Fernando Ortega | |
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Born |
Juan Fernando Ortega March 2, 1957 Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
Nationality | American |
Education | Music at the University of New Mexico |
Known for | Christian singer/songwriter |
Website | http://www.fernandoortega.com/ |
Juan Fernando Ortega (born March 2, 1957) is a singer-songwriter in contemporary Christian music. He is noted both for his interpretations of many traditional hymns and songs, such as "Give Me Jesus" and "Be Thou My Vision", and for writing clear, easily understood songs, such as "This Good Day".
Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico near the banks of the Rio Grande. He started learning piano at eight years of age. Through his father's work with the United States Department of State, he also spent time in Ecuador and Barbados. His family lived in Chimayo, NM for eight generations, which has been cited as an influence on his music.
Ortega graduated from Valley High School and The University of New Mexico, where he received his bachelor's degree in music education.
It is from his heritage and classical training at The University of New Mexico where Ortega derives his sound, embracing country, classical, Celtic, Latin American, world, modern folk and rustic hymnody.
Storm reached No. 197 on the Billboard 200 in 2002.
Christmas Songs reached No. 36 on the Billboard Christmas Album Chart in 2009.
Fernando Ortega performing at Taylor University