José Antonio “Pepe” Aguilar Jiménez was born in San Antonio, Texas, during a tour by his legendary parents, Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre. He was raised in Zacatecas, Mexico, and made his musical debut at age three, accompanying his father onstage at Madison Square Garden. In his teenage years, he explored rock music and led a band called Equs before returning to regional Mexican music.

His solo career began in 1989 with Pepe Aguilar con Tambora, followed by Recuérdame Bonito in 1992, produced by Joan Sebastian. He rose to fame in 1998 with Por Mujeres Como Tú, which became a massive hit across Latin America. In 1999, he released Por el Amor de Siempre, featuring covers of 1970s classics, solidifying his artistic standing.

Throughout his career, he has released more than 30 solo albums and about 38 total including collaborations and reissues. Pepe has sold more than 13 million records worldwide. He has won four Grammy Awards and five Latin Grammy Awards for albums like Por Una Mujer Bonita and Historias de Mi Tierra. He has also received 19 Premio Lo Nuestro awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2005 and 2006, he won Grammys for Historias de Mi Tierra as Best Mexican/ Mexican-American Album. In 2007, 100% Mexicano earned him another Grammy in the same category.

His 2012 album Bicentenario earned him further acclaim and another Grammy. In 2025, he launched Mi Suerte Es Ser Mexicano, continuing his tribute to Mexican tradition, and his passion for the national sport, the Charreria.

Through his legacy, Pepe Aguilar has become one of the most influential figures in regional Mexican music—honoring tradition while constantly evolving the genre.