Pedro Fernández and Vicente Fernández are two of the most famous and beloved singers of ranchera music in Mexico and Latin America. They share more than just a surname and a passion for this genre. They also have a history of friendship, admiration, and collaboration that spans decades. But are they related by blood or by name? Here is the truth behind their musical bond.
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How Pedro Fernández Got His Stage Name
Pedro Fernández was born as José Martín Cuevas Cobos in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, on September 28, 1969. He began his career as a child actor and singer at the age of seven, using the stage name Pedrito Fernández. His first album, La de la Mochila Azul, named after the single, was released in 1978. His starring role in the film La niña de la mochila azul (The Girl with the Blue Backpack) was released in 1979 and led to a lifetime career of recording and film contracts.
His stage name is composed of the names of two of his favorite singers, Pedro (Infante) and (Vicente) Fernández. Pedro Infante was a legendary actor and singer of the golden age of Mexican cinema, who died in a plane crash in 1957. Vicente Fernández is considered the king of ranchera music and one of the most influential figures in Mexican culture.
According to Wikipedia, Pedro Fernández adopted his stage name as a tribute to his idols and also to avoid confusion with another singer named José Martín. He also said that he felt more comfortable with his artistic name than with his real one.
How Vicente Fernández Helped Pedro Fernández
Vicente Fernández was born as Vicente Fernández Gómez in Huentitán el Alto, Jalisco, Mexico, on February 17, 1940. He started his career as a street performer and later became a national and international star of ranchera music, selling over 50 million records worldwide. He is also known for his roles in films such as La ley del monte (The Law of the Mountain), El arracadas (The Earrings), and La muerte de un gallero (The Death of a Cockfighter).
Vicente Fernández was one of the first people to recognize Pedro Fernández’s talent and potential. He helped him get his first record contract with producer Rubén Galindo, who had worked with Pedro Infante before. He also invited him to perform with him on several occasions, such as at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City in 1982, when Pedro was only 12 years old.
According to Encyclopedia.com, Pedro Fernández was moved by Vicente Fernández’s rendition of the song Las carreras de caballos (Horse Races) and decided to sing it with him on stage. Vicente Fernández was impressed by the young boy’s voice and charisma and became his mentor and friend.
How Pedro Fernández and Vicente Fernández Have Collaborated Over the Years
Pedro Fernández and Vicente Fernández have maintained a close relationship over the years, based on respect, gratitude, and affection. They have collaborated on several projects, such as recording duets, performing together at concerts and festivals, and appearing on television shows.
Some of their most memorable collaborations are:
- The duet No que no (No Way), which was included in Pedro’s album Escúchame in 1994.
- The duet De tal palo tal astilla (Like Father Like Son), which was included in Vicente’s album Entre el amor y yo in 1998.
- The duet Perdóname (Forgive Me), which was included in Pedro’s album Dime mi amor in 2001.
- The duet Amor de los dos (Love of Both), which was included in Vicente’s album Para siempre in 2007.
- The duet Aunque mal paguen ellas (Even If They Pay Badly), which was included in Vicente’s album Primera fila in 2008.
- The performance at the Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar in Chile in 2010, where they sang several songs together and received the Gaviota de Plata (Silver Seagull) award.
- The performance at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City in 2012, where they celebrated Pedro’s 35 years of artistic career.
- The appearance on the TV show La Voz Kids in 2015, where they coached young singers together.
According to American Post News, Pedro Fernández is considered an “unofficial” member of the Vicente Fernández dynasty, which includes Vicente’s son Alejandro Fernández and grandson Alex Fernández, who are also famous singers of ranchera music. Pedro Fernández has expressed his admiration and gratitude for Vicente Fernández on several occasions, calling him his “second father” and his “teacher”.
Conclusion
Pedro Fernández and Vicente Fernández are not related by blood or by name. They are related by their passion for ranchera music and their admiration for each other. They have shared a bond that goes beyond blood ties, based on respect, gratitude, and affection. They have also collaborated on several musical projects, delighting their fans with their voices and charisma. They are two of the most recognized and respected artists not only in Mexico but throughout Latin America for their music and acting.
