The Duranguense group El Trono de México was formed in 2002 by four Mexican musicians living and playing local parties in North Carolina. ∙ In 2009, their single “Almas Gemelas” was nominated for Best Regional Mexican Song at the Latin Grammy Awards. ∙ Their 2010 LP, Quiero Decirte Que Te Amo, topped Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart—their first of four No. 1s in a five-year span. ∙ At 2011’s inaugural Billboard Mexican Music Awards, the band was nominated in five categories, including Artist of the Year. ∙ Lead singer Everardo Avila recorded his first solo album in 2015—the first of a pair honoring his musical influences, Juan Gabriel and Joan Sebastian.