Federico Méndez was a Mexican songwriter and producer who worked with many famous artists, but his most notable collaboration was with Vicente Fernández, the king of mariachi. Méndez wrote and arranged some of Fernández’s biggest hits, such as “De qué manera te olvido”, “Por tu maldito amor” and “Me voy a quitar de en medio”. He was also Fernández’s close friend and confidant, who supported him through thick and thin. However, Méndez’s life ended abruptly and mysteriously in 1988, leaving behind a legacy of music and a mystery of his death.
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The Rise of Federico Méndez
Federico Méndez was born in 1933 in Mexico City. He showed an early interest in music and learned to play various instruments, such as piano, guitar and accordion. He also studied music theory and composition at the National Conservatory of Music. He started his career as a songwriter and composer for various singers, such as Lola Beltrán, Javier Solís and José Alfredo Jiménez. He also worked as an arranger and musical director for several record labels, such as RCA Victor, Discos Musart and CBS.
Méndez met Vicente Fernández in the early 1970s, when Fernández was already a rising star in the Mexican music scene. They quickly developed a professional and personal relationship, based on mutual respect and admiration. Méndez became Fernández’s main producer and songwriter, helping him to achieve success and recognition both nationally and internationally. Méndez also accompanied Fernández on his tours and concerts, playing the piano or the accordion. They shared many experiences and adventures together, as well as joys and sorrows.
The Death of Federico Méndez
In 1988, Vicente Fernández suffered two devastating losses: the death of his two best friends, Felipe Arriaga and Federico Méndez. Arriaga was a singer and actor who was Fernández’s compadre (godfather of his son) and partner in many movies. He was murdered on November 3, 1988, by unknown assailants who shot him several times outside his home in Mexico City.
Thirteen days later, on November 16, 1988, Federico Méndez was found dead in his office at the CBS record label in Naucalpan, State of Mexico. He had a gunshot wound to his head and a revolver in his hand. The initial version was that he committed suicide, but many people doubted this explanation, including his family, friends and colleagues. They argued that Méndez had no reason to kill himself, as he was happy and successful. He had just finished producing Fernández’s latest album, “Las llaves de mi alma”, which was a huge hit. He also had plans for his daughter’s wedding, which was scheduled for December 10 of that year.
The authorities conducted an investigation into Méndez’s death, but they could not find any conclusive evidence or motive for his suicide or murder. They performed a paraffin test on his hands, which showed that he had fired the gun himself. However, some people claimed that the test was unreliable or tampered with. They also questioned why there were no signs of struggle or forced entry in his office. They speculated that he could have been killed by someone he knew or trusted, who then staged the scene to look like a suicide.
The case of Federico Méndez’s death remains unsolved to this day. His family and friends still demand justice and clarity for what happened to him. His fans still remember him as one of the greatest songwriters and producers of Mexican music history. His legacy lives on through his songs, which are still played and sung by millions of people around the world.
The Impact of Federico Méndez’s Death on Vicente Fernández
Vicente Fernández was deeply affected by the death of Federico Méndez, who was not only his producer but also his brother-in-arms. He dedicated several songs to him, such as “Amigo mío”, “Te extraño” and “Te recordaré”. He also paid tribute to him in many interviews and concerts, expressing his gratitude and admiration for him.
Fernández said that after losing Méndez, he felt like he had lost part of his soul. He said that he could not find another producer who understood him as well as Méndez did. He said that he missed his advice, his jokes and his friendship. He said that he would never forget him or stop loving him.
Fernández continued his successful career as a singer and actor, but he always carried the memory of Federico Méndez in his heart. He also faced other challenges and tragedies in his life, such as health problems, family conflicts and the death of his wife Cuquita in 2021. He died on December 12, 2021, at the age of 81, after suffering a fall and a spinal cord injury. He left behind a legacy of music and a legend of mariachi.
