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The music legend, born Rodolfo Olivares in Tamaulipas, Mexico, in 1947, died at age 75.
Olivares was a saxophonist known in the Latino music industry for big cumbia hits like "Juana La Cubana," "Agüita de Melon," and "El Chicle," which are considered must-plays at weddings, quinceañeras, and other celebratory events.
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The musician started playing professionally at 16 and wrote music for groups like Duet Estrella and Tam and Tex. He then formed Fito Olivares y su Grupo La Pura Sabrosura with his brothers Javier and Jaime in Houston in 1980.
Many on social media expressed their condolences after learning about his death.
"Rest in peace to a legend we all grew up with Fito Olivares. Thank you for the music," Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez wrote on his Twitter.
Olivares officially retired from touring in 2007.