Ha*Ash is a Mexican-American Latin pop duo from Lake Charles, Louisiana, formed in 2002 by sisters Hanna Nicole (born 1985) and Ashley Grace (born 1987). The group's name is a portmanteau of letters from their first names (Hanna + Ashley = Ha*Ash). They have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide and are recognized as one of Latin pop's most successful sister duos.
Background
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Also known as | The Sold-Out Queens, JACH |
| Origin | Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Genres | Country pop, Latin pop, pop rock, electropop, funk |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Label | Sony Music Latin |
| Members | Ashley Grace Pérez, Hanna Nicole Pérez |
| Website | ha-ash.com |
Early Life
Hanna and Ashley were born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Antonio and Mathilda Pérez. Their grandfather is of Mexican descent, and their grandmothers were of German and Spanish ancestry. They began performing in church at ages 4 and 5, touring Louisiana at age 12 and singing at fairs, rodeos, and even the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Because their father worked outside the U.S., the sisters spent half of each year in Mexico City and half in Lake Charles, perfecting their Spanish. Both hold Mexican and U.S. citizenship and reside in Houston, Texas.
Career
2002–2004: Formation and Self-Titled Debut
In April 2002, the sisters signed with Sony Music Latin and released their debut single "Odio Amarte." Their self-titled debut album HaAsh* (2003) peaked at No. 3 in Mexico and No. 19 on the U.S. Billboard Latin Pop Albums chart. It achieved platinum certification in Mexico.
2005–2007: Mundos Opuestos
Their second album, produced by Áureo Baqueiro, was released in 2005 and certified platinum in Mexico. It included the hit singles "Amor a Medias" and "¿Qué Hago Yo?"
2008–2010: Habitación Doble
Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, this album featured a collaboration with Brandi Carlile on "Already Home" (the group's first English-language song). It peaked at No. 6 in Mexico and was certified gold.
2011–2013: A Tiempo
This album featured a synth-pop sound and was certified double platinum in Mexico. The singles "Impermeable" and "Te Dejo en Libertad" reached No. 1 on Mexican charts. The group opened for Shakira during her The Sun Comes Out World Tour.
2014–2017: Primera Fila: Hecho Realidad
Their first live album, released in 2014, peaked at No. 1 in Mexico and was certified diamond. The single "Perdón, Perdón" achieved diamond certification, and "Lo Aprendí de Ti" became the first Spanish-language ballad to reach one billion views on YouTube.
2017–2019: 30 de Febrero
This album featured collaborations with Prince Royce and Abraham Mateo. The group won Best Latin America North Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards. They performed the U.S. national anthem at an NFL Monday Night Football game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
2020–Present: Haashtag and Beyond
Their sixth studio album Haashtag was released in 2022. In 2021, they contributed a cover of Metallica's "The Unforgiven" to The Metallica Blacklist compilation, with proceeds donated to Save the Children. Their most recent album, Haashville, was released in 2024.
Musical Style and Influences
Ha*Ash's music blends country pop, Latin pop, pop rock, electropop, and funk. They have cited Shania Twain, Loretta Lynn, Nat King Cole, Garth Brooks, The Chicks, and Patsy Cline as major influences.
Philanthropy
In 2005, the sisters opened their Louisiana home to Hurricane Katrina evacuees. In 2007, they founded Fondo Ha*Ash, a nonprofit supporting immigrants and children with HIV/AIDS. They have served as ambassadors for Save the Children since 2010 and have participated in relief efforts following earthquakes in Haiti, Chiapas, and Puebla.
Discography
- HaAsh* (2003)
- Mundos Opuestos (2005)
- Habitación Doble (2008)
- A Tiempo (2011)
- 30 de Febrero (2017)
- Haashtag (2022)
- Haashville (2024)
