Vicente Fernández Gómez, simply known as Vicente Fernández, is a Mexican singer and actor. Known as el "El Idolo de Mexico" (the idol of Mexico) and "El Rey" (The King) throughout the Latin world, Vicente Fernandez, who started his career singing for tips on the street, has become a Mexican cultural icon, recording more than 50 albums and contributing to 40 movies. He is the father of singer Alejandro Fernández. Although less well known to English-speaking audiences, he has consistently filled stadiums and venues throughout his 35-plus years of performing. His repertoire is pure ranchera, a style described by Daniel Chang of the Miami Herald as representing "the Mexico of old – a way of life romanticized by rural ranches, revolution, and philandering caballeros". He has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.