Fernell López was born in the state of Hidalgo, México. He started his musical career playing Latin American folk music and later American Top 40's in Mexico City in the 1970s and early ‘80s after studying at the National Music Conservatory. He came to Eugene in 1984 and while studying music at LCC, together with some old friends from Mexico, he formed Caliente in 1987, which became a Northwest favorite Salsa band. Fernell continues playing Latin music in town with the group Lo Nuestro, and he has occasionally put together a Mariachi ensemble upon request. He works as an educator full time at Kelly Middle School.