Legendary Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez dead at 81
GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Legendary Mexican singer Vicente Fernández, known as “Rey de la Música Ranchera,” died Sunday in a hospital in Guadalajara, according to a post on his official Instagram account. He was 81.
>> PHOTOS: Vicente Fernandez through the years
Fernández had been in poor health since August when he suffered a cervical spine injury after a fall. The injury forced the mariachi legend to be placed on a ventilator.
“It was an honor and a great pride to share with everyone his great musical career,” Fernández’s post read. “He gave everything to his audience.”
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According to The Associated Press, Fernández sold more than 65 million albums, starred in more than 35 movies and won many awards, including three Grammys and eight Latin Grammys.
The Houston Chronicle in October 1991 called Fernández the (Frank) Sinatra of ranchera music.
“He’s the supreme singer; the man who does things his way,” the newspaper reported.
>> Iconic Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez on ventilator after suffering fall
Fernández was known affectionately to his fans as “Chente” and delighted them with his distinctive charro outfit, wide sombrero and mariachi ensemble, KABC reported.
Fernández — who was also known as El Ídolo de México (the Mexican Idol) was born and raised in Guadalajara, where he began his musical career as a street performer, People reported. He was signed by Mexico’s CBS Records in 1966, the magazine reported.
In 1971, he released his first film, “Tacos al carbón” People reported. His movies included his mariachi songs and covers of rancheras by José Alfredo Jiménez and Javier Solís.
He formally retired from performing in 2016, KTLA reported. He came out of retirement three years later to give a special performance during the Latin Grammy Awards with his son, Alejandro Fernández, and his grandson, Alex Fernández, the television station reported.
Here are some memorable photos of Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez through the years.
1976: Spanish singer Massiel with Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez in Madrid, Spain, in 1976.
1998: Mariachi singer Vicente Fernandez leaves a ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard after he got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Nov. 11, 1998.
2000: Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez performs at the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia.
2002: Vicente Fernandez at the third annual Latin Grammy Awards show at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, in 2002.
2006: Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez performs at the Mexican TV host Raul Velascos tribute Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006, in Acapulco City, Mexico.
2008: Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez, right, kisses his daughter-in-law and TV host Mara Patricia Castaneda during the presentation of the new Mexican soap opera "Fuego en La Sangre" or "Fire in the Blood" at the Tres Potrillos ranch on the outskirts of Guadalajara, Mexico, on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008.
2009: Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez performs during a free concert during Valentine’s Day in Mexico City’s Zocalo on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009. Thousands gathered in Mexico City’s central plaza to pucker up for peace and break the world record for the largest number of people kissing at one time.
2010: Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez performs in concert in Monterrey, Mexico, on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010.
2011: Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez performs during the opening ceremonies for the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011.
2012: Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez, left, shakes hands with Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez at Miraflores Presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. Chavez decorated Fernandez with the medal "Orden del Libertador," or "Order of the Liberator."
2015: Mexico’s "King of Ranchera" Vicente Fernandez poses for photographers during a news conference in Tlajomulco de Zuniga, Mexico, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015.
2016: Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez performs at a free concert at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Saturday, April 16, 2016.