Freddy Fender, one of the most significant voices in Mexican American musical history, passed away today at his home in Corpus Christi, Texas, surrounded by his family.
(Funeral Arrangements have been announced and are listed below )
Born Baldemar G. Huerta on June 4, 1937 in the Mexican slums of San Benito, Texas, Fender's music took him on a "rags to riches" journey from the Rio Grande Valley. Overcoming career and cultural challenges, Fender's music has left a musical imprint on more than six decades.
Fender migrated north with his parents in the late '40's to work as a farm laborer in the upper Midwest. At 16, he dropped out of school to join the Marines.
He began his music career in the '50's, while still in his teens, billing himself as "El Be Bop Kid." By '58, he was cutting sides in Spanish, and finding success throughout Texas and Mexico. He switched styles to a more rockabilly feel, becoming Freddy Fender in '59 and breaking the wider "gringo" market.
His major breakthrough to international audiences came in 1974 when his recording of "Before The Next Teardrop Falls," topped both country and pop charts. He followed it with a gold record for "Wasted Days And Wasted Nights," and another cross over smash "Since I Met You Baby." Between 1975 and 1977, he had nine songs in the top 10 on the country charts. Fender is also credited with having written "Secret Love," which became a number one hit for Doris Day.
Fender was named "Most Promising Male Vocalist" by the Academy of Country Music in 1975. The Country Music Association named "Before The Next Teardrop Falls" as single of the year that same year.
The beloved performer moved to yet another level in his career when he was tapped by Robert Redford to co-star in the film, "The Milagro Beanfield War." One year later, tapped fellow musicians Augie Meyers, Doug Sahm, and Flaco Jimenez to form the "dream band" of Tex-Mex music, The Texas Tornadoes, whose popularity moved Hispanic influenced music to worldwide attention and international audiences of the caliber of the Montreaux Jazz Festival, where Fender and his companions received more than a dozen standing ovations for their high-spirited ethnic influenced music.
Fender has continued to tour as a legendary icon whose audiences have shouted their approval in a multitude of languages. In recent years, health problems slowed him, but never silenced his music.
Funeral Arrangements
"Freddy was an icon for country music and the American dream. While recording a duet of "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" with Freddy this year, it was evident that he still had the fire that burns in the belly of "true" artists. It was the first time I have ever had chill bumps in a studio. He was a champion and a warrior and now he has become my hero. Thank you my friend....save a spot in heaven for me in your angel band." - Clay Walker, friend and fellow musician.
Tuesday, Oct. 17
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Public Visitation at Queen of the Universe Catholic Church
1425 N. Old Sam Houston St.
San Benito, TX 78586
7 p.m.
Rosary at Queen of the Universe Catholic Church
1425 N. Old Sam Houston St.
San Benito, TX 78586
Wednesday, Oct. 18
12 p.m.
Funeral procession from San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 West Business 77, to Freddy Fender Lane, past his former residence, to Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, 1425 N. Old Sam Houston St.
1 p.m.
Funeral Mass led by the Rev. Isaac Emeka Erondu at Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, 1425 N. Old Sam Houston St.
Immediately Following Funeral Mass Interment at San Benito City Cemetery, 2150 N. Sam Houston St.
In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials can be made to the Freddy Fender Scholarship Fund:
Freddy Fender Scholarship Fund Account
C/O Capital One Bank
198 South Sam Houston Blvd.
San Benito, Texas 78586
Survivors include Fender's wife, Vangie Huerta; sons Baldemar "Sonny" Huerta Jr. of Corpus Christi and Daniel Huerta of Jacksonville, Fla.; and daughters Tammy Huerta Mallini of Houston and Marla Huerta Garcia of Victoria.
Note:Fans wishing to attend the services can make hotel arrangements at:
Best Western Inn, San Benito - (956)-361-2222.
La Quinta Inn, Harlingen - (956)428-6888
(Funeral Arrangements have been announced and are listed below )
Born Baldemar G. Huerta on June 4, 1937 in the Mexican slums of San Benito, Texas, Fender's music took him on a "rags to riches" journey from the Rio Grande Valley. Overcoming career and cultural challenges, Fender's music has left a musical imprint on more than six decades.
Fender migrated north with his parents in the late '40's to work as a farm laborer in the upper Midwest. At 16, he dropped out of school to join the Marines.
He began his music career in the '50's, while still in his teens, billing himself as "El Be Bop Kid." By '58, he was cutting sides in Spanish, and finding success throughout Texas and Mexico. He switched styles to a more rockabilly feel, becoming Freddy Fender in '59 and breaking the wider "gringo" market.
His major breakthrough to international audiences came in 1974 when his recording of "Before The Next Teardrop Falls," topped both country and pop charts. He followed it with a gold record for "Wasted Days And Wasted Nights," and another cross over smash "Since I Met You Baby." Between 1975 and 1977, he had nine songs in the top 10 on the country charts. Fender is also credited with having written "Secret Love," which became a number one hit for Doris Day.
Fender was named "Most Promising Male Vocalist" by the Academy of Country Music in 1975. The Country Music Association named "Before The Next Teardrop Falls" as single of the year that same year.
The beloved performer moved to yet another level in his career when he was tapped by Robert Redford to co-star in the film, "The Milagro Beanfield War." One year later, tapped fellow musicians Augie Meyers, Doug Sahm, and Flaco Jimenez to form the "dream band" of Tex-Mex music, The Texas Tornadoes, whose popularity moved Hispanic influenced music to worldwide attention and international audiences of the caliber of the Montreaux Jazz Festival, where Fender and his companions received more than a dozen standing ovations for their high-spirited ethnic influenced music.
Fender has continued to tour as a legendary icon whose audiences have shouted their approval in a multitude of languages. In recent years, health problems slowed him, but never silenced his music.
Funeral Arrangements
"Freddy was an icon for country music and the American dream. While recording a duet of "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" with Freddy this year, it was evident that he still had the fire that burns in the belly of "true" artists. It was the first time I have ever had chill bumps in a studio. He was a champion and a warrior and now he has become my hero. Thank you my friend....save a spot in heaven for me in your angel band." - Clay Walker, friend and fellow musician.
Tuesday, Oct. 17
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Public Visitation at Queen of the Universe Catholic Church
1425 N. Old Sam Houston St.
San Benito, TX 78586
7 p.m.
Rosary at Queen of the Universe Catholic Church
1425 N. Old Sam Houston St.
San Benito, TX 78586
Wednesday, Oct. 18
12 p.m.
Funeral procession from San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 West Business 77, to Freddy Fender Lane, past his former residence, to Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, 1425 N. Old Sam Houston St.
1 p.m.
Funeral Mass led by the Rev. Isaac Emeka Erondu at Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, 1425 N. Old Sam Houston St.
Immediately Following Funeral Mass Interment at San Benito City Cemetery, 2150 N. Sam Houston St.
In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials can be made to the Freddy Fender Scholarship Fund:
Freddy Fender Scholarship Fund Account
C/O Capital One Bank
198 South Sam Houston Blvd.
San Benito, Texas 78586
Survivors include Fender's wife, Vangie Huerta; sons Baldemar "Sonny" Huerta Jr. of Corpus Christi and Daniel Huerta of Jacksonville, Fla.; and daughters Tammy Huerta Mallini of Houston and Marla Huerta Garcia of Victoria.
Note:Fans wishing to attend the services can make hotel arrangements at:
Best Western Inn, San Benito - (956)-361-2222.
La Quinta Inn, Harlingen - (956)428-6888
Comments
Freddy was loved by millions of music fans, and will be greatly missed. He did so much to promote a positive image for Mexican music, and broadened it’s appeal worldwide. I send my prayers and support to his family. He was a genius and had a huge heart. Thank you for sharing him with the world,
I just know he is in heaven, jamming with his ‘brother’ Doug Sahm.
I met Freddie when he performed in Valdez Alaska many years ago..I had always been a fan, so was delighted when he came to Alaska..I now live in Nashville and was saddened to hear of his death..My heart goes out to his family..He will be missed…
The world has truly lost a Brilliant artist.We will always love you.
All of Mr. Fender’s work was most enjoyable to listen to. I was in high school and deep into Country Music when Freddie Fender had his major hits in the 1970s. I played his music while I worked on cars. “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” was especially moving with its blending of Spanish and English verses. I was unaware of Mr. Fender’s previous work in the 1950’s and song writing for “Secret Love” performed by Doris Day. It only adds to my respect for him. I pray for him and his family. We were all blessed and will continue to enjoy his music.
I NEVER HAD THE OPPRUTUNITY TO SEE FREDDIE PERFORM EXCEPT ON TV AND HE WAS SO TALENTED I LOVED HIS STYLE AND I REMEMBER HEARING HE MARRIED THE SAME WOMAN TWICE AND I JUST LOVED THAT STORY IT SAYS HE HAD A DEEP LOVE FOR HIS WIFE WOW AND MY DAUGHTER NILA HUERTA SAW HIM PERFORM IN TURLOCK CALIF AND SHE REALLY ENJOYED HIS PERFORMANCE HE WAS A GREAT ROLE MODEL FOR MANY LATINO’S WE WILL ALWAYS BE PROUD OF SUCH A GIFTED MAN GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND STRENGTHEN THEM AT THIS TIME OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL
Freddy and I shared the same problem with alcohol many years ago. I used to listen to him when I was drinking and in sobriety I was blessed to attended several of his concerts. My wife and I would seek out his concerts and the last one was a couple of years ago In Palmdale, Ca. I had the honor of talking with him on a few occasions and he gave me some autographed items that I will always cherish. My favorite story was when he got his first big check he bought a brand new “big” car and a set of new jumper cables. God be with his family and bless them in their loss.
I will All Ways Love Freddie”s Music. I saw him perform twice with the Texas Tornados. When they played the Old Plush Horse Inn in the early 90;s in Redondo Beach, Calif it was one of the best shows I have ever seen. The place was Jumpin from the dancing, clapping, and foot stomping. We Truly Danced and Drank the Night Away. I will say a special Prayer today for Freddy. As I did when Doug passed. There will Never be another Freddy. God Bless, Greg
I was so saddend to hear of the untimely passsing of Freddie fender. He made many a lonely night enjoyable for me and my dearest school pal Denise who actually introduced me to Freddies music. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his loving family.God has taken another angel to be by his side.X
Country music found someone different in Freddie Fender. What an artist. Mexican and Gringo music. GREAT! He was a true american. He will truly be missed. God Bless and Speed.
Freddy Fender was an inspiration for Mexicans, Mexican-Americans and anyone who struggled. He helped make the Spanish language acceptable with his incredible Tex-Mex “Before The Next Teardrop Falls”, recorded in both languages. He helped make Linda Ronstadt’s and Selena’s efforts possible as his music made even country and western fans sit up and take notice. He was just too good to ignore, in any language, for any culture!