A prolific trumpet soloist and virtuoso who had the Arizona State University library dedicated to him.

Before Fame

He worked as the cornetist for Pancho Villa as a young boy.

Trivia

At his most active, he was known to play more than 125 shows a year.

Family Life

He was born in Jiquilpan, Michoacán, Mexico.

Associated With

His interpretations of Niccolo Paganini's "Moto Perpetuo," which was originally written for violin, is Méndez's most popular recording.