Freddy Fender Passes Away At 69

If you're a big fan of Tex-Mex music, this is a sad weekend. Freddy Fender, the Grammy-winning musician who helped to popularize the style, passed away at home on Saturday with his friends and family by his side. He was 69.

According to eitb24, Fender's passing was quiet and his family was present at his bedside. Freddy has been battling lung cancer after being diagnosed early this year.

His music career, which spanned over 50 years, saw many Grammy awards and top hits. Among his early songs were Spanish cross-over versions of Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel" and Harry Bellafonte's "Jamaica Farewell". He went on to have a big career which was interrupted in the 1960's when he spent three years in prison for possession of marijuana.

Fender, who borrowed his last name from the popular guitar maker in an effort to broaden his appeal, also spent some time in front of the camera, starring in various TV shows and RObert Redford's The Milagro Beanfield War.

"I'm one year away from 70 and I've had a good run," Fender told reporters when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. "I cannot complain that I haven't lived long enough, but I'd like to live longer."

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