Famous Mexican cumbia musician Fito Olivares passed away at the age of 75 after battling cancer, as confirmed by his family.
Born Rodolfo Olivares in Tamaulipas, Mexico, in 1947, he was a music genius and a saxophone player who became well-known in the Latino music industry for his big Cumbia hits like “Juana La Cubana.” He started playing professionally at the age of 16 and eventually formed the music group Fito Olivares with his brothers in Houston in 1980.
His music style was very original, and his songs became must-played songs at Latino celebratory events.
Olivares’ death has left a lasting impact on the music industry, and local leaders such as Sheriff Ed Gonzalez have tweeted about his legacy.
The small record store Memo Records Shop number one, located on the corner of Canal Street and 75th Street in northeast Houston, carries all the CDs and music records from legendary greats, including Olivares’ music, which remains popular to this day.
Shop owner Guillermo Villarreal, who has owned the store for nearly 55 years, describes Olivares as one of his favorite musicians, and his shop continues to pay tribute to the music legend.
Olivares’ music will surely be missed, but his legacy will live on through his timeless hits.
