Saul Viera was one of the most popular and influential singers of corridos, a genre of Mexican folk music that narrates stories of heroes, outlaws, love, and violence. He was known as “El Gavilancillo” (The Little Sparrowhawk) for his powerful and distinctive voice. He recorded 16 albums in his short but prolific career, and left behind a legacy of songs that are still played and admired by fans of regional Mexican music.
However, Saul Viera also met a tragic and violent end, similar to his predecessor and idol Chalino Sánchez, who was also murdered in 1992. In this article, we will explore the life and death of Saul Viera, and the impact he had on the norteño music scene.
Early Life and Career
Saul Viera was born on February 14, 1975 in California, United States, to Mexican parents. He grew up listening to norteño music, especially Chalino Sánchez, who inspired him to become a singer. He started singing at parties and gatherings with his friends, and soon caught the attention of Don Abel Orozco, the owner of Parral and Discos Linda, a record label that specialized in corridos.
Don Abel was looking for a Chalino-style singer, and he saw potential in Saul Viera. He hired him and gave him the opportunity to record his first album in 1995. The album was titled “El Gavilancillo” and included songs such as “Querido Amigo”, “La Piedra”, and “Flor de Dalia”, which became hits among the norteño audience.
Saul Viera quickly rose to fame and popularity in Los Angeles, where he performed regularly at nightclubs such as Parral and El Farallón. He also toured across the United States and Mexico, attracting large crowds of fans who admired his charisma and talent. He recorded 15 more albums between 1995 and 1998, collaborating with other artists such as Los Cuates de Sinaloa, Los Canelos de Durango, Los Razos de Sacramento y Reynaldo, and El As de la Sierra.
The Night of His Death
On April 11, 1998, Saul Viera was performing at El Farallón nightclub in Lynwood, California. He finished his show around 2:30 a.m. and left with his girlfriend to have breakfast at a nearby Denny’s restaurant in Bellflower. As they were walking to their car in the parking lot, a man approached them and called out to Saul Viera. According to ABTC, the man then pulled out a gun and shot Saul Viera several times in the chest. His girlfriend was not injured, but she witnessed the whole scene.
The shooter fled the scene and was never identified or captured. The motive for the murder remains unknown, but some speculate that it could have been related to drug trafficking, jealousy, or revenge. Saul Viera was rushed to a hospital, but he died shortly after from his wounds. He was only 23 years old.
His Legacy and Influence
Saul Viera’s death shocked and saddened his fans and fellow musicians. He was buried at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Montebello, California. His tombstone bears a plaque that reads:
Dear son, brother and father Saul Viera “El Gavilancillo” Feb. 14, 1975 + Apr. 11, 1998 Do not cry for me dear family That I have not died, I only sleep Here I was never yours I always belonged to God And he has come to take me home
Saul Viera’s music lives on through his recordings and his loyal followers. He is considered one of the legends of corridos, along with Chalino Sánchez, El Halcón de la Sierra, El As de la Sierra, Adán Sánchez (Chalino’s son), and others who also died young and violently. His songs are still played on radio stations and online platforms that cater to regional Mexican music fans.
Saul Viera’s style influenced many other singers who emerged after him, such as Gerardo Ortiz, Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho, El Komander, Calibre 50, Regulo Caro, Alfredo Olivas, among others. He is also remembered for his contribution to the norteño genre as one of its most beloved singers of corridos.
Saul Viera cause of death was a tragic event that cut short the life of a talented and promising artist. However, his legacy remains alive through his music and his fans who continue to honor him as one of the greatest corrido singers of all time.
