Mexican singer Julián Figueroa left an upcoming film role and 5 songs you won't forget
Following the death of the singer and actor Julián Figueroa on Sunday night, due to an acute myocardial infarction and ventricular fibrillation, many who were less familiar with his output began listening to his songs and learning about his burgeoning film career.
No doubt the strangest, and most sadly ironic, aspect of his screen work is that the son of the late, beloved Mexican singer Joan Sebastian and singer-actress Maribel Guardia will appear posthumously in the film "Centurion: The Dancing Stallion,” which will be released April 25 in U.S. theaters.
In the Lionsgate film about a Latina college student taking part in a dancing horse competition, Figueroa performs four songs on the soundtrack, as well as an English version of his hit "Ay Amor," which was recorded especially for the film.
The movie, which stars Amber Midthunder, Billy Zane, Michael Cimino, Patricia DeLeon and Sal Lopez and is directed by Dan Gonzales, features not only Figueroa but his equally famous mother, Maribel Guardia, who performs in an outdoor singing and tap-dancing scene.
George Gamble and Nancy White Gamble, executive producers of "Centurion: The Dancing Stallion," were among the legions of film and music artists who offered condolences to the Costa Rican actress after her son's sudden untimely death. (Joan Sebastian died in 2015.)
“We are honored to have seen Julián's magnificent talents firsthand: songwriting, singing and acting," the couple wrote. "He was kind, affectionate, a loving son, father, and loving friend; he was a true gentleman. We were exceptionally proud of his work on behalf of our film, and even more proud of the good man he was."
Audiences will first hear Figueroa's contributions toward the middle of the film.
In previous screen appearances, Figueroa portrayed Leonardo Santos, a young man from a family of truck drivers who dreamed of becoming a famous singer, in the TelevisaUnivision telenovela "Mi Camino es Amarte," alongside Gabriel Soto, Susana González, Sara Corrales, among others. It finished broadcasting in March.
Five of Julián Figueroa's most popular songs
"Ay Amor"
A highly danceable number with hints of country music in which violins and guitars stand out. It also was recorded in an English version for the soundtrack of the film "Centurion: The Dancing Stallion." The theme deals with a world traveler who wins the heart of a woman he meets while globe-trotting.
Yo sería
Written by Julián Figueroa, it was included in his album of the same name released in 2020. It relates the tale of a star-crossed couple forced to separate. Would they be happier in another life? The lively brass section helps supply the upbeat answer.
Volaré
One of his fatehr Joan Sebastian's signature songs that Julián decided to cover on an album released six years ago. It speaks of the quest for a supportive partner, who can jettison falsehoods and help you soar together. The official video was recorded in the colonial silver-mining town of Taxco in Mexico's Guerrero state.
25 rosas
Another Joan Sebastian standard, in which the singer pleads for his beloved's forgiveness, offering his heart in his hand and accompanied by a bouquet of 25 roses. This song was re-recorded by his Julián as part of his album “Volaré” and he performed it live at the Bandamax awards where his mother Maribel Guardia was present .
Un idiota
This is yet another of his father Joan Sebastian's classics that Julián decided to include on the album “Volaré." A repentant man who lost the love of his life knows that he doesn't deserve her forgiveness. Julián performed it live as a guest on several music shows.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
