Vicente Fernández
If any artist is living proof that you can go from rags to riches by believing in yourself and loving your art, its the great VICENTE FERNANDEZ. The first 25 years of his life were very, very tough. But today, he is recognized around the world as the greatest living singer of Mexican ranchera music. Hes never forgotten the lessons of his youth and he still cherishes every new experience that makes him continue to grow as a person and as a singer.
He was born in the ranching community of Huentitán, Jalisco, on February 17, 1940. His family wasnt rich but it was hard-working, and he never questioned his obligation to help them out with expenses. He dropped out of school during fifth grade in order to milk cows alongside his father. At his tender age, Vicente had to do the physical work of a grown man. He cared for horses, worked in construction, and as a cashier, waiter, dishwasher and housepainter. Though he didnt have the childhood that every kid deserves, the jobs instilled in him a work ethic that would, years later, lead him to be able to do more for his family than he ever thought possible, in addition to being embraced by millions of fans.
Never able to shake off his love for singing, Vicente Fernández auditioned for the TV program La Calandria Musical, an experience that made him realize that music was something he wanted to pursue seriously, profesionally.
Vicente knew that if he was going to make it as a singer, hed have to move to Mexico City. There, he met up with Pepe Mendozas Mariachi Amanecer and another outstanding mariachero named José Luis Aguilar. Both would become invaluable mentors for the young, hardworking Vicente.
In 1963 a striking young beauty named María del Refugio Abarca Villaseñor makes Vicente, or El Charro de Huentitán (The Cowboy of Huentitán) as hes affectionately known, fall head over heels in love. Now, after over 40 years of marriage, this exceptional woman remains his rock, and his greatest inspiration.
Soon, María del Refugio was pregnant with their first son, Vicente Jr. But during the pregnancy, Vicentes mother, Paula Gómez de Fernández, died at the age of 47. To this day, Vicente wishes shed lived long enough for him to be able to provide her with the beautiful house and garden she deserved, and he still sings to her memory.
After months and months of arduous work, Vicente got the chance to sing in Mexico Citys prestigious Blanquita Theatre. But during one of his shows, tragedy again struck as Vicente was informed of his fathers death. A consummate professional, Vicente carried on the show with tears in his eyes, dedicating the rest of his performance to his father.
Continuing with his persistent ways, Vicente Fernández finally found himself the toast of the Televisa TV network with his hits Tu Camino y el Mío and Volver, Volver. Thanks to these two classics, Vicente rose to the top of his field and became friends with the well-known TV host Raúl Velasco.
Mexican Independence Day festivities marked another milestone in the career of the Charro de Huentitán, when he filled Plaza México with over 54,000 fans, an achievement that proved he had become one of the greats.
By 1997, Vicente Fernándezs worldwide sales had surpassed 42 million, and that year alone he sold one million units each in Central America, the U.S., and Mexico. Among the awards he received for his sales were Los Heraldos, The Silver Goddesses, and Billboard Latin Music Awards. Hes also received over five Grammy nominations.
Hollywood paid tribute to this icon in 1998 with a star on the Walk of Fame. The unveiling was attended by 6,000 fans eager to cheer on their beloved Mexican icon.
Befitting his status as this most Mexican of superstars, Vicente is feted every Mexican Independence Day (Sept. 16) by radio stations in Mexico, Latin America, and the U.S., that play his songs and dub the date Vicente Fernández Day.
The music-industry magazine Billboard honored Vicente in August 2002 with a special issue that dedicated 10 pages to his career and legacy.
Vicente Fernández is living history, a legend, an idol whos loved and will be loved for generations. He keeps touring and performing in the best venues, drawing thousands of fans for his shows, which just keep getting better. On Sept. 17, 2002, the Latin Recording Academy recognized Vicente as Person of the Year for his lifetime of achievements. That year, he also won the Best Ranchera Album Grammy for Más con el Número Uno.
And who else is more deserving of being El Número Uno than this icon, whos released over 75 albums of outstanding ranchera music?
Vicente, EL REY (The King), the greatest living singer of ranchera music and proudly Mexican, celebrated his 35th anniversary as a recording artist in 2002 with a tribute album to Mexicos most acclaimed composer of boleros Agustín Lara (1897-1970). Vicentes Lo Mejor de Lara was another critical and commercial success.
After keeping a professional distance from his son Alejandro for years, in order to let him build a solo career and identity on his own terms, Vicente reunited with his son in the early 2000s for the Lazos Invencibles (Unbreakable Ties) Tour and the 2002-03 Juntos por Última Vez (Together for the Last Time) Tour. Their successful performances in the U.S., Central America and South America concluded with a grand finale in Mexico Citys Foro Sol, attended by 60,000 fans. From this magical concert came the live album Vicente Fernández y Alejandro Fernández ... Juntos por Última Vez.
Vicentes next studio album Se Me Hizo Tarde la Vida was released in 2004. An unusually introspective album, it reflects Vicentes successful battle with cancer and his thanks to his family and especially to his loving wife, María del Refugio (known as Doña Cuca). He dedicated the title track to her.... TO READ MORE OR DOWNLOAD THE BIO CLICK HERE