Who Is Vicente Fernández? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Vicente Fernández, a revered figure in Mexican music history, was born on February 17, 1940. He passed away on December 12, 2021, leaving behind an impressive legacy that spans several decades. Known for his heartfelt ranchera songs and impactful acting career, Fernández became a cultural icon in Mexico and beyond. His extensive discography and unforgettable performances continue to influence new generations of artists.
Occupation | Film Producer |
---|---|
Date of Birth | February 17, 1940 |
Age | 81 Years |
Birth Place | Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico |
Horoscope | Aquarius |
Country | Mexico |
Date of death | 12 December, 2021 |
Died Place | Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico |
Popularity
Vicente Fernández's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Throughout his life, Vicente Fernández was known for his charismatic presence on stage. He stood at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and had a weight that fluctuated depending on his health and lifestyle choices. His powerful voice and stage presence complemented his masculine physique, contributing to his image as a quintessential ranchera performer.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Vicente Fernández was married to Maria del Refugio Abarca Villaseñor for over 50 years. Together, they had four children: Vicente Jr., Alejandro, Gerardo, and Alejandra. Their family remains a cornerstone of his legacy, with his children continuing in the entertainment industry, each carving out their niches while honoring their father's influence in music and acting. Since Vicente's passing, Maria del Refugio has continued to uphold his memory and legacy.
When he was between 6 and 7 years old, he used to go with his mother to see movies starring Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete and, as he himself once recalled, he told his mother that "when I grow up I'm going to be like them". Thereafter he had a taste for music and at the age of 8 he was given a guitar, which he learned to play at the same time he began to study folk music.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Vicente Fernández had an estimated net worth of around $25 million. His wealth stemmed from his successful music career, prolific album sales, box office hits, and various endorsements. Given the longevity of his career and his immense popularity, he amassed considerable earnings through concerts and television appearances, affirming his status as one of the most successful Latin artists of all time.
Career, Business, and Investments
Vicente Fernández began his career in the late 1950s, quickly rising to fame as a ranchera singer. His work encompasses over 50 albums and numerous hit songs, including "Volver, Volver" and "El Rey." Apart from music, he also starred in films, solidifying his position in the Mexican entertainment industry. Following his successful career, Vicente invested in various ventures, including restaurants and a successful tequila brand, further enhancing his financial legacy.
Vicente Fernández Gómez (17 February 1940 – 12 December 2021) was a Mexican mariachi singer, actor and film producer.
Nicknamed "Chente" (short for Vicente), "El Charro de Huentitán" (The Charro from Huentitán), "El Ídolo de México" (The Idol of Mexico), and "El Rey de la Música Ranchera" (The King of Ranchera Music), Fernández started his career as a busker, and went on to become a cultural icon, having recorded more than 100 albums and contributing to more
than 150 films.
His repertoire consisted of rancheras and other Mexican classics such as waltzes.
Social Network
Although Vicente Fernández passed away in 2021, his social media presence remains active through official accounts managed by his family. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook continue to celebrate his music, showcase tributes from fans, and share memories. Vicente often engaged with fans, looking to foster a strong and lasting connection, which continues to thrive in the digital world.
Fernández died of complications from his injuries on December 12, 2021, at the age of 81. President of Mexico Andrés Manuel López Obrador mourned his death with a tweet in which he recognized Fernández as the "symbol of the ranchera song of our time, known and recognized in Mexico and abroad".
The Colombian president, Iván Duque, said "his departure hurts us and his legacy will be alive forever", and the U.S President, Joe Biden, said that "the world of music has lost an icon".
Also on Twitter, other leaders including the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, the Mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, the former President of Colombia Álvaro Uribe, and of Bolivia Evo Morales as well as numerous Mexican and Latin American entertainment personalities offered their condolences. Former U.S.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recognized Fernandez as "a musical icon and a good man". He died on the day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico, to whom Fernández had a great devotion.
Education
Vicente Fernández's formal education concluded at a young age, as he began working in his teenage years to support his family. However, his life experiences, coupled with his natural talent, shaped him into an extraordinary performer and cultural icon. His journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting that passion and dedication can lead to remarkable success, regardless of formal education.
Fernández's family found it difficult to support themselves by selling milk from the cows on their ranch, so after Fernández finished elementary school, he and his family moved to Tijuana. Once a teenager, Fernández began working various jobs, including as a bricklayer, painter, and cabinetmaker.
During his working day he sang, so many construction companies asked to have him as a worker. After these jobs he was hired to work as a cashier in his uncle's restaurant. At the age of 14 he started singing in restaurants and at weddings, joining several mariachi groups such as Mariachi Amanecer de Pepe Mendoza and Mariachi de José Luis Aguilar.
It was then when, in Jalisco, he participated in the radio program Amanecer Tapatío, and began to be recognized locally. At the age of 21 he appeared on the television show La calandria musical. It was his first paid show.