Vincente Fernandez, also known as Vicente Fernandez Gomez, was a producer, actor, and singer. In 2021, his net worth was projected to be over $25 million. There are various nicknames for him, including Chente, which was short for Vicente, El Charro de Huentitán (Charro from Huentitán), and El Idol de México (Mexican Idol). But still there is a lot more to learn about incomparable Vicente Fernandez, a beloved Mexican legend and musical icon whose fame has spanned generations.

Therefore, in this blog post, we have tried to cover everything about him, from his profession to his family, so tune in if you want to learn more about him.

Early Life and Family

On 17 February, 1940 in the small town of Huentitan El Alto, Mexico an remarkable artist was born: Vicente Fernandez Gomez. Coming from humble beginnings; his father Ramon ran their ranch while Paula carried out her duties as homemaker to ensure that their son had everything he required for success. With hard work and dedication this young boy grew up determined to make something great with his life! From a young age, his mother used to take him to the movies featuring Mexican movie legends Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete. He was transfixed by their musical melodies, sparking an obsession with music that would last for years. At 8, he received a guitar, which he began playing immediately, and he developed a strong liking for folk music.

He was the only child, and as a result, he grew up with a lot of love and affection. However, the Fernandez family found it impossible to maintain themselves on the ranch, so after Fernandez finished elementary school, his entire family and himself relocated to Tijuana. As a teenager, he began working odd jobs such as bricklayer, painter, and cabinetmaker. At work, he was the life of the office – always singing popular songs and endearing himself to his colleagues. After this job, he was consequently hired at his uncle’s restaurant as a cashier. But as he grew older and reached 14, he began singing songs at restaurants and weddings. He also joined famous Mariachi bands such as Amanecer de Pepe Mandoza and Mariachi de Jose Luis Aguilar. He acquired local popularity in Jalisco by participating in the radio program Amanecer Tapatio. At the age of 21, he had his first paid television appearance on the show La Calandria Musical.

In December 1963, Vicente Fernández sealed his love and devotion to Maria del Refugio Abarca Villaseñor in marriage. Following their union they were soon blessed with a son – named Vicente – who was born prematurely yet lovingly cradled at home due to having no means of paying the hospital fees. By the time all had settled down for Vicente Fernandez family, he then had three sons named Alejandro Fernandez, Vicente Fernandez, and Gerardo Fernandez, and one daughter named Alejandra Fernandez. He had romances with Merle Uribe, Angelica Maria, Lupita Castro, and Manoella Tores in addition to Maria.

Vicente Fernandez had a decade-long affair with Patricia Rivera, an actress he encountered while shooting the film El Arracadas. After years of secrecy, it was revealed that they had a son named Pablo Rodrigo who was later acknowledged by his father and given the surname Fernandez. However, a DNA test later revealed that he was not his son.

Career, Awards, and Net Worth

Tragedy struck the music world when Javier Solis, Mexico’s beloved bolero ranchero singer passed away in April 1966. However, even his inevitable passing was not enough to keep record labels from recognizing Vicente Fernandez immense talent despite having rejected him before then. After just a week of mourning for this legendary artist gone too soon, CBS Music (now Sony Music) signed up Vicente Fernandez and launched him into superstardom with popular singles such as “Tu Camino y El Mo,” “Perdónate” and “Cantina del Barrio” leading the way!. Other hits included “Soy de Abajo,” “Ni en Defensa Propia,” and “Palabra de Rey.”

Even after creating albums and performing live, he transitioned to film. Uno y Medio Contra el Mundo was his first film. After three years of hard work, he achieved the pinnacle of success when he starred as the lead in his debut film La Ley del Monte. The movie’s theme song quickly shot to the top of charts and became one its biggest hits*. He was establishing a career in utterly emotive music and current Mariachi Music, which would allow the world to see his incredible talent.

By 1975, Fernandez was well-known for his Mariachi Music, but he was about to become a legend. Something significant happened in 1976 when composer Fernando Z. Maldonado produced a new type of ranchera. The ranchera told the story of a man who admits his fault in a failing relationship. It was a relatively new topic that struck a chord, and as a result, “Volver, Volver” became the definitive ranchera anthem. Fernandez was portrayed as the song’s protagonist. It was an enchanting combination of music, lyrics, and voice. By the end of 1976, “Volver, Volver” had become popular among Spanish-speaking people, and it was being played in cars, homes, and other jukeboxes.

He joined the fourth decade of music in the 1990s, and he proceeded to contribute to his career with songs such as “Aunque me Duela el Alma” (1995), “Me Voy a Quitar de En Medio” (1998), and “La Mentira” (1998), the title song of the popular ranch-centered soap. He also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Billboard Hall of Fame. Fernandez used to write songs occasionally but generally left them to the professionals. Fernandez also declared that he was not a songwriter and that it was a difficult job. Although he had moments of doubt, his love for writing was still apparent; it was a way to express himself and explore the beauty or intricacies found in life. Through that medium, he spun melodies of joyous celebration as well as thoughtful contemplation – all guided by imagination and personal insight.

The Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which produces the Latin Grammys, named him Person of the Year in September 2002. This honor also paid tribute to his support of the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund. But he was very humble and very close to his roots as while receiving the award, he remembered all his fans who live in small towns and isolated areas of Mexico, performing free shows around the country fairs.

Vicente Fernández graced the 2011 Pan American Games Opening Ceremony in Guadalajara with his beautiful renditions of “México Lindo y Querido” and “Guadalajara,” followed by a stirring performance of the Mexican national anthem. As athletes’ delegations entered, he provided an inspiring soundtrack to mark the start of this important event. In October 2011, during his second U.S. tour, he signed a three-year agreement with Budweiser to promote scholarships for Hispanic American students through the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Retirement and Passing

He stated his desire to retire from the stage in 2012. He did, however, clarify that he would continue to record albums, not due to health issues, but because it was time to enjoy his job. He then proceeded on a final tour of the country and Latin America two months later. Together with his son Vicente Jr., he recorded the album Los 2 Vicente’s, which includes the title song from the drama Amor Bravo. There was also a farewell concert at the Estadio Azteca titled “Un Azteca en el Azteca,” with only one special guest, his son Alejandro.

In August 2021, he was hospitalized near severe health after falling at his ranch in Guadalajara. When his clinical condition improved, he was released from critical care in October 2021. He was admitted to the hospital again in November 2021 owing to a pneumonia-related issue. In December 2021, after a life of 81 fruitful years full of passion and joy for the arts, this rancher passed away due to health complications. The following day his Catholic funeral was held at the same venue that served as witness to so many memorable moments throughout his lifetime- from family gatherings with loved ones and friends or evenings filled with music – it all came together one last time in tribute. As people were saying their final goodbyes through song, “Volver Volver” echoed powerfully across the room; just what he asked for when alive but now strangely ironic yet beautiful as ever. His remains were then transferred to his ranch and interred in a mausoleum.

Conclusion

Vicente Fernandez is a living legend who spent his life like a rock-star. He is known for his studio precision, vocal intensity, and unmistakable sense of style. He improved over the years like a good wine, continuing to offer super-hit records to the people of his era and worldwide.