Freddy Fender

Born on June 4, 1937, Freddy Fender became a pioneer in blending country music with Tejano and rock influences. He achieved his first major success in 1975 with the hit single "Before the Next Teardrop Falls," which topped both the country and pop charts. Fender continued his success with other chart-toppers like "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights." His musical versatility allowed him to explore various genres, earning him a spot as a member of the Texas Tornados, a Tex-Mex supergroup, and Los Super Seven, a Grammy-winning ensemble. In addition to his music career, Fender appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Milagro Beanfield War" (1988) and "She Came to the Valley" (1979). His music has also been featured in various soundtracks, such as "Hancock" (2008) and "Boyhood" (2014), keeping his influence alive. Freddy Fender passed away on October 14, 2006, at the age of 69, leaving behind a lasting legacy in American music.