Roberto “Fats” Fernández (born June 7, 1937, in La Boca, Buenos Aires; died January 7, 2026) was an Argentinian jazz trumpeter.

Fernández began his professional career at the age of seventeen as a member of The Georgian’s Jazz Band. He then played in Gato Barbieri’s quintet, with Jorge López Ruiz, with Clare Fischer/Jorge Calandrelli, Oscar Alemán, and in Rodolfo Alchourrón’s group Sanata y Clarificación.

He performed with the bands of Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto, and Larry Harlow, and with the orchestras of Ray Charles, Jorge Anders, and Bubby Lavechia, as well as with musicians such as Roy Eldridge, Lionel Hampton, Paquito D’Rivera, and Michal Urbaniak, and appeared as a sideman on more than 300 albums.

In New York, Fernández In 1987, he released his debut album, *Un trompetista de Buenos Aires*. From 1991 to 1992, he participated in the Festival de Jazz Latin with Paquito D’Rivera, Ray Barretto, and Astrud Gilberto. His album *Cuore* won the ACE Award for Best Jazz Album of the Year in 1992. In 1994, he recorded the album *La Música y la Vida* with Wynton Marsalis.

At the 24th Annual Brass Conference in 1996, he performed with Dave Taylor, Phil Smith, Joe Alessi, Conrad Herwig, Paquito D’Rivera, and Don Butterfield. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin's birth in 1998, he produced an album featuring previously unreleased recordings by Enrique Villegas, among others.

Awards and Recognitions

Fernández received a Premio Estrella de Mar and the ACE Award for Best Album in 1992. In 1995, he won two He received the Premios Estrella de Mar for best musical performance and best group in the field of popular music. Also in 1995, he was awarded the Premio Konex de Platino as best jazz soloist.

Roberto „Fats“ Fernández - Yo Quería Ser Feliz

Roberto „Fats“ Fernández - Balada para el ¨nuevo Mundo¨

Roberto Fats Fernandez

 

R.I.P

 

I recorded Roberto in the 80s in Buenos Aires at our 8 track studio, he was a member of Bubby Lavequia´s orchestra at the time, we where doing session recordings each week during several seasons for a special TV show. Great talented musician. Rest in Peace Maestro.

 

I shared scenario with him at Oliverio Mate Bar in lates 80's.
A cool man.