From their very beginnings in 1986, before they even had a name for the group, the band of young men from Pasadena, TX was impressing listeners with their music and showmanship. "They would ask us what our name was, and we would look at each other waiting for the other person to answer. We eventually settle on LA FIEBRE because we were all getting fevers from trying to come up with a good name", said Pedro (Pete) lead vocalist.
In 1987, the group recorded their first album under their own label entitled, CONTAGIOUS charting two songs, "Vestida de Color De Rosa" and "Por Tu Copa". Then they followed up their debut with an album titled ON THE RISE producing the groups first smash hit, "Borracho De Besos". This album achieved platinum status selling over 100,000 copies in the United States and spent several weeks on the Billboard magazine charts.
LA FIEBRE went on to produce albums like, NO CURE, 911, FIEBRE and HASTA EL FINAL, all albums under the EMI Latin label. NO CURE was especially successful, scoring heavy airplay and producing great hits like:"Aquel Carino", "Labios De Cereza", "Eres Mi Primer Amor"(one of mine all time favorites), and "El Amor Acaba".
HASTA EL FINAL, was the last in the line of recordings by LA FIEBRE under the EMI Latin agreement. Freddie Records signed them in February 1997. "We were not happy with each other, we weren't making them any money and we weren't making any money for us either. There were no promotions in magazines, radio or TV. We cut two albums out and nobody even heard of them" Espinosa said. "They kicked it around for six months and finally, they gave us the release and we moved on ".
What really happen to LA FIEBRE? Before anyone knew Selena or Emilio there was La Mafia, La Sombra and of course LA FIEBRE. In the three years, the group seem to fade away with what seemed little help from their recording label. "I can't say it was their fault (EMI Latin) because I wasn't working for them. But I can say this, we had a huge lawsuit with them and everyone knows about it. When we settled, we thought everything was all right but I think it was not. Everything turned sour." Pete explained. This lawsuit kept LA FIEBRE without an album release for several years. As a result, problems within the band began arising. Without a doubt, LA FIEBRE popularity and recognition became dormant.
Now everything is in the past and LA FIEBRE is ready to take on the task to be the group what they used to be a superstar status group. Corpus Christi based label, Freddie Records, considered there past history. "They've sold gold and platinum albums, their concerts were sellouts, and their airplay ratings was up there with the best. We have no reason to believe that with the right marketing approach, the solid support from our label, there's nothing keeping LA FIEBRE from enjoying the same success they've had in the past," says Vice-President Freddie Martinez Jr.
Within a week of closing the deal, the band went to work on their first album for their new label. Their studio effort is entitled, FENOMENAL and is already in stores across the nation. The material covers a wide spectrum of musical arrangements. The first single "De Cantina y Cantina" has been described as "one of the best releases by the group in quite some time,". The group is ready and this time, there is nothing in their path stopping them from accomplishing once again the success they enjoyed in the past. Although this is true, the band doesn't feel they are on a mission to prove themselves. "LA FIEBRE can be what it used to be, but we don't worry about it. We just want to do what we love to do, and that's making music and if we don't succeed with this album, we will keep trying. We play for our fans not for us" Lead singer, Pete Espinosa explained. This is a new beginning and it is filled with all the right ingredients. "For the first time in ten years, it feels good to be treated like family. We had so much fun recording our first album with Freddie (Records), I can't wait for the next one." Pete said. "We want to thank all our fans for not forgetting us. This album is for them. Thanks for waiting for us. We are back, this is the old FIEBRE."
In January of 1999, The band received a grammy nomination for the CD “Fiebre Live En Concierto” Which features many of the bands greatest hit and new releases.
Get your own Free Home Page