The celebrated singer recorded more than 50 albums over the course of his five-decade career<\/b>
\nVicente F ern\u00e0ndez, the ranchera singer, actor and producer who became a mainstay of Mexican pop culture during his 50-year career, died Sunday in Mexico. He was 81. The King of Ranchera, as he was popular known, passed away four months after medical complications resulting from a fall he suffered in his home. A post on his official Instagram account announced the news of his death. \u201cIt was an honor and a great pride to share with everyone his great musical career,\u201d the translated post reads. \u201cHe gave everything to his audience.\u201d It concluded, \u201cThank you for continuing to applaud, thank you for continuing to sing.\u201d The mariachi legend\u2019s rich musical catalogue spanned hits such as \u201cVolver, Volver,\u201d \u201cMujeres Divinas,\u201d \u201cEl Rey\u201d and \u201cPor Tu Maldito Amor.\u201d Born on Feb.17,1940 in the western state of Jalisco, Mexico, (earning him the nickname \u201cEl Charro de Huentitan\u201d), Fern\u00e0ndez got his start as a street performer before he was signed to CBS Records in 1966. For five decades, Fern\u00e0ndez shared his voice with audiences all over the world. He remained wildly popular when he retired in 2016. His final concert at Mexico City\u2019s Azteca Stadium included a review of nearly 50 of his songs. The multihyphenate performer was also a prolific film actor and producer. In 1969, he made his acting debut in the musical comedy \u201cOh Delilah,\u201d and picked up his first producing credit in 1974. He would go on to appear in almost 40 films while selling more than 50 million records. He was rewarded for his accomplishments in both mediums with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998. His son, Grammy-winning singer Alejandro Fern\u00e0ndez, took his spot next to his father\u2019s star in 2005. In 2002, Fern\u00e0ndez was named Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy. He was honored with four Grammys and eight Latin Grammys throughout his career. The Recording Academy and Latin Recording Academy issued a joint statement in the wake of his death. \u201cWith heavy hearts, we bid adi\u00f3s to Regional Mexican legend and cultural icon Vicente \u2018Chente\u2019 Fern\u00e1ndez,\u201d it read. \u201cFor more than 60 years, the singer, producer and actor brought the musical traditions of his beloved country to audiences worldwide through his amazing performances and his gifted voice, which featured impressive operatic power and range.\u201d It continued, \u201cA man of hard work, Fern\u00e1ndez was true to his word. Even after formally retiring in 2016, he continued performing and making music. In a 2002 interview with The Latin Recording Academy, when asked if he would ever retire, he proudly declared that \u2018as long as my physical voice and faculties are intact, I\u2019ll be there.\u2019 And so, in 2019, he took the stage at the 20th Annual Latin Grammy Awards for an unforgettable, first-time-ever performance with his son, Alejandro Fern\u00e1ndez, and grandson, Alex Fern\u00e1ndez.\u201d His final album, \u201cA Mis 80\u2019s,\u201d recently received a Latin Grammy and is currently nominated for a Grammy Award under the category of Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano). Fern\u00e0ndez is survived by his wife, Maria del Refugio Abarca Villase\u00f1or, and three children.<\/p>\n