Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Juanes

How Juanes built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Juanes is a highly successful Colombian musician and singer, formerly with the rock band Ekhymosis. His solo career took off with his debut album Fíjate Bien in 2000. He has achieved significant commercial success, selling over 15 million records globally. He has also been recognized with numerous accolades, including 26 Latin Grammy Awards, solidifying his status as one of the best-selling Latin music artists.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1988: Formation of Ekhymosis and Album Release

In 1988, Juanes started the rock band Ekhymosis and the band released its debut album, Niño Gigante, the same year.

1988: Formation of Ekhymosis

In 1988, Juanes, at the age of 17, started his first band, Ekhymosis, marking the beginning of his musical journey.

1992: "Solo" popularity

In 1992, the track "Solo" from the album Niño Gigante by Ekhymosis achieved considerable popularity.

1997: Ekhymosis break up

In 1997, after the band Ekhymosis broke up, Juanes decided to continue as a solo artist.

1998: Disbandment of Ekhymosis

In 1998, Juanes disbanded the group Ekhymosis to pursue a solo career, marking a turning point in his musical path.

2000: Release of Fíjate Bien

In 2000, Juanes released his album Fíjate Bien, which earned him three Latin Grammys.

2002: Release and success of Un Día Normal

In 2002, Juanes released Un Día Normal, produced by Gustavo Santaolalla, which achieved great success in America and earned multiple certifications.

September 2004: Release of Mi Sangre and Controversy

In September 2004, Juanes released Mi Sangre which debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Latin Albums. The song "La Camisa Negra" was used in Italy in support of neo-fascism, leading to controversy.

2004: Release of Mi Sangre

In 2004, Juanes released his third album, Mi Sangre, which became an international bestseller.

November 2005: Honored at Adopt-A-Minefield Gala

On 15 November 2005, Juanes was honored at Sir Paul McCartney's Adopt-A-Minefield annual benefit gala for his work as a Goodwill Ambassador for United for Colombia.

December 2005: Performance at FIFA World Cup Gala

On December 9, 2005, Juanes performed "La camisa negra" at an international gala in Germany celebrating the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final Draw evening.

April 2006: Performance before the European Parliament

On 19 April 2006, Juanes performed before the European Parliament as part of a campaign to increase awareness against the use of landmines, making him the first singer to perform in the hemicycle. He also received an escopetarra, which he later sold for US$17,000.

May 2006: Benefit concert for injured children

On 24 May 2006, Juanes held a benefit concert in conjunction with KLVE and Univision, raising approximately US$350,000 to care for injured children, provide prosthetics, wheelchairs, and land rehabilitation.

June 2006: Year-long Sabbatical

In June 2006, Juanes began a year-long sabbatical to spend time with his family.

July 2006: Awarded L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

On 19 July 2006, Juanes was awarded L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, the highest cultural honor given by France, and was declared "Knight in the order of Arts and Letters" for his work in social activism.

December 2006: Construction begins on "Parque Juanes de la Paz"

In December 2006, work began on the "Parque Juanes de la Paz", a recreational park for the rehabilitation of the handicapped in Medellín, with completion expected by May 2007.

2006: Duet with Tony Bennett

In 2006, Juanes recorded a duet of "The Shadow of Your Smile" with Tony Bennett for Bennett's album Duets: an American Classic.

2006: Collaboration with Nelly Furtado

In 2006, Juanes worked with Nelly Furtado on "Te busqué", a single from her album Loose.

May 2007: Expected completion of "Parque Juanes de la Paz"

By May 2007, the recreational park named "Parque Juanes de la Paz" for the rehabilitation of the handicapped in Medellín was expected to be completed.

October 2007: Launch of 4J Music Label and new Album

In October 2007, Juanes planned to launch his own music label named 4J, to be distributed by Universal Music Group. He was also working on a new album, titled La Vida... Es Un Ratico.

October 2007: Release of La Vida... Es Un Ratico

In October 2007, Juanes released the album La Vida... Es Un Ratico, featuring the singles "Me Enamora", "Gotas de Agua Dulce", and "Tres".

October 23, 2007: Release Date Confirmed for 'La Vida... Es Un Ratico'

Juanes was working on the release of album 'La Vida... Es Un Ratico' on October 23, 2007.

December 2007: Nobel Peace Prize Concert Performance

In December 2007, Juanes performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway, which was broadcast live to over 100 countries.

2007: Release of La Vida... Es Un Ratico

In 2007, Juanes released the album La Vida... Es Un Ratico, adding to his discography.

November 2008: Re-release of La vida... es un ratico (en vivo)

On 24 November 2008, Juanes re-released the album La vida... es un ratico (en vivo) [Deluxe Edition][2 CD/DVD Combo], which contained unreleased songs, live versions, and a duet with Colbie Caillat.

August 2009: Consideration of canceling peace concert

On 20 August 2009, Juanes announced he had considered canceling the peace concert due to safety concerns for himself and his family.

August 2009: Announcement of second 'Peace Without Borders' concert

On 5 August 2009, it was announced that Juanes would hold his second "Peace Without Borders" concert in Havana's Plaza de la Revolución on 20 September 2009.

September 2009: "Peace Without Borders" concert held in Havana

On 20 September 2009, Juanes held his second "Peace Without Borders" concert in Havana's Plaza de la Revolución.

2010: FIFA World Cup Concert & Macy's Parade

In 2010, Juanes performed in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kickoff Concert and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. He also released his album P.A.R.C.E.

2010: Release of P.A.R.C.E.

In 2010, Juanes released his album P.A.R.C.E., further solidifying his career.

2010: Previous album release

Loco de Amor is Juanes' first album since P.A.R.C.E. which was released in 2010.

February 2012: Recording of MTV Unplugged

In February 2012, Juanes recorded a live album, Juanes MTV Unplugged, under the direction of Juan Luis Guerra.

April 2013: Release of Chasing The Sun

In April 2013, Juanes released his autobiography titled Chasing The Sun, sharing his life story through narratives and pictures.

June 2013: Spanish-language public service announcement for HIV/AIDS awareness

In June 2013, Juanes appeared in a Spanish-language public service announcement for HIV/AIDS awareness in partnership with Lifebeat, the Centers for Disease Control, and MTV, encouraging HIV testing.

March 2014: Release of Loco de Amor

On 11 March 2014, Juanes released his sixth studio album Loco de amor by Universal Music Latino.

2015: Release of Loco de Amor

In 2015, Juanes released the album Loco de Amor, adding to his collection of musical works.

May 2017: Release of Mis planes son amarte

On 12 May 2017, Juanes released Mis planes son amarte, accompanied by a space-themed visual album. The album also marks Juanes's first song in English, "Goodbye for Now".

June 2017: Collaboration with Mon Laferte

In June 2017, Juanes collaborated with Chilean singer Mon Laferte on the cumbia-influenced single "Amárrame".

2017: Juanes discusses recording in other languages

In 2017, Juanes discussed his experience recording songs in languages other than Spanish, stating, "It's hard when you have to change the way your muscles work". He also mentioned he doesn't want to go full crossover.

2017: Release of Mis planes son amarte

In 2017, Juanes released his album Mis planes son amarte, continuing to explore new musical territories.

May 2018: Collaboration with Raymix and Starlite Performance

In 2018, Mexican singer Raymix included Juanes in a version of his song "Oye Mujer". Also in May 2018, Juanes presented "Pa' Dentro" at Starlite Festival.

May 2018: Tiny Desk Concert with Mon Laferte

On 23 May 2018, Juanes performed with Mon Laferte as part of National Public Radio's Tiny Desk Concerts series.

January 2019: Release of La Plata

On 10 January 2019, Juanes released his first single of the year, «La plata», which features the participation of Colombian singer Lalo Ebratt.

December 2019: Release of Más futuro que pasado

In December 2019, Juanes released the album Más futuro que pasado, which features collaborations with various artists and blends traditional and modern musical styles.

2019: Release of Más Futuro Que Pasado

In 2019, Juanes released the album Más Futuro Que Pasado, showcasing his evolving musical style.

2019: Honored as Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year

In 2019, Juanes was honored as the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year.

May 2021: Release of 'Origen' Album

In May 2021, Juanes released his 10th studio album, Origen, which consists of twelve covers spanning his musical influences, including Bruce Springsteen, Juan Luis Guerra, and Bob Marley. A documentary was released on Amazon Prime alongside the album.