Rosalino "Chalino" Sánchez Félix was a Regional Mexicansinger and songwriter best known for his corrido recordings. On May 16, 1992, after performing his last concert, he was murdered in Culiacán, the capital city of the Pacific coastal state of Sinaloa, Mexico. Since his death, his fame and recordings have grown in popularity. Chalino's son Adán Chalino Sánchez was born April 14, 1984 and was also a Regional Mexican singer in his own right. Chalino's son died in a suspicious automobile accident in Sinaloa.
Life
Chalino Sanchez was born in a small ranch known as "El Guayabo" located in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. He was the youngest of 7 children that Santos Sanchez and Senorina Felix shared. According to his sister Juana Sanchez, he was a curious and mischievous child who always dreamed of becoming a famous singer. He was born into a poor family and lived a difficult life. When he was 15, a tragedy occurred, his sister was raped by a rich man known for being powerful and dangerous. While at a party, Sanchez saw the man and took revenge into his own hands. Sanchez allegedly took the man's life by shooting him to death. After committing this act, Sanchez had to leave the small town located near Culiacan, Sinaloa. According to a family friend, Sanchez escaped to Tijuana, Mexico with nothing but his gun and Jesus Malverde chain. During his time in Tijuana, he worked as a "coyote", someone who helps people cross the border. In 1977, he moved to Los Angeles, California with an aunt. In 1984, he married Marisela Vallejos in a simple and intimate wedding. They first met because she was a friend of his cousin Rosalba. When they got married their first son, Adan Sanchez was already on the way. They shared two children, Adan Sanchez and Cynthia Sanchez. They were married until Chalino Sanchez's death in 1992.
Music
In 1984, Chalino's brother died in Tijuana, which inspired him to compose his first corrido. Around this time, Chalino was put into jail and it is said that this is where his musical journey began. He began to compose songs for his fellow inmates and anyone that had a story worth telling. Chalino began to earn money through his compositions and would be gifted with guns and "presents" by his customers. Among his many compositions are Lucio Villareal, El Pelavacas, and Jorge "El Coquio" Castro. A small group known as "Los Cuatro de la Frontera" recommended Chalino to go to a recording studio in Olympic Blvd in Los Angeles. The studio was called San Angel Records and was owned by Angel Parra. Originally, another artist was meant to sing Chalino's compositions. However, when the man canceled, Chalino decided to sing his own songs. By 1989, Chalino dedicated his full time to writing, recording, and selling his corridos. He would sell cassettes on the streets as well as swap meets.
