Born into a musical family from Tlacotepec in Guerrero, México, the voice of this generation, Latin Pop singer-songwriter, Luz Rios grew up in Cuernavaca, in the
Mexican state of Morelos.
As the 7th child in a family of 10, Luz Rios has always been in love with the art of music. One of her fondest moments was listening to an old radio for hours at a time learning every lyric to every song and gathering the rhythmic beats that accompanied the lyrics.
She discovered then a great love for mariachi music. "Having grown up in Mexico, I loved listening to mariachi. That's why even today when I get a chance to perform with mariachi I don't hesitate, I love it!" Says Luz, "There are so many artists in mariachi that inspire me. My favorite is Jose Alfredo Jimenez. He's an incredible interpreter and songwriter."
At the age of 8, Luz discovered her natural vocal ability in a Mother's Day singing contest where she took 2nd place with her rendition of "Papa" by Pedrito Fernandez. It was then Luz realized that music was her escape from the anxiety she felt as a result of her extreme shyness. She loved the feeling of being on stage, entertaining the crowd and the applauses she received due to her amazing vocal range. Music became her way of breaking into a world that triumphs on socialization while sharing her natural talents and love for the artistry.
At the tender age of 15, Luz and her family embarked on their journey to Southern California with the intent that Luz would pursue a musical career.
A teenage Luz, accompanied by four of her siblings formed the moniker band, Morelos Show, where Luz played the drums and sang lead vocals. The group became a fixture in the area receiving steady work in weddings, quiceañeras, nightclubs and church.
After three years with the group, Rios received her siblings' blessing to go solo. In 1999, Luz released her debut album, Ayer, Hoy y Siempre, a collection of pop ballads.
Luz subsequent releases saw her trying her hand at pop with her 2nd album in 2002 with De Mi Corazon; norteño music with her 3rd album in 2006 with the self titled Luz Rios, which featured three songs with Gerardo Padilla, one of the original members of
the famed group Limite, who coordinated the arrangements and played the accordion; and pop/rock with her 4th and most successful studio album, Aire.
The Grammy nominated Aire included the hit single by the same name and featured the great Mexican icon singer-songwriter Joan Sebastian on vocals. The song, written by Luz herself, proved to be so powerful, that Sebastian made a rare exception by singing it given that the legendary artist had only ever recorded his own compositions. "Aire" peaked at #32 on the Latin Billboard Charts and transformed Luz into a household
name. The singer received great critical acclaim and various industry accolades including Latin GRAMMY nominations for "Best New Artist" and "Best Female Pop Vocal Album". Later that year Luz would give an electrifying live performance at the 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards to over 12 million viewers.
In 2009, Luz released her 5th studio album, Humano, featuring the hit single "Es Lo Que Das Que Cuenta", a translation and adaptation of Vince Gill's "What You Give Away". The album also included a DVD of behind the scenes footage for her video "Aire" ft. Joan Sebastian.
After the much-welcomed success of her previous 5 albums, Luz released the Special Edition: De Luz Con Amor, a hits package that included "Navidad Feliz (La Guerra Se Acabo)", a Spanish version of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)."
Each one of Luz' album has been released from her independent record label, LCR Records, which allows her with the opportunity to not be limited to a genre but have instead, the freedom to showcase her unique sound by completely reinventing herself with each album.
Now Luz is ready to showcase the brighter side of life with her 7th studio album, yet to be titled, featuring the hit single "I Love You Boy". The song, which flawlessly
showcases Luz' masterful vocal ability, has already caused a stir in the music industry due to its 50's fun California vibe—a departure in sound for Luz. The new album can only be described as uplifting and in the true sense of the word—fun. Mixed in it is a fusion of reggae, cumbia, modern sounds, and ballads. This new album will surely bring a smile to people's faces allowing fans to relax from life struggles and become lost in the music.
Luz attributes her versatile style of music to her influences which include Timbiriche, Emmanuel, Agustin Lara, Lola Beltran, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, AC/DC, Metallica, Guns & Roses, Armando Manzanero, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Tupac
Shakur, Dr. Dre and the iconic salsa queen Celia Cruz. Her inspiration is a direct result of an eclectic musical taste that widely ranges from opera to even reggae.
Beyond the music, Luz is committed to contributing to the community. She has performed and supported charity events for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Los Angeles Children's Hospital, GRAMMY Museum and MusiCares.
Luz Rios' highly anticipated album is set to release later this year.
