Posted on 10/13/2006 4:52:44 PM PDT by AZRepublican
HOUSTON (Reuters) - Grammy Award-winning musician Freddy Fender, who was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year, was said to be gravely ill at his Corpus Christi, Texas home on Friday.
Family members said Fender, 69, a crossover pop, Latin and country performer, was "not doing well" and was unable to speak to reporters.
He returned to Corpus Christi this week after receiving treatment in hospitals in Oklahoma and San Antonio, Texas.
Doctors discovered tumors in his lungs during surgery in January and recently told him the spreading cancer could not be cured.
"I feel very comfortable in my life. I'm one year away from 70 and I've had a good run," he told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times in August.
Fender had a kidney transplant in 2002 and a liver transplant in 2004.
Fender is best known for several mid-1970s hit songs, including "Before the Next Teardrop Falls," "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights" and "You'll Lose a Good Thing."
He has won three Grammy awards, the last in 1992 for his "La Musica de Baldemar Huerta" album.
Baldermar Huerta is Fender's real name. He grew up in the south Texas town of San Benito, the son of migrant workers.
I remember listening to him in all the Mexican restaurants we used to go to.
Lung cancer's the worst of the cancers. Prayers...
That was Jose Feliciano.
No, you are thinking of Jose Feliciano.
No, that was Jose Feliciano.
Great minds . . .
Well, at least I got in before you did. LOL
Indeed. Good attitude.
I'll take "Hispanic Singers Who Haven't Had A Hit In 30 Years" for $300, Alex.
I've seen the other responses but wanted to be the fourth.
Nah, that was Jose Feliciano...

Freddy will be missed.
I've heard a large segment from one of his more recent concerts, on the radio. Seemed to be a really nice old rockin' dude. God bless you, Freddy. Please make sure you're paying attention to your Salvador.
I like Freddy Fender. Our local stations still play many of his songs. I wish him well.
Sad news.
Texas Tornados music is fun stuff; he will be missed.
No, that was Jose Feliciano.
just to be clear.
Don't roll those bloodshot eyes at me...
Freddy will definitely be missed.
You can hear him on AOL radio too.
What can you say when a person is given a death sentence.
I wish him peace and a short struggle.
May he be in heaven half an hour before the Devil knows he is dead.
"I'll take "Hispanic Singers Who Haven't Had A Hit In 30 Years" for $300, Alex."
He made his mark in his own time. Not many who try a career in the business can say they were grammy winners.
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