QUÉ FUE DE… FRANKIE GÁMEZ, CANTANTE DEL GRUPO “LOS APSON” PURGA CONDENA EN USA DE 99 AÑOS DE CARCEL
What Happened to Franky Gámez, the Singer of Los Apson?
Early Life and Name Change
- Franky Gámez, born Tránsito Gámez García in 1945 in El Barrigón de Nacosari, Sonora, changed his name due to bullying at school. He adopted "Frank" in honor of Frank Sinatra.
- His family moved to Agua Prieta seeking better opportunities, where he began developing his musical talents from a young age.
Musical Beginnings
- By age 8, Franky was playing guitar; at 10, he joined a youth mariachi group and transitioned to a norteño band by age 11.
- He later played rock music on the streets and evolved into modern music styles like border rock or fox rock.
Formation of Musical Groups
- In late 1959, he joined the musical group Los Hson, recording their first instrumental album titled "Llegaron los Hson."
- Disagreements within the group led to Franky's departure in 1966 as he wanted to rename the band "Frankie y los Hapson."
Solo Career and Legal Troubles
- After leaving Los Hson, Franky faced restrictions from performing his songs with other groups and shifted towards tropical rhythms.
- In the early '90s, he was accused of indecent acts against a minor but maintained his innocence. Despite this, he was labeled a fugitive after failing to complete legal processes.
Extradition and Imprisonment
- Following an extradition treaty between Mexico and the U.S., Franky was arrested in Mexico City in 1996 after being sought for extradition by U.S. authorities.
- He received a sentence of 99 years in prison; reports from 2019 indicated that he was suffering health issues while incarcerated.
Legacy