Freddy Fender – Wasted Days & Wasted Nights

“Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” – Single by Freddy Fender from the album Before the Next Teardrop Falls
B-side “I Love My Rancho Grande”
Released in June 1975
Label ABC-Dot Records
Songwriters Wayne Duncan, Freddy Fender
Producer Huey Meaux
Charted No.8 in US (Billboard Hot 100); No.1 in US (U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles); No.9 in Australia; No.6 in Canada; No.1 on New Zealand.

Freddy Fender wrote and recorded “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights”, a blues ballad, for Duncan Records in 1959, during the early stages of his career. He was in the process of perfecting his mesh of rockabilly and Tejano, and the song showcased his new style. But he was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana, and in May 1960, he was convicted.

Fender also recorded a Spanish-language version, entitled “Noches y dias perdidos”.

In August 1971, the Texas-based band, Sir Douglas Quintet, released “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,” this group being best known for their 1965 hit, “She’s About a Mover.” Fender thanks his friend Doug Sahm of the band prior during the introduction of his re-recorded hit.

Then, in 1975, “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” became a major hit for Fender, and his career was rejuvenated. With the help of record producer Huey P. Meaux, Fender re-recorded “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights.”

“Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” was certified gold for sales of one million units by the Recording Industry Association of America.

In 2012, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.