Mexican singer Juan Gabriel dies of heart attack at 66

Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel died of a heart attack on Sunday at the age of 66, according to media reports.

Affectionately called "The Divo" of Mexican music for his flamboyant dress and manner, Juan Gabriel died at his home in Santa Monica, California, the US around 11:30 a.m. local time, Xinhua reported.

The prolific artist, who penned some 1,800 songs, including "Amor Eterno" (Eternal Love) and "Querida" (Dear), had given a concert near Los Angeles on Saturday night as part of his "Mexico is everything" concert tour.

Just three days ago, on Thursday, Billboard Magazine, which covers the music industry, reported that "Juan Gabriel rules the Top Latin Albums chart for the fifth time."

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto lamented the artist's death, calling him "one of the great musical icons of our country, " in a Twitter post. "His music, a legacy for the world."

Juan Gabriel was scheduled to give another concert in El Paso, Texas, on Sunday night.

--IANS

sku/