Direct Answer: How Old Was Freddy Fender When He Died
Freddy Fender died at age 69 on October 14, 2006. He was born June 4, 1937, and passed away in Corpus Christi, Texas. The official cause of death was lung cancer. This status statement clarifies his age at death and summarizes essential biographic context, including his career milestones and health history, using verified public records and reputable sources.
Key Biographic Timeline and Age at Major Milestones
The table below aligns notable events in Freddy Fender's life with his age at the time. Ages are calculated to the nearest birthday based on widely reported dates. The timeline helps anchor his age at death to earlier career and personal milestones.
| Event | Date | Age (Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | June 4, 1937 | 0 |
| First hit single "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights" | 1975 | 38 |
| Inducted into Tejano Music Hall of Fame | 1988 | 51 |
| Inducted into Texas Country Music Hall of Fame | 1999 | 62 |
| Death | October 14, 2006 | 69 |
Cause of Death and Health Context
Freddy Fender's death was attributed to lung cancer. He had a history of smoking, which contributed to his respiratory illness. Before lung cancer, he faced other health challenges, including back problems that occasionally interrupted performing and recording. Understanding the progression of his health issues provides context for his age at death and underscores the impact of long-term smoking on chronic illness in later life.
Career Highlights and Age Context
Freddy Fender achieved significant recognition as a cross-genre artist who blended Tejano, country, and rock and roll. His breakthrough came in the mid-1970s, well after his youth and early struggles with the law. Knowing when key career events occurred relative to his age at death helps readers appreciate the arc of his professional life and the legacy he left over decades of recording and performing.
Notable Albums and Peak Years
- Before the Next Teardrop Falls (1975): Released in his late 30s; produced multiple country and Tejano hits.
- If You're Ever in Texas (1976): Recorded in his late 30s; strengthened his presence in country markets.
- Swamp Gold (1978): Released in his early 40s; exemplified his Gulf Coast musical style.
Public Records and Verification Notes
Age and status information for Freddy Fender is drawn from obituaries, official death records, biographies, and reputable music databases. Dates of birth and death, cause of death, and major career milestones are widely reported and consistent across sources. When age is cited, it is typically derived from these primary records. Cross-checking multiple authoritative sources helps confirm the accuracy of the age at death and related biographic data.
Summary and Key Takeaways
- Freddy Fender died at age 69 on October 14, 2006.
- Born June 4, 1937, in Edinburg, Texas.
- Official cause of death was lung cancer, linked in part to a long smoking history.
- Key career milestones, such as his first major hit in 1975, occurred when he was about 38.
- His legacy endures in Tejano and country music, with lasting influence on cross-genre performers.
Related Topics and Further Context
Readers interested in Freddy Fender's age at death may also explore related themes such as the health impacts of long-term smoking among musicians, the timeline of Tejano crossover into mainstream country, and the posthumous recognition of regional artists. These topics provide deeper context for understanding both the personal and cultural significance of his career and passing.
Tags: Freddy Fender, age at death, cause of death, lung cancer, Tejano music, country singer, biopic verification