FREDDIE CHAVEZ.    RIP

 https://youtu.be/ah1-N22b3Yw

Freddie appeared at Soultripusa Las Vegas 2018

The New Mexico Music Awards 3d · Marco Nunez tells us that a New Mexico legend passed last evening. Freddie Chavez has died at the age of 76. Freddie was the little engine that could. He began his career in 1959 at the age 11 and never looked back. Born and raised in Albuquerque, Freddie loved his town and the Duke City loved him back. He played in a band all through high school, performing at high school sock hops and weddings on the weekends. His bands, The Freddie Chavez Foundation and Spinning Wheel were the most popular bands in the state for many years, so in demand that they would often be booked for two or more events on the same day. In the 60s, Freddie was best known for the Northern Soul anthem, 'They'll Never Know Why'. Freddie was not afraid to change with the times. While he loved playing Spanish music and corridos, he would also adapt to the newer funk, psychedelic rock and soul of the late 60s and early 70s. When everyone else was showing up with a 4 piece rock ensemble, Freddie was touring with a full horn and rhythm section, dressed in a tux and making sure his band was also appropriately dressed. If you weren't, you got fined a dollar. The Foundation always had the best gigs at hotels and opening for giants in the music industry. As the years rolled by, Freddie wanted to spend more time with his family. He married his high school sweetheart and raised three girls. He downsized his band, but the demand for his music always kept him on stage. Eventually, it was just Freddie and Sal Garcia (on saxophone) playing small lounges and finally just Freddie as a solo act, his audience following him wherever he went. He played every weekend until his health prevented him from doing so. Freddie was a human jukebox. You could ask for anything, from country to blues to rock to your favorite polka and he could play it. His voice was incredible and he could bring you to tears or make you stand up and cheer. Freddie was inducted into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame in 2005, well before other New Mexico legends like Al Hurricane or Glen Campbell were so honored. The music of New Mexico and the industry we know today was built on a solid foundation of people like Freddie Chavez. He will truly be missed.

Freddie(Left) (John Wagner owner of Look right)

You've blessed us with a sublime strings of Look 45's loaded with SOUL Mister Chavez. 

Just flipped them through over earlier on... Without knowing of your passing then. RIP + 

 

16 minutes ago, Goldsoul said:

 

Thank you for posting.  I'd never seen that clip before; he still sounded great.

RIP Mr Chavez.

RIP Freddie Chavez thanks for the memories

So sorry to be reading of the passing of Freddie Chavez, it was a real thrill to see him perform They’ll  Never Know Why at Soultrip Las Vegas 2018. Condolences to his family and friends.
 

 

A simple song with a brilliant punch line. That’s the power of a great Northern Soul song. Another treasure gone but his memory will live forever in the eternal Northern Soul Scene.

RIP Freddie

Freddie Chavez Thank you for such a great song.RIP.

Thanks. ✊🎶🕺💃

RIP Freddie.

I'm going to play TWNKW in your honour at Clitheroe on Sunday

Edited March 4, 20241 yr by Julianb
Photo added

When people ask “What is Northern Soul”

Freddie nails it in one song 🥲

Thanks for raising my heart beat in the sweat at the Casino, while dancing and grasping for air - Never to be forgotten - RIP 

14 hours ago, Julianb said:

RIP Freddie.

I'm going to play TWNKW in your honour at Clitheroe on Sunday

You could flip it over and play Baby I’m Sorry...this is a superb sound, a great dancer and overlooked by most.

Sad news. R.I.P Freddie.

9 hours ago, Frankie Crocker said:

You could flip it over and play Baby I’m Sorry...this is a superb sound, a great dancer and overlooked by most.

Or his other Look releases AKA Dave Newman 'can't take a no for an answer' (instead of the 'make up your mind' side that for some reason doesn't attract less adventurous dee-jays) or the Chekkers 'please don't go' on the down tempo soul moaner side of things that is also brilliant IMO. Especially for a farewell testimony +

 

3 hours ago, Tlscapital said:

Or his other Look releases AKA Dave Newman 'can't take a no for an answer' (instead of the 'make up your mind' side that for some reason doesn't attract less adventurous dee-jays) or the Chekkers 'please don't go' on the down tempo soul moaner side of things that is also brilliant IMO. Especially for a farewell testimony +

 

Make Up Your Mind is a brilliant track. Very catchy, classic beat, great dancer and overlooked by many.

Who did the lookalike bootlegs of this and Freddie?

57 minutes ago, Julianb said:

Who did the lookalike bootlegs of this and Freddie?

Which ones ?

I had no idea that he had songs under other names esp “make up your mind”.

thanks 

 

1 hour ago, Tlscapital said:

Which ones ?

The Dave Newman and Freddie on Look

14 minutes ago, Julianb said:

The Dave Newman and Freddie on Look

That I got but which 'look-alikes' ? The white promos ? But aren't these styrene ? So unmistaken for what I thought to be confusing lookalikes...

1 hour ago, Tlscapital said:

That I got but which 'look-alikes' ? The white promos ? But aren't these styrene ? So unmistaken for what I thought to be confusing lookalikes...

Yes, the white promos. Not sure about styrene or vinyl  but they do look very convincing 

Very sad news. Another great artist gone. 

Love and prayers to his family and friends..

I have always loved baby I'm sorry possibly more than I'll never know why. But 2 great songs of which I am thankful for. 

I have often wondered if he sang on thee checkers lack of love as it is a similar voice?? 

Rip Freddie, and show those angels how a soul record should be sang...

14 minutes ago, Greedy Mick said:

Very sad news. Another great artist gone. 

Love and prayers to his family and friends..

I have always loved baby I'm sorry possibly more than I'll never know why. But 2 great songs of which I am thankful for. 

I have often wondered if he sang on thee checkers lack of love as it is a similar voice?? 

Rip Freddie, and show those angels how a soul record should be sang...

He didn’t but Dave Newman, born David Nunez did.  

One of my favourite tunes from my early years with Northern Soul and still get up to it. Another soul artist gone too soon. 

R.I.P  and thank you for the memories 

 

 

22 hours ago, Goldsoul said:

He didn’t but Dave Newman, born David Nunez did.  

Many thanks for the information. Much appreciated 

“They’ll Never Know Why” just sold on Manship for £1700+

On 03/03/2024 at 21:10, Goldsoul said:

 

brilliant week in vegas that was - pleasure to meet the guy  - rip freddie