José Manuel Mijares Morán (born 7 February 1958 in Mexico City) is an adult-contemporary pop singer who is billed as Manuel Mijares (pronounced [manˈwel miˈxaɾes]) or simply as Mijares. He began his career at age 23 and achieved high popularity from the mid-80s to mid 90s in Latin America and Japan mainly. From 1997 to 2011 he was married to Mexican singer/actress Lucero, with whom he has two children.

Born in Hospital Español in Mexico City in 1958, Mijares is the son of doctor José María Mijares and dance teacher María del Pilar Morán. His grandparents were Asturian immigrants who arrived in Veracruz. He has three brothers: José Luis, Jorge, and Pilar. His mother influenced his artistic direction, and as a child, he was part of the elementary school chorus. He later formed musical groups with friends. As an adult, he received a degree in business administration from the Intercontinental University (Universidad Intercontinental México).

On March 4, 2011, after 14 years of marriage, he and Lucero announced their separation to the media.

He made his professional debut in 1981 in a local festival called Valores Juveniles. After living in Japan, where he performed in a nightclub, Mijares worked as a background singer for Latin pop star Emmanuel.

In 1985, he represented Mexico in the OTI Festival, earning "Revelation of the Festival". In 1986, he started his solo career after signing with EMI, issuing a self-titled album that featured his first international hits: "Bella" ("Beautiful woman"), "Soñador" ("Dreamer"), "Poco a poco" ("Little by little") and "Siempre" ("Always"), the latter composed by the Nicaraguan songwriter Hernaldo Zúñiga. His debut album was originally credited to "Manuel Mijares", but the disc was later reissued with the billing changed to simply "Mijares." All subsequent recordings were billed under the name "Mijares."

He made his debut as an actor in the 1987 movie Escápate Conmigo. The film was a hit, but his acting career has been limited to cameos, however it was on that shoot he met his wife.

The album Amor y Rock And Roll was released the same year, achieving more success through the single "No se murió el amor" ("The love did not die"), it was his breakout release around the world, it became a number one hit in Mexico and top ten in Japan in the summer of 1987. The album's second single "Un montón de verano" ("A heap of summer"), is also a Hernaldo Zúñiga's composition. Mijares earned the gold medal at the Yamaha Music Festival, something that few Latin singers have achieved.

Both Uno Entre Mil (1988) and Un Hombre Discreto (1989) continued his winning streak, achieving gold and platinum certification. Singles included "Soldado del amor" ("Soldier of love"), "Uno entre mil" ("One among a thousand"), "Baño de Mujeres" ("Ladies Room") and "Para Amarnos Más" ("To love each other more"), it was the biggest hit from the album, the single reached the top position in Mexico, Argentina and Spain; it also peaked at number three on the U.S Hot Latin Tracks chart.