Born Rodolfo Olivares, musician Fito Olivares began playing the saxophone at 12 and by 16 was performing professionally. He soon began writing his own compositions, establishing himself as an artist who embraced new directions in Mexican cumbia music as adeptly as he adhered to the traditional. He is best known for his hit songs “Juana La Cubana” and “El Colesterol,” which are mainstays at weddings and quinceañeras.
- Died: March 17, 2023 (Who else died on March 17?)
- Details of death: Died in Houston, Texas of multiple myeloma cancer at age 75.
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Early Career
Fito Olivares began his musical journey playing the accordion, which was taught to him by his father. However, it was the saxophone that allowed him to unleash his full potential. Even as a teen, his skills made him stand out. He was invited to join the group Dueto Estrella, for whom he composed his first song, “Ya No Eres Mia.” Throughout the decade, he established himself as a musician who could lift a party. Olivares would go on to form his own group in 1979, Tam y Tex, with his brothers, Javier and Jaime. The following year, he formed another, Fito Olivares and his group La Pura Sabrosura.
Breakthrough Success
Though he had already been a professional musician for nearly two decades, his biggest hits were still to come, hits that have since become standards of the party scene. “Juana La Cubana” would be nominated for a Lo Nuestro Award and end up being recorded by at least 50 other artists, and in 1996, “El Colesterol” won an ASCAP award for best song in the regional Mexican category. Both are now regularly heard at weddings and quinceañeras. He’d also go on to create his own music studio and publishing company, Japonica Studio and Sabrosura Music, respectively.
Tributes to Fito Olivares
Full Obituary: NPR via the Associated Press
