b. José Manuel Figueroa, c. 1956, Juliantla, Mexico. After studying at a local seminary, Sebastian began writing songs, many of which were picked up by popular Mexican singers. Adopting his stage name in recognition of the town of San Sebastian where he worked for a while, Sebastian gradually developed his popularity as a singer owing in part to appearances on television. These include a talent show, in which he had little success, and a role in the popular mid-90s series Tú Y Yo. In this show he appeared with actress Maribel Guardia to whom he was married for a while and with whom he had a son. Through various relationships, he has eight children in all, although one son was fatally shot after a Sebastian concert in Texas in 2006.
Blending contemporary pop with traditional ranchera, Sebastian has built a large fanbase in Mexico and has steadily extended his following wherever Latin American music is played. His repertoire, much of which he has composed himself, includes ‘Veinticinco Rosas’, ‘Lobo Domesticado’, ‘Rumores’, ‘Oiga’, ‘Hasta Que Amanezca’, ‘Sembrador De Amor’, ‘Y Las Mariposas’, ‘No Le Tengas Compasion’, ‘Hay Un Tren A Las Cinco’, ‘Alma De Nina’. Known as El Rey Del Jaripeo, Sebastian has twice received the Songwriter Of The Universe Award and also the Silver Pen Award in 2000 for his song ‘Secreto De Amor’. Although Sebastian was diagnosed with cancer in 1999, he maintained his touring and recording schedule into the early 00s.
