Alejandro Fernandez
De Rey a Rey – Homenaje a Vicente Fernandez
Toyota Center
May 30, 2025
In the late 1990s, right around the time The Summit was being renamed as Compaq Center, my high school sweetheart purchased concert tickets for us to attend a concert there by Alejandro Fernandez. We loved his voice and music, both the Ranchera songs as well as his pop ballads. I was particularly intrigued by his voice, a distinguished baritone with deep emotion and almost operatic virtue.
He certainly had big shoes, or boots, to fill. His father was the one and only Vicente Fernandez, the undisputed King of Mariachi. I was also lucky enough to catch his father’s concerts here in Houston, his voice resonating vigorously every time, very natural and raw and loud. Alejandro’s voice is more refined and subdued, but still carries a magical essence that continues to captivate crowds.
The concert was split into two sections: the first was the tribute to his father’s most popular songs, followed by a mix of Alejandro’s classics and newer tracks. He took to the stage wearing his traditional mariachi outfit, a dark suit with golden embellishments and embroidery.
“No Me Se Rajar,” “Hermoso Cariรฑo” and “Lastima Que Seas Ajena” rounded out the opening trio of songs, which was met with applause from the energetic fans. Fernandez pointed up at the sky, giving a nod to his old man, as if saying “this is for you, pops”.
Alejandro was accompanied on stage by a full mariachi band, as well as a sousaphone and an accordion. He flashed a wide smile toward the arena, and took bows to show his appreciation to his fans. I was very happy when I heard “Aca Entre Nos” and “Mujeres Divinas,” two of my favorite songs by Chente.
“Yo no vine a hablar, yo vine a cantar!” he told the audience after thanking them for the warm welcome. (I didn’t come here to talk, I came here to sing!). It was a very well rounded tribute, with lovely ballads such as “Un Millรณn de Primaveras” followed by more raw and traditional rancheras such as “La Ley del Monte.”
Besides honoring his father Vicente, Alejandro also paid tribute to other great Mexican greats such as Jose Alfredo Jimenez and Joan Sebastian. He also sang his dad’s version of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”, which is translated into Spanish as “A Mi Manera.”
The night was rounded out with some of Alejandro’s own songs, as he changed our of his mariachi suit and returned in a vest, jeans, and cowboy hat. “Tantita Pena” and “Me Dediquรฉ a Perderte” sounded smooth and confident as the audience continued to sing along and dance in their seats.
Oh, and remember my high school sweetheart? We reunited more than 25 years after our high school graduation. She was by my side at last night’s show, holding my hand and singing along just like she did at the Compaq Center. Its a lovely love story soundtracked by Alejandro’s music, then and now.
