There is a good chance that Don Vicente Fernández, better known as “El Charro de Huentitán” and the “King of Rancheras,” is included in more than simply the record collection of your parents who are Mexican.
Throughout his career, Chente, as his fans affectionately refer to him, has distinguished himself by taking Mexican music worldwide and throwing the most extended concerts on the most renowned stages.
In doing so, he has not only made a name for himself but also made a name for the popular love ballads and ranchera music that are characteristic of Mexico.
His songs inspire people in Latin American countries, Mexico, and the United States, shaping cultures and musical tastes as his ranchers cast stories of sorrow, hope, love, and especially Mexican pride for all to enjoy.
Five years after he announced his farewell on the stage, his songs continue to be an inspiration to people in these countries.
This week, a fall left him in serious condition, and as the world waits for news of his recovery, we will tell you a little bit about the Mexican mariachi star who has indelibly left his stamp on the music scene in the United States.
He is known for his contributions to the genre of mariachi music.
Vicente Fernandez Sisters, Maria del Refugio And Teresa
Two of Vicente Fernandez’s siblings were from his parents’ previous marriage. The singer has two sisters, Maria del Refugio and Teresa, who also go by Teresa.
On February 17, 1940, he was born in Huentitán El Alto, in the state of Jalisco in Mexico. The singer’s mother and father brought him up in their little town.
He would call his sister when the singer would play with plasticine and build things like a ranch, cows, and roads.
In the past, Maria del Refugio had feelings of envy toward his brother, even though the two were quite close.
The guitarist was given a guitar when he was eight years old. When Fernandez was a kid, he first picked up a guitar and started playing.
During that period, the vocalist is even studying flok music. The musician relocated to Tijuana with his family after finishing elementary school there. Before beginning a music career, the singer tried several different occupations.
Chara’s family will participate in the mass that will be held at Rancho El Tres Potrillos to present Mr. Vicente Fernández Gomez’s body. (Image courtesy of Instagram)
He worked as a bricklayer, painter, and cabinetmaker as a teenager in the Fernandez family.
In addition, the singer was known to sing the sand song when she was at work. As a direct consequence, numerous construction businesses extended job offers to him.
After that, the singer was offered a position as a cashier in a restaurant that his uncle owned.
At 14, Fernandez began performing at bars and restaurants, and weddings. Even further, the vocalist became a member of a Mariachi band, which serves a religious style of music from Mexico.
The Mariachi Amanecer de Pepe Mendoza and the Mariachi de José Luis Aguilar included him as a member at one point.
Amanecer Tapatio was a radio competition that Fernandez took part in. As a direct consequence, the locals were familiar with the singer.
Furthermore, at the age of 21, the singer made her debut appearance on the television program, La Calandria Musical. The artist revealed that it was the very first paid gig of her entire career.
Fernandez Family And Parents
Fernandez is his parent’s lone child and the only son they have ever had. The singer’s mother and mother-in-law are Ramón Fernández Barba and Mara Paula Gómez Ponce.
Furthermore, they were blessed with three delightful children – Teresa, Vicente, and Maria del Refugio.
Olga Worman, the author, referred to Fernandez in The Last King, which was not allowed as part of his work.
He was the only boy in his family, and his parents and sister doted on him tremendously. After some time, the singer launched his career as a professional musician.
Vicente Fernandez Wife Maria del Refugio Abarca
On December 27, 1963, Fernandez wed the woman who would become his cherished wife, Maria del Refugio Abarca Villaseor.
Also, the singer’s wife is a well-known figure in Mexican media known as Vicente’s Window. The beginning of the 1960s marked the beginning of the couple’s romance.
The marriage between Fernandez and his wife lasted for almost sixty years. Even the couple had no problem welcoming four kids. On July 23, 1946, Maria was born in the city of Guadalajara, which is located in Mexico.
The age of the singer’s spouse at the moment is 76 years old. She was born in Mexico and held Mexican citizenship.
Maria is of Latina descent and was born and raised in Mexico City. Her native language is Spanish. She was the younger of two children. In addition to this, Gloria is the singer’s future sister-in-law.
Maria took Alejandra in as her child after adopting her from her sister.
Around the time when they were expecting their first child, Vicente, the couple found themselves in a difficult financial situation.
Vicente Fernandez Career
Fernández became a professional after ten years. Fernández became renowned in music after the 1973 death of rancher José Alfredo Jiménez.
Fernando Z. Maldonado wrote “Volver Volver” in 1972. His 1976 record of the same name made him famous in the US and across America.
About twenty artists covered that song, including Chavela Vargas, Ry Cooder, and Nana Mouskouri.
Fernández’s 1980s rancheras focused on migration rather than bolero ranchero. The patriotic and masculine clichés in Los Mandados were designed to reference Mexican immigrants to the US.
During these years, he built “Los 3 Potrillos,” his main recording studio. 15 Grandes con el Numero One sold over one million copies in 1983. Fifty-four thousand people attended his 1984 Plaza de Toros performance in Mexico.
In a press conference on February 8, 2012, he surprised everyone by announcing his retirement from live performance.
He has claimed that he will continue to record albums and that the choice was not inspired by health worries but by the desire to enjoy his profession.
Two months later, while on a farewell tour of the country and Latin America, he and his son Vicente Jr. released Los 2 Vicentes, which included the Amor Bravo theme song.
Fernández performed during the 2013 Un Azteca En El Azteca retirement event at Estadio Azteca.
He and Tony Bennett recorded “Return to Me” for Viva Duets at his ranch in Guadalajara the same year. Bennett recorded the song in Spanish that year.
Bennett called Fernández “his favourite” player in a later interview. He also won the 2013 Latin Grammy for his 2012 album Hoy. “Muriendo de Amor” (2015) and “Mano, a Mano, tangos a la manera de Vicente Fernández” (2014) followed.
He won his second Grammy nomination for Best Regional Mexican Album and a Latin Grammy for Best Ranchera Album for the latter.
What happened to the Vicente Fernandez sisters?
Nothing happened to them. But Vicente suffered After falling at a ranch near Guadalajara, Mexico, on August 6, 2021, he was taken to the hospital.
He fought bravely, but on December 12, 2021, at age 81, he lost his fight for life.
How old is Vicente Fernandez?
At the time of his passing, he had already lived 81 years.
Vicente Fernandez’s Net Worth
On the day he passed away, his wealth was estimated to be worth $25 million.