“El Padrino de la Cumbia” Fito Olivares passes away
Legendary Mexican-American musician Fito Olivares died on March 17, 2023, at 75. Olivares was best known for his contributions to the Tejano and cumbia music genres, earning him the title of “El Padrino de la Cumbia” (The Godfather of Cumbia).
Born in Ciudad Camargo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, in 1945, Olivares and his family migrated to Texas when he was a child. As a young man, he became passionate about music and began playing the saxophone. In the early 1970s, Olivares founded his own band, Fito Olivares y La Pura Sabrosura, and began performing at local clubs and events.
Olivares’ music career took off in the 1980s with the release of his hit song “Juana La Cubana.” The song became an instant classic and solidified Olivares’ place in the Tejano and cumbia music scene. Over the years, he continued to produce hit songs such as “El Colesterol” and “La Gallina.”
The news of Olivares’ passing was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans. His music left a lasting impact on the Tejano and cumbia music scene and many fans’ memories, including mine. As a child, I remember attending family gatherings where my parents would dance to Fito Olivares’ songs. Their love for his music was infectious, and soon it became a tradition for our family to dance to his songs at every gathering.
Although Fito Olivares has passed away, his music will always hold a special place in my heart, and the memories of my parents dancing to his songs will never be forgotten. Olivares’ contributions to the music industry will continue to influence generations to come, and his legacy will live on forever.
Sandra Fernandez is a professional communicator, tech enthusiast, book lover, and blogger. You can find her main blog at SandraSays.com and more of her writing at HispanicHouston.com.