Who Was Vicente Fernandez?: The life and work of “El Rey”

Vicente Fernández died in December 2021. However, the trajectory and the musical legacy left by the Mexican artist, are intact. To such an extent that Netflix is ​​broadcasting “El rey, Vicente Fernández,” a series that pays tribute and tells the story of the idol of the Latin American ranchera. 

Vicente Fernández Netflix Series

Recently released, it is the first series that Caracol produced in Mexico and although it has several real moments lived by the artist, some other parts are fiction. It was recorded in Mexico City in over 300 locations and more than 500 sets were used and several decades were recreated: from 1950 to 1976.

From a very young age, Vicente dreamed of becoming a great artist and being alongside other icons such as Javier Solís, Pedro Infante or Jorge Negrete. However, it was not easy for him because the economic situation of his family was difficult. Precisely, the first episode of this production takes viewers to the beginnings of Fernández, who knows that he has a talent for music, but recognizes that being an artist will not be easy for him.

Throughout history we will see several actors playing this idol of Latin music. Kaleb Acab will play him in his childhood, Sebastián García in adolescence, Sebastián Dante in his transition to adulthood and fame, and finally, Jaime Camil will play him in his most successful stage.

“I remember my grandfather a lot on Sundays at six in the morning playing ‘Chente’ (one of his nicknames). And so we all woke up in the house. He was very nice because we got up with enthusiasm and singing,” is how Sebastián Dante recalls how he began to meet the King.

The actor is now starting to forge a career in the entertainment industry and his arrival to the Vicente Fernandez character involved going through all kinds of emotions. 

“Without a doubt, pressure is felt because he is an iconic person, and not only in Mexico, but also in Latin America and in the world. But, beyond that, this meant a beautiful opportunity for me, to grow as a musician, as an actor, and of course, to meet the man behind the idol,” said Dante. 

“El rey, Vicente Fernández” is a series that covers the different facets of the musician, both in his artistic and real life. It shows him as a friend, husband, father, grandfather, actor, rancher, laborer, painter, film producer and television host. In addition to this, fiction presents those moments of pain, joy, impotence, anger, pride, which made him that character that millions admire.

Who was Vicente Fernández

Vicente Fernández Gómez, was his full name. He was born in Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, on February 17, 1940. Known by his nicknames “El Charro de Huentitán” or “Chente,” he was a Mexican actor and singer. His work in music earned him two Grammy Awards, eight Latin Grammy Awards, 14 Premio Lo Nuestro Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In April 2010, it reached the figure of 60 million copies sold worldwide.

He is one of the legends of Mexican music, who began his artistic career at the age of 14, when he won a contest for young singers in his hometown, in which he came in first place. Since then, Fernández dedicated himself to singing at parties and selling “lechuguillas,” some plants from Jalisco.

In 1960 he participated in the local show “Guadalajara La calandria musical,” which gave him success and popularity in his state.

After the death of his mother in 1963, he married his neighbor María del Refugio “Cuquita” Abarca Villaseñor. From this union Vicente, Gerardo, and Alejandro were born and they adopted Alejandra. Their sons Vicente and Alejandro, “El Potrillo,” have also stood out in the Mexican music scene.

In the 1960s, Vicente Fernández began working at the “El Sarape” cabaret, where he managed to earn a living through his talent as a singer. In 1964 he joined the mariachi group “Amanecer,” one of the most famous in Mexico.

By 1965, an event occurred that would mark a before and after in his career: his music reached the radio. This helped spread his fame throughout Mexico City.

In the following years he appeared on different stages, especially at the Blanquita Theater and recorded his first album with the production company CBS México, which included hits such as “Perdóname.” Later, he recorded 3 more albums with successful sales, beginning his path to become an icon of ranchera music.

As the months went by, he came to television, appearing in numerous family TV shows and later as host of  “Noches Tapatias” with Lucha Villa and “Homenaje” with Lola Beltrán.

In 1972, he recorded the song “Volver, Volver” that became iconic f0r Mexican music, taking him to international fame. For this reason, in the 70’s he recorded his first movie “Tacos al carbon” which, like his albums, was also a box office success. In the following years he continued to record numerous albums and movies, which broke sales records due to his popularity.

Among his most famous songs, “Para siempre” stands out, recorded in 2007, which won gold and diamond certification. In the United States this song earned him, his sixth platinum record. In that same year, the song “Estos celos” remained in the first place for 3 continuous months in the popularity lists of Regional Mexican Music. The discography of this singer exceeds 80 record productions and about 30 films that reached box offices in different countries.

How did Vicente Fernández die

On August 7, 2021, he was urgently admitted to Hospital Country 2000 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, after having suffered an accidental fall that injured his cervical vertebrae, being taken to the ICU. Doctors diagnosed that Fernández suffered from “Guillain-Barré” syndrome.

On October 27, he was taken out of intensive care and was transferred to a hospital room to continue his physical and pulmonary treatment and rehabilitation. On November 16, 2021, he managed to wean himself off the artificial respirator for periods of one hour, as well as increase his pulmonary effort to emit vocalization. On November 30, his health declined as a result of inflammation in his lower respiratory tract and in his urinary system, which is why he returned to intensive care, in addition to requiring respiratory support again.

On December 11, it was reported that his health condition had worsened with increased inflammation of the lower airways and required increased respiratory support; which is why he required to be sedated. Finally, and after being hospitalized for more than 128 days, Fernández died on December 12, 2021, at the age of 81 as a result of multi-organ failure derived from Guillain-Barré syndrome.

His death occurred in Guadalajara, Jalisco (Mexico), but the legacy of his great artistic and musical work remained forever and now it can also be enjoyed on Netflix in September.

Ten Vicente Fernández musical hits 

1. Volver, volver
2. El rey
3. Acá entre nos
4. La ley del monte
5. Perdóname 
6. Le pese a quien le pese
7. Por tu maldito amor
8. Qué de raro tiene
9. Estos celos
10. Aunque mal paguen ellas