fernandezrosita

A native of Monterrey, Mexico, Rosita Fernández was one of sixteen children. She was educated in Laredo, Texas. As a youngster, she sang in the Trio San Miguel with her uncles. At seventeen, she was already singing in radio and films. By 1949 Rosita was featured in San Antonio’s first television program, Curtain Time, KMOL-TV, and performing in bit parts in films such as The Alamo. Her major breakthrough came when she originated the first Fiesta Noche del Río at the Arneson River Theater in 1957. In 1982 she retired from this worthy endeavor devoting her time to cultural causes. Internationally recognized for her musical accomplishments, Fernández engaged in charitable works, raising funds for children’s organizations. Honored by numerous music organizations, Fernandez was named San Antonio’s First Lady of Song by Lady Bird Johnson in 1968.