Quirino Fidelino Mendoza y Cortés was born on May 10, 1862, in Santiago Tulyehualco, Xochimilco, Mexico City. He was the son of Policarpo Fidelino Mendoza Ocampo, an organist, and Juana Cortés de la Rosa. Inspired by his father, Mendoza learned to play multiple instruments, including the piano, flute, violin, guitar, and organ, mastering them in his teens. He began as a church organist in Milpa Alta and Xochimilco and composed his first song, "Mi bendito Dios," in 1880.

Mendoza is best known for composing the traditional Mexican songs "Cielito Lindo" and "Jesusita en Chihuahua." His repertoire included a wide range of musical genres, such as hymns, polkas, mazurkas, corridos, waltzes, huapangos, pasodobles, marches, children's songs, boleros, and rancheras. He also served as a primary school teacher for 62 years, a role he cherished for the opportunity to impart values and a love for life to his students.

During the Mexican Revolution, Mendoza served as a Lieutenant-Colonel and director of the war orchestra. In 1919, he composed a hymn for King Alfonso XIII of Spain, who honored him with a medal. Mendoza received numerous accolades throughout his life, including recognition from international leaders like U.S. President Harry S. Truman and Emperor Hirohito of Japan, as well as governments from Chile, Honduras, Venezuela, and Cuba.

Quirino Mendoza y Cortés passed away on November 9, 1957, in Mexico City and was laid to rest in the Lote de Los Hombres Ilustres in Xochimilco. He left behind a legacy of music celebrated both in Mexico and worldwide, with his song "Cielito Lindo" continuing to earn posthumous honors.