Mariachi and ranchera are the signature sounds of Mexico. Known for flamboyant costumes and sentimental songs, mariachi music evolved from Mexican son in the early 20th century. While José Alfredo Jiménez and Vicente Fernández epitomize its theatrically romantic maximalism, Vargas de Tecalitlán brought an artier version to the U.S. while touring with Linda Ronstadt. Originally part of the mariachi repertoire, ranchera (i.e., ranch music) songs about love, nation, and nature were popularized by magnificent midcentury singers like falsetto king Miguel Aceves Mejía, Lola Beltrán, and, more recently, soft-rocking star Juan Gabriel.