By THE PULSE NEWS MEXICO STAFF

Mexican composer Rubén Fuentes Gasson, best known for his popular songs “La Bikina” and “El Son de la Negra,” died Saturday, Feb. 5, in hospital at age 95, from natural causes.

Over his seven-decade career, Fuentes Gasson recorded more than 300 songs, according to the Society of Authors and Composers of Mexico (SACM).

A native of Zapotlán El Grande, Jalisco, Fuentes Gasson inherited his love for music from his parents, who taught him to play violin and piano at an early age.

At the age of 18, he joined Mexico’s renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, later becoming the group’s producer, arranger and musical director.

In 1954, 1958, 1959 and 1971, he was named Mexico’s best composer of the year.

He also earned two Latin Grammys, for his song “Ni Princesa, Ni Esclava,” performed by Vikki Carr, and as producer for “Canciones de Mi Padre,” which was performed by Linda Rondstadt.