Fernández, Rosita 1918-2006

Rosita Fernandez, a long time San Antonian and pioneer of Tejano music, gained international fame as a recording artist and movie star. Rosita married Raul Almaguer of San Antonio in 1938. Her career began in the 1920s when she started singing with her uncles in the "Trio San Miguel." With the increased popularity of radio, Rosita became the lead in a 1932 W.O.A.I. radio show. In addition to making hundreds of recordings, Rosita was also a pioneer in television, appearing in San Antonio's first television broadcast. Expanding into movie roles, Rosita's largest part was as the leading lady in Disney's 1963 "Sancho, the Homing Steer." Locally, Rosita was best known for her performances at the summer-long "Fiesta Noche del Rio" at Arneson River Theatre in San Antonio. She officially retired in 1982 and received numerous awards in appreciation of her dedication, talent, and loyalty to San Antonio. Among the most visible is "Rosita's Bridge" named in her honor, which spans the San Antonio River at the Arneson River Theatre.