Cuco Sanchez; Popular Mexican Entertainer

Cuco Sanchez, 79, a singer, actor and composer popular in Mexico whose six-decade career included the ranchera hits “La cama de piedra” and “Anillo de compromiso.” Sanchez, whose real name was Jose del Refugio Sanchez Saldana, was born in the northern Mexican town of Altamira in 1921. He recorded his first song at the age of 13, and in 1940 was signed to act in movies and television programs. Sanchez’s long career included about 200 songs, which were translated into 27 languages. Sanchez also composed music for movies, several of which he acted in, including “Como yo mate a Rosita Alvirez,” “Por que peca esa mujer,” “Para que la cuna apriete,” “La vuelta del charro negro” and “Yo mate a Juan Charrasqueado.” On Thursday at a Mexico City hospital of liver failure.