Chiapanecas rafael mendez biography
Chiapanecas rafael mendez biography wikipedia
Chiapanecas rafael mendez biography.
Rafael Méndez
For the Bolivian footballer, see Rafael Méndez (footballer).
Rafael Méndez | |
|---|---|
Mendez in a 1955 advertisement | |
| Born | (1906-03-26)March 26, 1906 Jiquilpan, Michoacán, Mexico |
| Died | September 15, 1981(1981-09-15) (aged 75) |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Trumpet |
| Years active | 1939–1975 |
Musical artist
Rafael Méndez (March 26, 1906 – September 15, 1981)[1] was a Mexicanvirtuoso solo trumpeter.
He is known as the "Heifetz of the Trumpet."[2]
Early life
Méndez was born in Jiquilpan, Michoacán, Mexico to a musical family.[1] As a child, he performed as a cornetist for guerrilla leader Pancho Villa,[3][4] becoming a favorite musician of his and required to remain with Villa's camp.[1]
Career
Before music
Méndez emigrated to the US, first settling in Gary, Indiana, at age 20 and worked in steel mills.[1] He moved to Flint, Michigan and worked at