Jose Alfredo Jimenez Discografia Completa Upd -

José Alfredo Jiménez , known as "El Rey" of Mexican ranchera music, left a massive legacy of over 1,000 songs. His discography is a complex landscape of original studio recordings and countless posthumous compilations and tributes. Essential Studio Albums

These albums represent the core of his recording career, often featuring the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Si Nos Dejan

José Alfredo Jiménez , often called "El Rey," was a prolific Mexican singer-songwriter whose discography spans over 1,000 songs

. While he recorded many albums during his lifetime (1926–1973), his work continues to be released in various remastered collections, anthologies, and thematic series. Core Studio & Notable Historical Albums

These albums represent key eras of his recording career, often featuring his legendary collaborations with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and Banda El Recodo. Ella... la que se fue (1958) : One of his earliest definitive ranchera collections. La Enorme Distancia (1961)

: Features some of his most heartbreaking classic rancheras. Cuando Lloran los Hombres Vol. IV (1964) : A cornerstone of his mid-career recordings. El Cristo de la Montaña

: A collection highlighting his religious and regional themes. El Cantinero (1971) jose alfredo jimenez discografia completa upd

: Released toward the end of his life, capturing his late-career depth. Gracias (1972)

: His "farewell" album where he famously thanks his audience; recorded with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Key Compilations & Anthologies

Because Jiménez's influence is so vast, many "complete" sets are actually curated collections of his greatest hits.

José Alfredo Jiménez Discography: Vinyl, CDs, & More | Discogs

The discography of José Alfredo Jiménez , Mexico's most iconic ranchera singer-songwriter, includes over 150 albums, ranging from original LPs recorded during his lifetime to extensive posthumous collections and remaster projects. During his active career, he recorded approximately 20 long-playing (LP) albums.  Essential Studio Albums (Lifetime Releases) 

These albums represent the core of his work with major labels like RCA Víctor.  José Alfredo Jiménez , known as "El Rey"

The CBS / Columbia Years (The Mature Poet)

In 1964, Jiménez switched labels, gaining artistic control. This era produced his most complex works.

• 1964 – Viejos Amigos

  • Featuring: Duets with Lola Beltrán. Status: Reissued in 2024 as part of the "Mexico de Oro" series.

• 1965 – José Alfredo Jiménez con el Mariachi México

  • Rare Gem: "El Rey" (The original studio version). Note: This is NOT the live version everyone knows. It is slower, sadder, and superior.

• 1967 – Ella

  • The Masterpiece: Re-recording of his greatest hits with modern (for 1967) arrangements.
  • Updated Note: The 2023 remaster removes the excessive reverb of the 90s CD transfer.

• 1969 – La Sombra de Mi Amor

  • Experimental: First album to include a requinto (Hawaiian guitar) on a ranchera track: "Amanecí en Tus Brazos."

• 1971 – Gracias

  • The Farewell (Pre-illness): He knew his liver was failing. The song "Gracias" is a letter to his fans.

• 1973 – El Cantinero (Posthumous release)

  • Final Studio Sessions: Recorded three weeks before his death. His voice is a ghost—fragile but devastating on "Un Dolor y un Clavel."

Part 4: The Complete Song List (The 300+ Classics)

While a full list of 300 songs exceeds this article’s length, here is the updated ranking of his most covered tracks. Every single one is a must-have for your digital library.

1. "El Rey" (Live at Bellas Artes – 1972) – The unofficial national anthem of Mexico.
2. "Ella" (1956 version) – Best for heartbreak.
3. "Amanecí en Tus Brazos" (1969) – Made famous again by Javier Solís and Lana Del Rey’s sample in 2023.
4. "Un Mundo Raro" (1959) – A philosophical waltz.
5. "Si Nos Dejan" (1965) – The wedding song.
6. "El Jinete" (1957) – "Porque el rumbo... se lo lleva el viento."
7. "Camino de Guanajuato" (1957) – "No vale nada la vida / Sin un amor que sufrir."
8. "La Media Vuelta" (1960) – Made for karaoke fights.
9. "Te Solté la Rienda" (1965) – Machismo at its poetic peak.
10. "Cuando el Destino" (1961) – The hidden gem.

2024 Update: A viral TikTok trend revived "Corazón Corazón" (from 1967), resulting in a 300% increase in streams. Add this track to your playlist immediately.

The RCA Víctor Years (The Birth of a Legend)

• 1956 – El Rey (Not the famous later version; this 10” LP featured Ella and La Enorme Distancia)

  • Key Track: "Ella" – The song that made Mexico weep.
  • Format: Mono, Vinyl (Extremely rare; reissued in 2023 by Sony Legacy).

• 1957 – Canciones de José Alfredo Jiménez con Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán

  • Significance: The first time the greatest singer met the greatest mariachi.
  • Tracks: "El Jinete," "Camino de Guanajuato."

• 1959 – Los Éxitos de José Alfredo

  • Note: A compilation of his 78 RPM singles. Essential for collectors because it includes Un Mundo Raro.

• 1961 – Olvidame y Llama al Cura

  • Deep Cut: "Cuando el Destino" – One of his darkest waltzes.