Legendary Mexican singer Vicente Fernández dies at 81
GUADALAJARA, México -- Legendary Mexican singer Vicente Fernández, who had been hospitalized for several months due to a recent fall, died Sunday morning, according to ABC affiliate KABC.
The death was confirmed on the singer's Instagram account. He was 81 years old.
In August, the singer underwent neck surgery in Guadalajara, México.
Fernandez injured his cervical spine during the accident. According to his social media accounts, he was on a ventilator and in the ICU. Earlier this summer, he had left the hospital after recovering from a urinary tract infection.
Last week, the singer's son, Vicente Fernández Jr., told reporters his father was going through "a critical moment."
Fernández's career spans five decades and a discography of over 100 albums, with the singer being regarded by fans as a living legend.
According to his website, The Houston Chronicle dubbed Fernández "The Sinatra of Rancheras" after a performance at Hofheinz Pavilion in October 1991.
Sinatra, of course, references the blue-eyed crooner Frank, regarded as one of the greatest artists of our time.
"Up until October 11, 1991, no one had ever declared that as a singer, Fernández was on equal footing with perhaps the greatest singer in American pop history," the Mexican icon's website said of his comparison to the leader of the Rat Pack.
Ranchera music is a style dating back to before the Mexican revolution. It's inspired by a variety of styles, including waltz, polka and bolero music.
The music is said to have gotten its name literally from the ranch lands, where it was originally performed.
Fernández is considered the most famous ranchera singer, known for his trademark charro outfit, wide sombrero and mariachi ensemble. He is also among the world's most decorated entertainers, earning multiple accolades including Grammys and Latin Grammys.
But he's also collected a number of nicknames cementing his status as an icon to fans such as El Ídolo de México (Mexico's idol) in the early 1980s and "El Rey de la Música Ranchera" (The King of Ranchera Music).
