Baldemar Garza Huerta a.k.a Freddy Fender was a well-known American musician who left an indelible mark on Tejano music. His speciality was mixing traditional Mexican sounds with rock and country influences, which made his music stand out from other artists.
Fender not only worked as a solo artist but was also a member of groups like the Texas Tornadoes and Los Super Seven. His hit tracks like “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights, and “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” made him a household name in the 1970s.
Although Freddy Fender passed away in 2006, his contributions to Tejano music are still celebrated worldwide. His journey from a humble man to a musical star has always intrigued people about his life and career. So, here we are with everything you need to know.
Early Life
Freddy Fender was born on 4th June 1937, in San Benito, Texas. His parents were Serapio Huerta and Margarita Garza. By the age of 10, Fender had already learned to play the guitar, and even made his debut radio performance. After dropping out of high school, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years. However, during his service, he struggled with alcoholism, which often got him into trouble. In 1956, he was discharged from service at the lowest rank, private (E-1).
After returning to Texas, Fender started performing at bars and nightclubs across the southern U.S. This helped him gain regional popularity and he changed his name to Freddy Fender. He chose this name with the hope to appeal English-speaking audience.
Career
Freddy Fender’s musical career started in the 1950s when he started getting popular for singing English songs in Spanish. However, his big break came after he changed his name to Freddy Fender, which helped him appeal to a wider audience.
He dropped his first single in 1959, which was a Spanish version of Elvis Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel.” However, his career took a difficult turn when he got arrested for marijuana possession the following year. During his time in prison, he refined his musical style and made his comeback in the 1970s.
The biggest turning point in his career arrived in 1974, the year he dropped his hit single, “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.” The song topped both the Billboard country and pop charts, solidifying Fender’s name in the music industry. He continued to release hits singles and albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Personal Life
Talking about his personal life, Freddy Fender had a kidney transplant in 2002, followed by a liver transplant in 2004. However, his condition worsened even more and he passed away on 14th October 2006 at the age of 69. The cause of his death was reported to be cancer, which had formed tumours in his lungs.
Net Worth
At the time of his death, Freddy Fender’s net worth was estimated around $1.5 million. Despite all the ups and downs in his life, he built a decent fortune for himself. The majority of his income came from music and album sales. Additionally, he earned from live shows, concerts, and royalties.
