Fernández was known as the King of Ranchera Music
Regional Mexican legend and cultural icon Vicente “Chente” Fernández has passed away at the age of 81. The singer passed away on Sun (Dec 12th) at a hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico, his official Instagram account declares. The mariachi singer was hospitalized in August after suffering a fall at his home. He was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness.
For more than 60 years, the singer, producer and actor brought the musical traditions of his beloved country to audiences worldwide through his amazing performances and his gifted voice, which featured impressive operatic power and range. Known as “El Rey de la Música Ranchera” (The King of Ranchera Music), Fernández, whose discography comprises more than 100 albums, won multiple Latin GRAMMYs and GRAMMYs throughout his career. In 2002, he was recognized as the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year.
“At The Latin Recording Academy and the Recording Academy, we celebrate the life and career of Don Vicente Fernández and pay homage to his legacy,” Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud shares. “We offer our gratitude for his vast contributions to Latin music and our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
A man of hard work, Fernández was true to his word. Even after formally retiring in 2016, he continued performing and making music. In a 2002 interview with The Latin Recording Academy, when asked if he would ever retire, he proudly declared that “as long as my physical voice and faculties are intact, I’ll be there.”
Making music to the very end, he released what would be his final album, A Mis 80’s, which just won a Latin GRAMMY under the category Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album and is currently nominated for the 64th GRAMMY Awards under the category of Best Regional Mexican Music Album (including Tejano).
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