History of Vicente Fernández in Timeline

Vicente Fernández, known as "Chente" and "El Charro de Huentitán", was a highly influential Mexican mariachi singer, actor, and film producer. Starting as a busker, he rose to become a cultural icon, recording over 100 albums and appearing in more than 150 films. His extensive repertoire focused on rancheras and other traditional Mexican musical forms, solidifying his status as "El Ídolo de México" and "El Rey de la Música Ranchera".

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Full Timeline

1989: Latin Music Award for Mexican Regional Male Artist of the Year

In 1989, Vicente Fernández won the Billboard and Univision's Latin Music Award for Mexican Regional Male Artist of the Year

1990: Release of tribute album

In 1990, Vicente Fernández released the album "Vicente Fernandez y las clásicas de José Alfredo Jiménez", a tribute to José Alfredo Jiménez. The album earned him Billboard and Univision's Latin Music Award for Mexican Regional Male Artist of the Year.

1993: Latin Music Award for Mexican Regional Male Artist of the Year

In 1993, Vicente Fernández won the Billboard and Univision's Latin Music Award for Mexican Regional Male Artist of the Year

November 1998: Induction into Latin Music Hall of Fame and star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In November 1998, Vicente Fernández was inducted into Billboard's Latin Music Hall of Fame. On 11 November 1998 his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled.

2002: Recognition as Person of the Year and anniversary celebration

In 2002, the Latin Recording Academy recognized Vicente Fernández as Person of the Year. He celebrated his 35th anniversary in the entertainment industry, selling over 50 million records and being inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.

2005: Arena built in his honor

In 2005, an arena in Guadalajara was built in Vicente Fernández's honor by his company. Additionally, a star with his hand prints and name was placed at the Paseo de las Luminarias in Mexico City.

July 2008: Vicente Fernández Day in New Mexico

On July 16, 2008, Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson declared June 12 as Vicente Fernández Day in the state.

2010: Grammy Award for Necesito de Tí

In 2010, Vicente Fernández was awarded his first Grammy Award for Best Regional Mexican Album for his record Necesito de Tí.

2012: Key to Chicago and street renaming

In 2012, Chicago gave Vicente Fernández the key to the city and renamed West 26th Street in the Little Village neighborhood in his honor. The city also established "Vicente Fernandez Week" from October 20 to 27.

April 2016: Support for Hillary Clinton

In April 2016, Vicente Fernández criticized Donald Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric, stating he would "spit on" him. Later that year, he supported Hillary Clinton, releasing "El Corrido de Hillary Clinton". Following a debate, Clinton invited Fernández to a celebration in Las Vegas.

October 2019: Unveiling of statue in Guadalajara

On October 6, 2019, in Guadalajara, Vicente Fernández unveiled a statue created in his honor at the "Plaza de los Mariachis".

January 2021: Controversy over picture with fan

In January 2021, Vicente Fernández faced controversy after placing his hand on a fan's breast while taking a picture with her family. Days later, Fernández apologized to the woman's family, admitting he was wrong and stating he didn't remember the incident.

February 2021: Accusation of sexual assault

In February 2021, singer Lupita Castro accused Vicente Fernández of sexual assault, alleging the incident occurred 40 years prior when she was 17. She claimed she remained silent due to his influence and threats of violence, and refused to pursue legal action.

August 6, 2021: Hospitalization after fall

On August 6, 2021, Vicente Fernández was hospitalized in serious condition after a fall at his ranch in Guadalajara, injuring his cervical spine and requiring a ventilator in the intensive care unit.

October 2021: Released from intensive care

In October 2021, Vicente Fernández was released from intensive care following an improvement in his clinical condition after being hospitalized for a fall in August.

November 30, 2021: Readmission to intensive care

On November 30, 2021, Vicente Fernández was readmitted to intensive care due to a health complication caused by pneumonia, after initially being hospitalized in August.

December 12, 2021: Death of Vicente Fernández

On December 12, 2021, Vicente Fernández died at the age of 81 due to complications from his injuries. His death was mourned by prominent figures including the President of Mexico, the Colombian President, U.S. President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, who recognized him as a musical icon. He passed away on the day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to whom he had a great devotion.