When you think of a mariachi singer, who comes to mind?

A man most likely, wearing a gorgeous embroidered suit known as a traje de charro.

A huge sombrero, of course, probably a mustache and a voice.

A deep, rich baritone, loud, proud, Mexican.

Singing rancheras, the songs of the country life.

You're probably thinking of the king of Mexican music, Vicente Fernandez,

and you're probably thinking of this song titled El Re, the key.

His nicknames, El Ijo del Pueblo, the people's son,

El Ido, Mexico's idol, or just plain son, El Eidolo of Mexico, Mexico's idol,

or just plain Chente.

One of the greatest singers that ever came from Mexico,

and I'm speaking in the past tense

because Fernandez died earlier this week on December 12th.

He left us to play with the great mariachi in the sky.

I'm Gustavo Areano.

You're listening to The Times, Daily News from the LA Times.

It's Thursday, December 16th, 2021.

Today, our episode is All Things Chente.

Millions of his fans in the U.S., Mexico, and beyond are mourning a man who was their soundtrack

of love and sadness and resistance for over half a century.

Our guests will be colleagues of mine at the L.A. Times.

All of us grew up with Chente in our lives.

...