In 1959, Fender recorded the blues ballad "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights." The song became popular in 1959, but he was beset by legal troubles after he and a band member were arrested for possession of marijuana. After a two years in Louisiana's Angola prison farm, he was released through the intercession of Gov. Jimmie Davis, also a songwriter and musician. Davis requested that Fender stay away from music while on probation as a condition of his release. By the end of the 1960s, Fender was back in Texas working as a mechanic, and attending a local junior college, while only playing music on the weekends.
Number One Pop and Country
In 1974, Fender recorded "Before The Next Teardrop Falls." The single was selected for national distribution, and became a number one hit on the Billboard Country and Pop charts. His next four singles, including a remake of "Wasted Days", all hit the number one spot on the Billboard Country charts. During the next few years, Fender had several major country hits, including the No. 1 hits "Secret Love" (1975) and "You'll Lose a Good Thing" (1976).
Texas Tornados
In the 1990s, Fender teamed up with fellow Tex-Mex musicians Doug Sahm, Flaco Jimenez and Augie Myers to form the Tex-Mex supergroup the Texas Tornados, whose work was widely acclaimed. Following the death of Sahm, the production of the Tornadoes slowed.
Los Super Seven
Freddy Fender continued to still be on top with a groundbreaking collaboration with several musical legends to produce another supergroup, Los Super Seven which consisted of David Hidalgo (vocals, guitar, drums, bass, percussion, requinto, hidalguera); Rick Trevino, Joe Ely (vocals, guitar); Flaco Jimenez (vocals, accordion); Cesar Rosas (vocals, six-string bass, guitar, guitarron, jarana); Freddy Fender (vocals, acoustic bass); Ruben Ramos (vocals). This Super Seven effort won a Grammy in 1999.
On February 4, 1999, Freddy's star was installed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 2004, the Texas Folklife Resources produced a widely acclaimed sell-out show at the Paramount in Austin, Texas " Fifty Years of Freddy Fender", where Freddy was honored and then performed to a packed house. Also in 2004, Freddy's hometown of San Benito Texas honored Freddy with his likeness emblazoned on their new watertower with "Hometown of Freddy Fender". Freddy would later say that this honor meant more to him than any other accolade he had ever won.
Freddy Fender's Masterpiece...
La Musica De Baldemar Huerta
Freddy delves deeply into the music of his forefathers: the boleros and rancheras that would have played in the ghettos of his native San Benito, Texas, and that he sang as a youth in border-town cantinas. Especially gorgeous are "Adios Muchachos," a melancholy meditation on final farewells, and the delicate opener, "Rayito de Luna." El Be Bop Kid isn't just back; he sounds reborn. Freddy won his last Grammy for this album.
Freddy Fender underwent a kidney transplant in 2002 donated by his daughter and a transplant of the liver in 2004. Nonetheless, his condition continued to worsen. He was suffering from an "incurable cancer" in which he had tumors on his lungs. On December 31, 2005, Fender performed his last concert and resumed chemotherapy.
Fender has Passed on...
Rest in Peace, Vaya Con Dios
Freddy Fender passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2006, after a long battle with lung cancer. He is buried in his Hometown of San Benito, Texas.
Plans are underway for a Freddy Fender Museum to be located in his beloved hometown, San Benito, Texas. Check back at: www.freddyfendermuseum.org or
www.freddyfender.com
Jingle Bell Rock
FREDDY FENDER Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowin′ and blowin' up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancin′ and Prancin' in jingle bell square
In the frosty air!
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go glidin′ in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy up, jingle horse pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jinglin′ feet
That's the jingle bell rock!
(Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bell chime in jingle bell time
Dancin′ and prancin' in jingle bell square
In the frosty air!)
Now, the bright time it′s the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go glidin' in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy up, jingle horse pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jinglin′ feet
That's the jingle bell
That's the jingle bell
That′s the jingle bell rock!
The lyrics of "Jingle Bell Rock" by Freddy Fender paint a vivid picture of the festive and lively atmosphere of the holiday season. The repeated refrain of "Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock" sets the tone for a joyful and upbeat mood, with the sound of jingling bells evoking feelings of celebration and merriment. The imagery of snow falling and wind blowing "up bushels of fun" creates a sense of winter wonderland and adds to the playful nature of the song.
As the jingle bells chime in and the jingle hop begins, the scene is set for a dancing and prancing in a lively square. The mention of the frosty air enhances the wintery setting of the song and adds a touch of nostalgia for the cold yet magical holiday season. The lyrics convey a sense of excitement and joy, inviting listeners to join in the festivities and embrace the holiday spirit.
The song emphasizes that this is the "bright time" and the "right time" to rock the night away, suggesting that the holiday season is a time for celebration and enjoyment. The idea of going gliding in a one-horse sleigh evokes traditional winter activities and reinforces the sense of fun and adventure that comes with the season. The imagery of the "jingle horse" picking up its feet and jingling around the clock adds to the whimsical and lively atmosphere of the song.
Ultimately, "Jingle Bell Rock" captures the essence of the holiday season with its vibrant and energetic lyrics. The song celebrates the joy and magic of Christmas, encouraging people to come together, dance, and enjoy the festive spirit. With its upbeat tempo and cheerful lyrics, "Jingle Bell Rock" is a timeless holiday classic that continues to spread warmth and happiness during this special time of year.
Line by Line Meaning
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
The joyful sound of jingle bells brings excitement and cheer to the holiday season
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
The swinging and ringing of the bells add to the festive atmosphere
Snowin' and blowin' up bushels of fun
The snow and wind create a playful environment for enjoyment
Now the jingle hop has begun
It's time to join in the lively dance and celebration
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
The chiming bells keep the rhythm of the holiday season
Dancin' and Prancin' in jingle bell square
People are joyfully dancing and prancing together in a festive square
In the frosty air!
The crisp winter air adds to the magical atmosphere
What a bright time, it's the right time
It's a time filled with brightness and joy, perfect for celebration
To rock the night away
To enjoy and have a great time throughout the night
Jingle bell time is a swell time
The time of the jingling bells is a wonderful time for festivities
To go glidin' in a one-horse sleigh
Enjoying a magical ride in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy up, jingle horse pick up your feet
Encouraging the horse to move quickly and enjoy the ride
Jingle around the clock
Keep the joy and celebration going all day and night
Mix and a-mingle in the jinglin' feet
Join in the fun and embrace the festive spirit
That's the jingle bell rock!
This is the lively and energetic sound of the jingle bell rock
Writer(s): James Booth, Joseph Beal
Contributed by Adam S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.