Posted on 05/31/2005 9:00:34 AM PDT by SwinneySwitch
San Benito’s new water tower to commemorate singer-songwriter
SAN BENITO — El Be-Bop Kid will be celebrating his 67th birthday in grand style on Saturday.
Freddy Fender, one of the city’s claims to fame is scheduled to take part in a ribbon-cutting and lighting ceremony for an elevated water storage tank recently built here. An image of the singer-songwriter is painted on the tower with the inscription, "Hometown of Freddy Fender."
The tower is the last of a three-phase $32.4 million project that includes a water treatment plant and a wastewater system improvement project.
The San Benito native was born Baldemar Huerta and grew up in El Jardín, a neighborhood west of the Resaca Los Fresnos. Ron Rogers, a spokesperson for Fender said that Fender’s 90-year-old aunt, Tía Lola, still lives there.
Fender has come a long way from his barrio days. He performed at the inaugural balls for Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton and has also taken the stage at Carnegie Hall, according to his Web site.
Rey Avila, president of the Texas Conjunto Hall of Fame said that Fender was one of the first artists to find success in Spanish rock-n-roll. The singer has recorded rhythm and blues, country, and conjunto music since starting his career in the 1950s.
Fender is a three-time Grammy Award recipient, including wins with groups Los Super 7 and the Texas Tornados.
Cristina Balli, programming director of the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center said that Fender has his roots in conjunto music and that he came full circle with the Tornados, which played a conjunto style.
"He was a sound engineer and sales clerk at IDEAL Records," she said. "He used to play at La Villita."
Fender made his acting debut in 1977. In 1978 he played Pancho Villa in "She Came to the Valley." Fender has since appeared in five films, including "Milagro Beanfield War" in 1987.
In 1999, he was honored with a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been honored around the world. Rogers said that the artist has not ruled out a Freddy Fender museum here.
"I’ve gotten commitments from Freddy and his wife, Vangie," he said. "He’s also a historian. He just loves this stuff."
Rogers said that Fender has "a tremendous number of artifacts" including leisure suits and photos with four presidents.
Fender, who had a liver transplant in 2004, is in "terrific" health and is looking forward to visiting his hometown, Rogers said.
WHAT: A dedication and lighting ceremony will be at the new San Benito water tower off southbound U.S. Expressway 77/83.
WHEN: Saturday with a reception at 7 p.m., followed by a lighting ceremony at dusk.
WHERE: Southbound, exit Sam Houston Boulevard and stay on the Frontage Road past McCullough Street; northbound, exit at Sam Houston Boulevard and turnaround to the Frontage Road.
For more information contact the City of San Benito at 956-361-3833.
Official Freddy Fender Web Page: http://www.freddyfender.com
danielg@valleystar.com 956-430-6279
Freddy Fender Ping!
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I think Freddys best work was with the Texas Tornadoes.
"And I'll be there, before the last teardrop falls."
That one is the best. It's hubby and I's favorite dancing song.
Freddy Fender BUMP!
I just played "La Banda Esta Borracho" and am starting "Rancho Grande". Fun Music. Takes me back to my high school days in 1960.
The Texas Tornadoes were hot. Happy birthday, Freddy!
I haven't thought about him in years! Used to see him driving around Spring TX in an old yellow truck, back in the 'Wasted Days & Wasted Nights" era.
Freddy rocks on. We just saw him less than a month ago at the Riverside Casino in Laughlin, Nv. and really enjoyed his show. later, ldf
He definitely had some great songs. Happy birthday, Mr. Fender!!
Feliz Cupleaños, Freddy! One of my recent big disappointments was the passing of Doug Sahm. I miss him as well as The Texas Tornadoes - Augie, Doug, Flaco, and Freddy - and their unique style.
"....when I'm in my car. The windows go up and I sing it for all it's worth!"
Guilty, here, too. That's just one of those songs.
Don't scare the neighbors now!
Enabler!! ;)
Absolutely the Texas Tornadoes were hot ... I have their last album, a live set recorded in San Antonio when the four of them's collective ages at the time were approaching 250, and they rocked righteously!
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