Freddy Fender | Courtesy photo
The esteemed music magazine Rolling Stone has put together a list of the ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time’, For the 10th anniversary of RS Country, the publication expanded the list to 200 songs to delve deeper into the genre’s rich history, “including some aspects that didn’t get enough attention the first time around.” The expanded list from 100, showcases the full breadth of Country music and all its different voices from modern to the classics that have shaped it.
“[In]celebration of the 10th anniversary of RS Country, we’re expanding the list to 200 songs. The new list gave us more room to go deeper into the music’s rich history, including some aspects that didn’t get enough attention the first time around.”
The Latin and Mexican voices present on the list include Johnny Rodriguez starting off at #191, Linda Rondstadt at #171, and The Mavericks rounding out at #159; before we see the large leap into the TOP 50 with Freddy Fender at #47 for “Before the Next Teardrop Falls”. In two weeks, the single and album of the same name begin their 50th-year celebration that is set from June 1974-1975. This comes as the focus on Fender’s career impact has grown through the advocacy in Texas and Nashville for his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Library of Congress National Recording Registry Induction and many others.
The recognized album and song are one of many he created over the 60 years of active recording and performing, before his passing in 2006 from lung cancer at his home in Corpus Christi. Fender, also known as Baldemar Huerta, rose to fame from San Benito, Texas, and became an overnight international star with his records crossing over on the Billboard country charts into rock and pop, each rising to No. 1. His voice and charismatic personality also made him a nationwide television celebrity in the ‘70s and ‘80s. His accolades include but are not limited to the following:
- 3x Grammy Award Winner
- 24 Songs Charted on Billboard Hot Country Songs 4 of which reached #1
- Academy of Country Music (1975) — “Most Promising Male Vocalist”
- Country Music Association (1975) — “Single of the Year”
- Received a STAR on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his impact in Music (Recording Category) 02-04-1999.
- Louisiana Hall Of Fame 2001
- Texas Historical Marker – for contributions to Tejano, rock, and country music (2023)
From 1974 to 2005, Fender released a total of 20 albums with a total of 24 songs charting successfully in both Country and Pop, many featuring lyrics in English and Spanish.
As we anticipate the upcoming 50th-year celebration of Freddy Fender’s iconic single and album, it’s clear that his legacy continues to resonate through the heart of country music. Fender’s unique blend of Tejano and country sounds not only broke cultural barriers but also cemented his place as a trailblazer in the music industry. As Rolling Stone honors his work, we are reminded of the power of music to transcend time and unite us across different walks of life. Freddy Fender’s voice continues inspiring new generations.
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