Vicente Fernandez, the Mexican vocalist renowned for his diverse roles as a singer, songwriter, actor, and film producer, was born into a family with two sisters, Maria del Refugio and Teresa, both of whom are artists.
Over the years, Fernandez earned several nicknames in the entertainment industry, including LA VOZ DE MEXICO, El Charro de Huentitán, Chente, El Ídolo de México, and El Rey de la Música Ranchera.
Beginning his career as a busker, Fernandez evolved into a cultural icon. With a prolific career, he released over 100 albums and contributed to more than 30 films. The artist received numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards, nine Latin Grammy Awards, and Lo Nuestro Awards. He even earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and sold over 50 million copies internationally, making him the top-selling regional Mexican artist of his era.
Vicente Fernandez had two siblings, Maria del Refugio and Teresa. Born on February 17, 1940, in Huentitán El Alto, Jalisco, México, he was raised by his parents in the town. Fernandez, the eldest child, was particularly close to his sister María del Refugio, often involving her in his childhood activities like creating miniature farms and roads with plasticine.
At the age of 8, Fernandez received a guitar, sparking his interest in music. After moving to Tijuana with his family, he took on various jobs, including bricklaying, painting, and cabinetmaking. During these years, he sang at weddings and worked with Mariachi groups.
Fernandez’s musical journey officially began when he competed on the television show Amanecer Tapatio. Recognized by local audiences, he made his first paid appearance at age 21 on the TV program La Calandria Musical.
The main child of his parents, Ramón Fernández Barba and María Paula Gómez Ponce, Fernandez was cherished by his family and sister Teresa. Olga Worman, the author, acknowledged Fernandez’s early family life in her work “Fernandez in The Last King,” noting his love and support from the family.
Vicente Fernandez married Maria del Refugio Abarca Villaseñor on December 27, 1963. The couple’s enduring relationship spanned nearly sixty years, welcoming four children. Maria, born on July 23, 1946, in Guadalajara, Mexico, is a Mexican media personality and the widow of Vicente.
Despite facing financial challenges during the birth of their eldest son, Vicente, the couple overcame adversity and moved to Mexico City for the singer’s burgeoning music career.
On August 6, 2021, Fernandez was admitted to a hospital in Guadalajara due to injuries, leading to the need for a ventilator. Subsequently, he identified the onset of rapid muscle weakness and commenced treatment on August 13.
Previously, there were misconceptions linking Pedro Fernandez to Vicente Fernandez. Vicente Fernandez was a father to four children. The couple’s offspring includes Alejandra Fernández, Alejandro Fernández, Vicente Fernández, and Gerardo Fernández. Additionally, Vicente had five grandchildren named Camila, Alex, Valentina, América Fernández, and Emiliano Fernández.
Gerardo, born in Guadalajara, Mexico, on May 4, 1976, is currently 46 years old. Following in his father’s footsteps, Alejandro, born on April 24, 1971, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, made a significant impact during a spectacular show in 1976.
He released an album under Sony Music titled “Alejandro Fernandez” and performed at the Palacio de Los Deportes. In the same year, Alejandro published his successful album, “Piel De Nina.” Despite studying engineering, he embarked on a career as a musician, inspired by his father.
The youngest in the family, Alejandro has two older brothers, Vicente and Gerardo, and one sister, Alejandra. During his father’s illness, Alejandro Fernandez publicly disclosed the details of his father’s condition, clarifying that the illness was unrelated to a cervical spine injury sustained in a fall.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who are Vicente Fernandez’s siblings? Vicente Fernandez had two siblings, Maria del Refugio and Teresa.
- Who are Vicente Fernandez’s parents? Ramón Fernández Barba and María Paula Gómez Ponce are the parents of Vicente Fernandez.
- How did Vicente Fernandez pass away? Vicente Fernandez passed away on December 12, 2021, in a hospital in Jalisco state due to an illness.