Trivia

At age 17, he left the Catholic seminary where he was training to become a priest to pursue a career in music.

Released his first music album in 1975.

Had a son with Maribel Guardia named Marcos Julián (Julián Figueroa).

Father of José Manuel Figueroa.

He was a fan of Mexican bull riding (jaripeo) and often performed at rodeos.

Wrote songs based on personal experiences.

Briefly considered becoming a priest, but decided to pursue a professional music career at the age of 17.

Recorded his first few singles under his real name José Manuel Figueroa for Capitol Records in Mexico. In 1976, he went to Discos Musart, where an executive suggested he change his name. He settled on Joan Sebastian, partly to honor the plains of San Sebastián in his native town of Juliantla.

Was a popular Mexican multi Grammy award winning singer and songwriter.

Was first diagnosed with bone cancer in 1999. He fought it off in 2007 and 2012 before a final recurrence in 2014.

Inducted into the Billboard Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2006 for his prolific songwriting and musical arrangements.

Won seven Latin Grammy Awards and five Grammy Awards.

Dave Harrison, mayor of the City of Liberal, Kansas, proclaimed Friday, August 16, 2013 as "Joan Sebastian Day".

Was one of the most prolific songwriters in Latin music.

Composed hundreds of songs for many prominent Latin artists, including Antonio Aguilar, Pepe Aguilar, Lucero, Lorenzo Antonio, Alberto Vázquez, Alicia Villarreal, Beatriz Adriana, Banda Cuisillos, Alejandro Fernández, Conjunto Primavera, Banda Cariñosa, José Manuel Figueroa, Maribel Guardia, Diego Verdaguer, Alacranes Musical, Rocío Dúrcal y Vicente Fernández.

Known as "El Rey del Jaripeo" (the King of Mexican Rodeo) for his love of the sport and his habit of performing on horseback.

In March 2014, he announced in front of 20,000 fans at his performance in Mexico City that he was retiring from the "jaripeos" shows that had him singing in a rodeo atop a horse. The 63-year-old legend told fans: "I always thought that I would ride for the rest of my days but for the love that I have for my health, my family, and my fans I must listen to my doctors, they told me I can no longer ride, I love horses and singing, but I love my life more".

Had eight children with five different partners throughout his life. Had three sons with his first wife Teresa González named José Manuel (José Manuel Figueroa Jr), Juan Sebastián, and Trigo de Jesús; one daughter with Mary Carmen named Zarelea; one son with Maribel Guardia named Marcos Julián (Julián Figueroa); one daughter with Érika Alonso named Juliana; and two daughters with Alina Espín named Joana Marcelia, and D'Yavé.

His eldest son, Trigo, was shot in the back of the head after one of Joan Sebastian's concert in Texas on August 27, 2006. Trigo had been trying to control the crowd after the show. He was transported to McAllen Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Passed away in his ranch located in Juliantla, Guerrero, Mexico at 7:15pm (local time).

His son, Juan Sebastián, was shot dead in Cuernavaca, Morelos, after arriving at a night club with some friends and being refused entrance on June 12, 2010.

His lucky number was 13. The number was present in his life in many ways.

Got his first guitar at the age of 13, a gift from his father.

Has a brother named Federico Brito Figueroa.

Migrated to Chicago in 1973, working as a car salesman, and singing occasionally at bars, where he made $50 dollars per night.