Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico – Vicente Fernández, whose five-decade career in ranchera music and film made him an essential part of Mexican pop culture, died Sunday at the age of 81, according to a message posted on his official Instagram account.
According to statements by his medical team, the artist known as “the king” of ranchera music had been in and out of the intensive care unit since early August, after suffering a serious fall that injured his cervical spine and developing pneumonia.
Nicknamed “El Charro de Huentitán” for the town where he was born in the western state of Jalisco, he was best known for his songs Volver, Volver; Por Tu Maldito Amor, and El Rey.
Fernández also appeared in countless Spanish language films from 1969 to 1991, acting in many and credited as a producer or assistant producer on a long slate. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was named Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy in 2002.
Fernández recorded more than 50 albums, sold more than 50 million records and appeared in more than 30 films. His work earned him three Grammy Awards, nine Latin Grammy Awards, and fourteen Lo Nuestro Awards.
His trademark was a charro suit, sombrero, thick mustache and long sideburns. Combined with his rich baritone, it made him a concert favorite throughout the world.
His live performances were a showcase for Mexican popular culture and Mexican national identity. Dressed in his characteristic traje charro, Fernández sang for hours in sports arenas, concert halls, nightclubs, and the occasional “Palenque” to euphoric audiences singing along with his every tune.
In 2016, Fernández retired from the stage with a final concert of nearly 50 songs at Mexico City’s Azteca stadium.
Source: Wikipedia
