Lucha Villa

Born in Ciudad Camargo in the mid-'30s, Lucha Villa, originally Luz Elena Bejarano, rose to fame as Mexico's renowned ranchera singer. She garnered attention for her successful film career, notably starring in the 1965 film El Gallo de Oro, and recorded hits like "Media Vuelta" by José Alfredo Jiménez. Villa's music and film work catered to rural and ranchera themes, resonating with audiences in the '60s, '70s, and '80s, earning her accolades such as the Ariel award for her role in Mecánica Nacional in 1973. She also paid tribute to artists like Jiménez and Juan Gabriel through her recordings.

Throughout her career, Lucha Villa's legacy as a prominent figure in Mexican music and film remained strong, with numerous albums and film appearances under her belt. Despite facing health challenges, such as a heart attack during surgery in 1997, Villa continued to perform and be recognized for her contributions to Mexican entertainment. Her enduring impact was acknowledged by fellow artists like Juan Gabriel, who honored her alongside Lola Beltran and Amalia Mendoza in his 1996 album Las Tres Señoras.