Freddy Fender was an American Tejano, country, and rock and roll musician known for his bilingual renditions of popular songs. Born Baldemar Garza Huerta in Texas, he gained recognition in the 1950s as "El Be-Bop Kid" before achieving success in the 1970s with hits like "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" and "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights". Fender's style, blending various genres with elements of Mexican music, played a significant role in popularizing Tejano music. His distinctive voice and unique musical fusion have left a lasting impact on the American music scene.