A popular genre in Mexico, Ranchera music got its name from the ranchlands where it was originally performed. While the music embraces rural themes, it started gaining popularity during Mexico’s 10-year revolution. In fact, is known as “the defining event of modern Mexican history”. In this industry, there’s one man known as the “King Of Rancheras. His name was Vicente Fernandez.
Who was Vicente?
Born in Jalisco, Vicente was the last of the mythical interpreters in ranchera music. His family came from a lower class settlement and since that point in his childhood, he was obligated to work different jobs. No one from his childhood believe he got to be nicknamed ‘El Charro de Huentitán’. He then received a great deal of praise from his community as the King of Ranchera.
Later in his life, he made songs of love, loss, and patriotism with having rural Mexico as inspiration.
This King of Ranchera was found dead on Sunday, he’s 81 years old at the time. His family confirmed his death through an Instagram post saying, “Here between us … I will always remember you. We are eternally grateful to everyone around the world for their support, those present, their love and affection in these difficult times. Thank you for continuing to applaud”.
Greatly Remembered
Furthermore, right after his death leaders, artists, and people around the world mourned his death.
Besides Mexico’s president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is the first to send his condolences to Vicente’s family with a short message on Twitter. Stating that Vicente is ” a symbol of the ranchera song of our time, known and recognized in Mexico and abroad.”
Transmito mi pésame a familiares, amigos y millones de admiradores de Vicente Fernández, símbolo de la canción ranchera de nuestro tiempo, conocido y reconocido en México y en el extranjero.
— Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) December 12, 2021
As well as Colombia’s president, Ivan Duque showed his solidarity, “to the Mexican people” after knowing Fernandez’s death.
El arte y la música de Latinoamérica están de luto. Vicente Fernández fue un verdadero genio del folclor y la música de nuestra región. Su partida nos duele y su legado estará vivo por siempre. Nuestra solidaridad con el hermano pueblo de México y con todos sus seres queridos.
— Iván Duque 🇨🇴 (@IvanDuque) December 12, 2021
The tweet above indicates that, “The art and music of Latin America are in mourning. Vicente Fernández was a true genius of folklore and the music of our region. Therefore, his departure hurts us and his legacy will live forever. Our solidarity with the brother people of Mexico and with all their loved ones”.
Even Puerto Rican artist Ricky Martin said a few words via Twitter. Saying he was heartbroken when hearing the news. And that “Don Chente was an angel with me all my life … the only thing that comforts my soul, at this moment, is that every time we saw each other I told him how important he was to me,” said the artist.
Estoy con el corazón roto. Don Chente conmigo fue un ángel toda la vida. El me quiso mucho y yo a él. Siempre que iba a Guadalajara venía a mis conciertos y lo único que me consuela el alma, en este momento, es que cada vez que nos veíamos le decía lo importante que era para mi. pic.twitter.com/gNvSNwGV99
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) December 12, 2021
Finally, in the end, Vicente Fernandez wanted to captivate the world with his music and put the name in Mexico at the top of the world.
“When I began my career, I had the confidence that I would succeed, but I never envisioned achieving the level of fame that the public has bestowed upon me,” Vicente stated earlier.
