Freddy Fender, aged 69, died Saturday at his Corpus Christi home. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in early 2006, and became 69. In 1957 he released a Spanish version of Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel" to moderate success in Mexico and South America.
Fender hit it big in 1975 after some regional success, years of struggling - and a stint in prison - when "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" climbed to No. 1 on the pop and country charts. Fender, , with his family at his bedside, said Ron Rogers, a family spokesman.
Freddy Fender Died
October 15, 2006 | People Source:Varioussee see rider wrote on
October 17, 2006
R.I.P. Freddy..Your songs "Wasted Days & Wasted Nights" & "Before The Next Tear Drop Falls" were great songs.
Homie wrote on
October 17, 2006
That's very sad. I love his 1975 album "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" with the great title song and "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights", which he first recorded and released in 1959 with just moderate success. His 1982 song "Across the Borderline" (together with the great Ry Cooder), which he contributed to the soundtrack of the little-known Jack Nicholson film "The Border", was fantastic in my opinion. I once read that Elvis appriceated his distinctive singing voice. Freddy Fender was a great musician and should be inducted into the "Country Music Hall of Fame". R.I.P.
Greg Nolan wrote on
October 18, 2006
He had been below the radar for a long time, but he did some really good songs that will stand the test of time. It was country, but with a decided Mexican flair. If you like Elvis' covers of "Pledging My Love" or "Shake A Hand," some of Fender's work evokes a similar '50s pop/ R&B groove. RIP, Mr. Fender.
Jth wrote on
October 20, 2006
Why is there a story about this?? He's not even a footnote in the saga of Elvis Presley
Greg Nolan wrote on
October 21, 2006
Jth: how much "news" do you think can be manufactued about Elvis Presley? Calm down and enjoy one the under-sung singers of the '70s. I bet Elvis heard his big hits as did I. Good stuff. RIP, Freddy..