Saul Viera was born in southern California to Mexican parents who hailed from Tierra Generosa, Nayarit. His career as a vocalist is a product of happenstance as much as artistic will and vision. One evening, Viera went out to a club with a group of friends. Arriving at an all but empty club, Viera decided to try his hand at singing, and took the stage, singing along with the radio. The club owner liked his voice so much that he invited Viera back on several occasions to sing. Viera became known as El Gavilancillo, and began singing on a full-time .