Freddy Fender - RIP

Freddy Fender, the Chicano "Bebop Kid" from the Texas-Mexico border - passed away last Saturday at the age of 69. His stage name was taken from his favorite make of guitar, and his country twang made his music famous outside of Chicano circles. His smash hit, Before the Next Teardrop Falls, climbed to number one on the country and pop charts in 1975, making Fender's music beloved by millions. He also had country music number one hits with his Secret Love and You'll Lose a Good Thing. Born in 1937 as Baldemar Huerta, Fender was proud of his Mexican-American heritage, and he frequently sang verses - or entire songs - in Spanish. He won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album in 2002, and also appeared in Robert Redford's 1987 movie, The Milagro Beanfield War.

In an interview with the Corpus Christi Caller-Times in August, Fender said, "I feel very comfortable in my life. I'm one year away from 70 and I've had a good run. I really believe I'm OK. In my mind and in my heart, I feel OK. I cannot complain that I haven't lived long enough, but I'd like to live longer." Freddie will continue to live through the music he left to us all. You can sign an online guestbook of condolences to the family of Freddie Fender, as well as read more about his life and passing.