Fernando Ortega


Juan Fernando Ortega 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 and easily understood songs such as "This Good Day".

Biography

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, New Mexico, 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.

Discography

Storm reached No. 197 on the Billboard 200 in 2002.
Christmas Songs reached No. 36 on the Billboard Christmas Album Chart in 2009.

Awards