“Don’t take life so serious. Enjoy it, be happy, and be happy.” – Freddy Fender
Freddy Fender, the self-proclaimed “King of Tex Mex” (and my grandmother’s all-time favorite artist) releases Freddy Fender—Live at the Renaissance Center, a 15-song* live performance filmed in Laughlin, Nevada.
I grew up listening to Freddy’s biggest hits on what was probably the only country music station in Connecticut and through various K-Tel hits-of-the-day compilations. In the 90’s I became a fan of Freddy’s work with the Tex Mex supergroup Texas Tornados. I even saw the Tornados once in San Marcos, Texas. And after seeing this video, I can say that Freddy has lost none of the energy and personality that he had when I saw him in the early 90s.
This video features strong performances of many of Freddy’s nearly 50-year career.
Highlights from the DVD include some of Freddy’s biggest commercially successful songs like “Before the Next Teardrop Falls,” “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,” “You’ll Lose a Good Thing,” “Vaya Con Dios” and “Since I Met You Baby.” And just for fun, he throws in a few covers, including the Hank Williams classic “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” and the casino night club standards “Margaritaville” and “Wooly Bully.”
Freddy also takes time to talk to the audience, mixing in jokes and an incredibly long and confusing story that introduces “Jambalaya (On the Bayou).”
The best part of this video is the interview found in the bonus material. This 15-minute talk with Freddy gives the viewer some insight into the artist. Simply put, this guy really appears to be genuinely happy to be alive and playing music—almost happy-go-lucky. Freddy talks about the early days of his career, including a little background about the origins of “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,” his stint in the Louisiana prison system, and the great Doug Sahm among other topics.
Other bonus material includes a text biography, a photo gallery, the video credits (the same ones that appear at the end of the video), and a screen that features web links.
Consider this video a great gift idea for the hardcore Freddy Fender fan. However, if I were introducing someone to his music, I would probably start with one of his greatest hits collections or even a Texas Tornados album.
*The 15th song is “Six Days on the Road,” which is played in the introduction. It doesn’t appear in the chapter list or the packaging.
Article comments
1 - dave medina
HEY I BOUGHT A CD "FREDDY FENDER JR" THIS SINGER IS GREAT DOES ALL OF DADDYS SONGS! TITLED " IN THE LEGENDS SHADOW" MAN HE IS GREAT AND GREAT PRODUCTION!
2 - Avenging Angel
FREDDY FENDER, JUNIOR IS A RIP OFF. HE CAN'T SING, HE HAS NO ENERGY, HE IS SLOW, BUMBLING, VERY BORING AND SINGS FLAT. A TOTAL KNOCK OFF AND DISAPPOINTMENT. HE WAS SUED BY FREDDY'S WIFE ANGIE - HE'S A NICE GUY BUT COMPARING HIM TO FREDDY, HE IS JUST WALLPAPER AND FLAT OUT SUCKS. BIG DISAPPOINTMENT. WHEN PEOPLE WATCH HIS SHOW, THEY ARE VERY QUIET AS THOUGH THEY CAN'T BELIEVE THEIR EYES - THE LIGHTS ARE ON BUT NO ONE IS HOME. AVOID THIS GUY LIKE THE PLAGUE. WHEN CORNERED HE ADMITS HE IS NOT FREDDY'S SON BUT ITS OBVIOUS IF YOU CHANGE YOUR NAME TO FREDDY FENDER JR, IT IS YOUR INTENT TO DEFRAUD. PUKE!!!!!
3 - Avenging Angel
This guy FREDDY FENDER, JUNIOR NOW DENIES HE EVER SAID HE WAS FREDDY FENDER SENIOR'S SON. HOWEVER, IN THE Chippewa Indian paper, "Tribal Observer", June 1, 2008 Volume 20, Issue 6 an article entitled, “Freddy Fender, Jr. Honors Father” by Joe Sowmick, Editor appeared. It read:
"On May 5 Cinco De Mayo at Soaring Eagle, was a celebration made special by a son honoring the music of his legendary father. Freddy Fender, Jr. was on hand to offer tribute to the Elder Fender’s Catalogue of multi-platinum hits. Considered a leader in the Tex-Mex music revolution, Freddy Fender, Jr. performed Wasted Days and Wasted Nights, Secret Love, Before the Next Teardrop Falls and You’ll Lose a Good Thing." It further read, “My father left a wonderful legacy to country music and it is an honor to keep these songs alive” Freddy Fender, Jr. said. “My father cared about the music and many Hispanic artists have been influenced by his example of giving back to his community.” THIS IS NOT ONLY A TOTAL FRAUD BUT HE INSULTS THE ARTISTRY OF MR. FENDER'S LEGACY. AA6
4 - disperate angel
who else is going to keep freddys musical legend alive. if people go home happy after seeing freddy jr who cares. I tell you if Jr isnt out there they will forget freddy fender!
5 - desperate angel
Freddy told his long time band members " If you guys can make money after i'm gone using my name head on and do it" his gift to the loyal band members! plus Jr isnt making that much to worry about! and how did you know his wife sued?? you must be in the family!!