Mexico

Affectionately known as "the Queen of the Ranchera," Mexican singer Aida Cuevas has influenced such artists as Linda Ronstadt and Mariachi Mujer 2000, an all-female group from Los Angeles for whom she serves as "official" godmother. A regular performer on the Hispanic television variety show Siempre en Domingo, Cuevas is a master of the mariachi art song, setting her country-tinged rancheras to uplifting mariachi accompaniment. Cuevas often performs with her brother, bolero vocalist Carlos Cuevas. ~ Craig Harris