Entering the tradition of the MTV Unplugged that has given Latin music so many magical moments, Pepe went to the legendary Churubusco Studios in Mexico City on June 5, 2014 to record a show surrounded by family and friends – and a legendary  producer .

“For me it is an honor to be a guest of MTV Unplugged franchise,” said Pepe. “This project represents a great opportunity to return to my essence and share it with my fans, while allowing me to work with a talented group of colleagues for whom I have the greatest respect and admiration.”

One of these colleagues is Emmanuel del Real, the visionary keyboardist of the group Café Tacuba, who took care of the music production. Del Real is known for his work producing alternative rock artists like Liquits or Natalia Lafourcade. But his exquisite musical sensitivity  fit wonderfully with the songs that Pepe chose to demonstrate the universality of his repertoire.

“I always knew that Pepe was a great artist,” says Emmanuel. “Working on this MTV Unplugged forced me out of my comfort zone, taking a challenge I had not had before. It ended up being one of the most beautiful experiences of my career, especially when we were recording and the music just took over our emotions. Seeing Pepe singing with his children was the backbone of this project – something like the context to understand why this is worth it.”

Pepe’s children – Angela and Leonardo Aguilar – accompany Pepe in a medley that includes the songs “La Chancla”, “El Chivo” and “Puño de Tierra.” In addition, the list of friends and special guests is extensive: Natalia Lafourcade with a tender rendition of “Miedo”; Marisoul from “Santa Cecilia”; Saúl Hernández, a pioneer of Mexican rock, with a version of the classic Caifanes song “Viento”; Amanditita; Reyli Barba; and the charismatic Spanish singer Miguel Bosé in a duet with Pepe of Juan Gabriel’s song “Siempre En Mi Mente.”

“I was very excited by this invitation,” says Bosé. “Pepe Aguilar is an author with a separate personality. To enter his world means taking a step forward, bringing me closer to Mexico’s heart. I am aware that this is a challenge, but that is what’s made my life. As well as making improbable chemistry from which magic always arises.”

Undoubtedly, MTV Unplugged will add new successes to a career full of satisfactions.

Pepe Aguilar ‘s career progressed in parallel with the absolute transformation of the music industry over the past 25 years.

When Pepe took his first steps in the music business, he did so recording albums did for a company that worked within the traditional model. Even then, Pepe began to mark a “before and after” for regional Mexican music. The arrival of the new millennium was accompanied by an unparalleled cultural explosion. The digital revolution, social media and the collapse of the old business models hinted an unmistakable truth: To become an independent artist was not an option, but rather the only way to survive.

Quickly reaping the benefits of artistic freedom, Pepe began to produce his music and concerts thinking only of his fans. He became the owner of his catalog, he started his own radio station, and surrounded himself with suitable partners.

Pepe has garnered an impressive amount of awards: six Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy awards, thirteen Lo Nuestro Awards – the coveted “Excellence Award” along several Latin Billboard awards, including a special recognition for his musical legacy. Fifteen of his recordings have reached the top of the Billboard charts.

To paraphrase the legendary Rubén Fuentes: “Pepe Aguilar is a before and after in Mexican music.”

Proof that Pepe had transcended borders to leave an everlasting mark in international culture was the addition in 2012 of his own star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood.

Beyond his success as a singer, Pepe has celebrated his love of music – all kinds of music, from rock to electronica – collaborating as composer and/or producer with great Latin artists such as Julieta Venegas, Lupita D’ Alessio, Ely Guerra and rapper Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas. Dabbling in television, accepted the challenge of composing the themes for OYE Awards and Mexico’s famed Telethon.

“There is a paradox in all this,” he reflects. “On one hand, I maintain respect for the essence of this music, the history that has shaped the genre. On the other hand, I love to break the forms. I’m not worried about this contradiction, because at the end of the day, I do what my heart dictates. I’ve achieved a balance I can live with. I can continue the tradition while modifying it. I do not have to choose. It is this solid foundation with the support of my family that sustains me.”

Pepe Aguilar in figures:

* Has released 25 albums, among which:

• MTV Unplugged (2014)
• Lástima Que Sean Ajenas (2013)
• Mas De Un Camino (2012)
• Bicentenario (2010)
• Enamorado (2006)
• Historias de mi Tierra (2005)
• 100% Mexicano (2007)
  • 13 million + records sold
  • Leader in the fusion of the most popular genres of Latin music: Mariachi and Pop

Most awarded Regional Mexican Artist of the industry:

• 15 Billboard # 1’s (USA)
• 13 Lo Nuestro Awards (including the Excellence Awards)
• 8 Grammy Awards (NARAS and LARAS)
• Billboard Awards including The Musical Legacy Award , “TV y Novelas” Awards, “Furia Musical” Awards, “Oye” Awards, “De La Gente” Awards
• Star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood

July 2012

• Producer and songwriter of: Lupita D’ Alessio , Edith Marquez, Guadalupe Pineda , Julieta Venegas , Ely Guerra , Taboo (Black Eyed Peas)
• Leading artist in the Social Media space serving a community that exceeds 4 million followers.