S.O.D. "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights" by Freddy Fender

4/2/2015     Originally written as a blues ballad in 1959, Fender would never know if it could have had success as he was arrested and convicted of possession of marijuana which caused the song's popularity as well as his own to plummet.  His 2nd attempt in 1975 with the help of session musicians produced a #1 hit in both the U.S. and New Zealand.  This came after his hit single, "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" which was responsible for rejuvenating his career.  

     Fender went by other names as a musician such as El Bebop Kid in 1957.  He was also known as Eddie Con Los Shades for his rockabilly music and persona.  He then changed his name in 1958 from Baldemar Huerta to Freddy Fender.  He used Freddy because it sounded good with Fender which he took from the guitar brand.  Fender died at the age of 69 in 2006 of lung cancer at his home in Corpus Christi Texas.  In 2001, Billboard Magazine falsely reported Fender to be deceased which he laughed off.  He received three Grammy Awards in his lifetime and "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights" was a gold selling record.