Fernandez’s legacy continues to this day

Now that Hispanic Heritage Month has ended, it’s always good to recognize those in Mexico who have made a big impact in the hispanic community. and one of those people is Vicente Fernandez known as “Chente,” “El Charro de Huentitán,”  “El ídolo de México” and  “El Rey de la Música Ranchera.” 

He is a singer, song writer, actor  and film producer. His parents are Ramon Fernandez and Paula Gomez De Fernandez. Vicente was born on Feb. 17, 1940, in Huentitan El Alto Guadalajara, México. 

His life wasn’t the easiest. He had to drop out of school in fifth grade, and he would go and sing to people for pesos. At the age of 8 years old, he picked his first guitar up and quickly learned how to play as he started to study folklore music. 

He then  entered a singing contest in Guadalajara when he was 14 and won first place.  Fernandez later gained confidence and started playing in weddings and restaurants. HIs mother died from cancer when she was just 47 years old in 1963. In the early ’60s he had become somewhat well known and started singing with mariachi bands. In 1966 a popular singer named Javier Solis had passed away. 

Then discos CBS, a recording marketer, presented an offer for a recording contract to Fernandez. His first song was “Perdoname” (“forgive me”) in 1966.  He then starred in his first movie role called Tacos al Cabron from which he started to pursue his acting career. 

In 1991 he decided to quit his acting and started to focus more on his music. In the year 1998 his oldest son was kidnapped, but Fernandez continued to resume his tour; however, his son was released after four months with the exchange of $3.2 million. 

He has recorded over 50 albums in 35 years. He has also claimed to have recorded over 300 songs, creating another 30 albums even after his retirement. The singer’s huge success was the song “ Volver, Volver,” which was released in 1972. His first million-selling album was “15 Grandes con el Número Uno” in 1983.  

Clearly, Fernandez has had a lot of success in his music career, but, sadly, he announced his retirement on April 16, 2016.  His net worth is around $30 million.  

Fernandez did marry a woman in 1963. Her name is Maria del Refugio Abarca Villasenor, and they have four kids: Alejandra Fernandez, Alejandro Fernandez, Gerardo Fernandez and Vicente Fernandez, Jr. The couple’s oldest son, Alejandro Fernandez, is a  popular Mexican actor. 

Unfortunately, Mexico and all over the world were hit with a tremendous loss when Fernandez passed away on December 21, 2021.  He has touched the hearts of so many with his music, and legacy will carry on forever in the  Mexican music industry.