credit him for strengthening my embrace of Latin music, culture and language. “No Me Vuelvo a Enamorar” (I Won’t Fall in Love) and “Insensible” (Insensitive) are two of my stand-out all-time favorite songs in any language.

Valdes-Rodriguez’s impressive article aided this fan in understanding the history and philosophy behind his abundant generosity, as well as why he writes soulful and funky cuts in Spanish like no one else. I was disheartened but not shocked to read that, in 1999, an international pop icon of Mexican descent could be so mistreated in a music metropolis bearing the Spanish name Los Angeles.

I thank you for a great article about a grand humanitarian. Gabriel’s sexuality may be ambiguous but his talent and worldwide appeal most certainly are not!

MAURICE WILLIAMS

Morning Crew Records

Los Angeles

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Juan Gabriel’s rise from rags to riches is certainly a tribute to his phenomenal talent.

There is in the article, however, an anecdote that rings false: Gabriel walking into a West Hollywood antique store and being asked to leave because he looked Mexican. Unless Gabriel was wearing a bandanna, had more tattoos on his body than Dennis Rodman and was dressed in that peculiar cholo fashion one sees around East Los Angeles, no manager of a West Hollywood antique shop would dream of getting rid of a prospective customer--especially one dressed in an “elegant black silk suit with a Chinese collar.”

Let’s get real!

TRAVIS MEDLOCK

Claremont

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If all of Gabriel’s thoughts, feelings and spirit are in Spanish, how come his quote on Sunday’s cover was in English?

Just curious.

BILL HALLER

Van Nuys