Joe Lopez broke his silence since being paroled from prison in March to speak about the passing of Jimmy Gonzalez, his childhood friend and co-founder of Grammy winning group Mazz.

Gonzalez died in a San Antonio hospital on June 6 and Lopez spoke with R Communications radio station Super Tejano 102.1 and morning host Mando San Roman Wednesday afternoon.

Lopez talked about growing up together in Brownsville, Texas, plans to reunite for an album in the future and much more.

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A previously unreleased track from Selena, “Dejame Volar,” recorded when she was just 10 years old, has been shared online by Q Productions.

According the Q productions Facebook page, “This song was recorded in 1981, Selena was 10 years old, recorded by Cara Records (Bob Grever) at Manny Guerras Studio in San Antonio Tx. This is one of three songs recorded by CARA Records never released to radio or any album.”

The unreleased and unedited track features the youthful vocals of Selena at the beginning of her career.

in her short, but music-filled life, Selena became known as the Queen of Cumbia, selling millions of albums and collecting many accolades and awards. Her life was cut short in 1995, when she was shot and killed by her fan club president.

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LISTEN: “Dejame Volar” — Selena

Sarah Monique released her highly-anticipated new album Esta Noche Te Olvido on May 31. The Mar Records release was under the direction of songwriter and producer Gerardo Alvarez, showcasing a strong Mariachi sound featuring the accordion.

The album peaked at #19 on the iTunes Top Latin Albums chart In less than 24 hours of its release. The album was conceived by Sarah Monique, Alvarez and Mar Records CEO Marina Morales.

“Each song was carefully selected by my team and I,” Sarah Monique told Tejano Nation. “This album starts off with me hurting and still strongly loving the person that said goodbye, leaving me shattered but quickly transitioning into that strong woman the Lord designed me to be; getting my dignity and strength back.”

“Each and every song has a special meaning and each song is extremely relatable and I hope my fans can connect with,” Sarah Monique added. “Some songs were sung in complete darkness, some songs made me breakdown more than others, and some gave me strength and comfort. Getting back into the studio after an extremely public break up, was the best thing that I could’ve done. There isn’t a song in this album I didn’t pour my heart and soul into. I am extremely blessed and thankful for my label and everyone involved in the project.”

“Fuertemente,” “Me Vale,” and the album’s title track were the songs Sarah Monique stated she connected to the most.

“Although ‘En Esta Tumba’ isn’t part of my personal story, it was for many of my fans that lost their mother which is why it’s part of this album,” she said. “I dedicate this album to anyone that is needing strength after losing a loved one.”

Esta Noche Te Olvido consists of 10 songs, six originals, four of them written by multi-Latin Grammy nominees Alvarez and Miguel A. Lopez. The album features collaborations with Shelly Lares and the legendary Juan Villareal  of Los Chachorros. Two of the songs are covers, “Fuertemente“ written by Óscar Iván Trevino and “Es Demasiado Tarde“ written by Ana Gabriel. The album is available now for purchase on all digital outlets.

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WATCH: “Esta Noche Te Olvido” — Sarah Monique

Tejano fans are still mourning the loss of one of the industry’s biggest icons, as Jimmy Gonzalez passed away on June 6 in a San Antonio hospital of cardiac arrest.

The 67-year-old singer and musician was a pioneer, legend and multiple Grammy award winner. He co-founded Grupo Mazz in 1978 and went on to achieve international acclaim as one of the most successful Tejano groups ever.

Family, friends and fans said goodbye for the last time as the Tejano music legend was laid to rest in his hometown of Brownsville, Texas on Tuesday.

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Lucy Rodriguez has released “Ya No Importa” as the latest single from her debut album Si Mañana.

The song was written by Chris Viveros and produced by Lorenzo “Papo” Banda.

RELATED: Lucy Rodriguez gives exclusive listening session for debut album ‘Si Mañana’ with Tejano Nation Radio

“‘Ya No Importa’ has a distinct sound,” Rodriguez told Tejano Nation “We wanted to produce a track that would get people out on the dance floor. When people go out on the weekends, they want something that will take their minds off their daily routines; they want to be entertained and this song is designed to precisely that!”

Si Mañana is available now at all digital platforms, your local record store for CD; and limited edition vinyl at LucyOficial.com.

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LISTEN: “Ya No Importa” — Lucy Rodriguez

Shelly Lares hablo con Fanny Gurl contribudora de Tejano Nation despues de su presentacion en el Club 4th en Tucson, Arizona May 25, 2018.

Shelly hablo de su nuevo sencillo “Devuelveme el Corazon” y le dio un consejo a la nueva generacion que esta empesando su carrera en la musica.

Shelly tambien le conto a Tejano Nation de el Shelly Lares Show Case que se va llevar acabo en Las Vegas, Nevada Agosto 23-26, y nos comento que Emily Flores nuevo talento de Benson, Arizona se va presentar en su escenario.

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Stefani Montiel | Photo credit: Ruben Saldana

Stefani Montiel has released what is believed to be the first ever 360-degree music video in Tejano music, as her performance of her massive hit “Quien Quiere Shots?” was filmed by a crew during a recent performance in Lubbock, Texas.  The video gives fans a complete view of her show from both onstage and with the crowd.

“I’m extremely excited to present this 360 virtual reality live performance,” Montiel told Tejano Nation. “It’s such an awesome experience and it will be pretty much like you’re there with us at the venue.”

The VR 360-degree video was filmed by Ruben Saldana during Montiel’s performance at Charley B’s in Lubbock on March 31.

“We’re always trying to raise the bar, always trying to stay relevant and kind of push the envelope,” said Montiel. “Give our fans something they’re not going to see anywhere else but with Stefani Montiel and we felt by doing this 360 video we are doing something that no one else has done.”

“Quien Quiere Shots?” is from Montiel’s hugely successful La Dueña album released in 2016.

She plans to release a new album soon with a new single expected to be released within a couple of weeks.

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WATCH: “Quien Quiere Shots” VR 360-degree video

Art Tigerina | Photo credit: Linda Valles

The Art Tigerina Band talked about their new single “No Te Ovlvidare,” the passing of Tejano icon Jimmy Gonzalez and more with Tejano Nation after a performance at the F.O.E. in Tucson, Arizona on June 8.

Frontman Art Tijerina and Eric “E-Rock” Avalos, producer and keyboard player for ATB, spoke with Tejano Nation contributor Fanny Gurl on the new single “No Te Ovidare” that was produced by Avalos and features upcoming artist Cortney Rico.

RELATED: Cortney Rico premieres debut single ‘Pedire’ + more on Tejano Nation Radio [PODCAST]

They also shared their memories of Gonzalez, Avalos played accordion for Mazz during his career.

Tigerina also gave details on the band’s upcoming sophomore album.

Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @TejanoNation, for the latest Tejano music, news and entertainment.

WATCH: Art Tigerina Band on new single, Jimmy Gonzalez and more

Grupo Pression on set of “Se Baila Asi” music video | Courtesy photo

Grupo Pression released the official music video for “Se Baila Así,” the bonus track from their upcoming live concert album Pression Live.

The visual was a collaboration between Pression and music video director Ray Valadez of digiTECH Entertainment.

“We had lots of fun making it,” Pression lead vocalist and accordionist Jesse Garces III told Tejano Nation. “It was great to see what goes on behind the scenes and how much work it really takes to make a high quality video.”

“Se Baila Así” is a cover song with an arrangement that features a fusion of Cumbia and Rock with incredible solos for the accordion, congas and electric guitar and was produced by the group’s Jesse and Jerry Garces.

Pression plan to release their live concert album, Pression Live, soon. Stay up to date on the latest news on Grupo Pression at their official Facebook page, @GrupoPressionOfficial.

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WATCH: “Se Baila Sí” — Grupo Pression

Sandy G Y Los Gavilanes | Courtesy photo

Sandy G Y Los Gavilanes have released the lead single, “Prohibido,” from their upcoming sophomore album.

“Prohibido” is an original song composed and arranged by Sandy G featuring Ramon Gonzalez from David Olivarez on the accordion and Lawrence Torres from Conjunto Impozzible on the bajosexto.

Sandy G said she was inspired to write the song when watching a novela.

“It’s so funny, because people are like, so ‘Did you go through that?,’ it’s a pretty tough song,” Sandy G said in an interview with TejanoConcerts.com. “It’s about a woman that falls in love with a man that’s married and I just happened to be watching a really good novela around that time, so I got inspired and I started writing this song.”

“Prohibido” is available now at all digital platforms and will be a part of the Houston-based band’s upcoming sophomore album.  It will be the follow up to their debut disc Mejor Sola Que Contigo released in 2014.

Learn more about Sandy G Y Los Gavilanes at their official Facebook page, @SandyGMusic.

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LISTEN: “Prohibido” — Sandy G Y Los Gavilanes

Little Joe Facebook

“Las Nubes” is an iconic song from Little Joe Y La Familia that became an anthem to the farm workers movement led by César Chávez and the Chicano movement that had emerged across the American Southwest. The song has received a reboot with an animated lyric video released on June 13.

The video posted on the official Facebook page for Little Joe Y La Familia was produced by La Kalaca Ent and has already received over 110,000 views. It features an animated Little Joe walking through the desert singing “Las Nubes” along with the song’s lyrics.

“When Michael Montijo of La Kalaca ENT and their animation partner Don Cameron came to me and pitched the idea to animate the song I absolutely loved it,” Little Joe said. “The lyrics represent the migrant workers (the forgotten) during Cesar Chavez marches while the video animation depicts the story of the thousands of families who cross the desert together (the other forgotten) looking for a better life, but don’t make it.”

Little Joe released a live concert album in September 2017 titled, A Tribute To Jose Alfredo Hernandez, recorded live at the Plaza Theatre in El Paso, Texas in March 2017.  He is a five-time Grammy winner and has recorded, and produced many hit songs and albums throughout his legendary five decades career with The Latinaires and La Familia.

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WATCH: Little Joe Y La Familia — “Las Nubes” (Animated lyric video)

Jay Perez accepts an award at the 2017 Tejano Music Awards in San Antonio, Texas on October 21, 2017. | Courtesy photo

Nominations and applications for the 2018 Tejano Music Awards are now open, the Texas Talent Musicians Association (TTMA) announced Thursday.

Each year the Tejano Music Awards recognizes the artistic efforts and achievements of songwriters, performers and musicians of the Tejano music industry.

Any musician, manager, record label and artist representative may submit a nomination and must email admin@tejanomusicawards.com to request a password for a nominee.

Representatives may submit any materials: two (2) CDs or Two (2) thumb drives to:

TTMA
P.O. Box 761358
San Antonio, TX 78245

TTMA reviews and submits nominations list to the Nominating and Screening Committee for verification and eligibility. The deadline for nominations is July 12, 2018 and all entries for nomination must have been released between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017.

The nomination ballot and full criteria of each music category for the Tejano Music Awards is available online at TejanoMusicAwards.com.

Award recipients will be recognized at the 38th annual Tejano Music Awards at the San Antonio Event Center on Saturday, November 17, 2018.

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YouTube | Fredde Records TV

Freddie Records released a tribute lyric video for late Tejano icon Jimmy Gonzalez on the legendary record label’s YouTube channel on June 22.

Freddie Records wrote about the video on Facebook saying, “In memory of THE ICON, our dear friend, great artist and talented musician, JIMMY GONZALEZ…With much love and respect, we share this video with you.”

The touching video, produced by Estevan Gonzalez of NX LVL Media, features photos and videos of the multiple Grammy winner throughout his life and four decades long recording career with the legendary Grupo Mazz. It also features the song “En El Último Minuto” from the Forever Mazz album, written by Humberto “Beto” Ramon.

Jimmy Gonzalez died of cardiac arrest in a San Antonio hospital on June 6. He was 67.

RELATED: Jimmy Gonzalez laid to rest in his hometown of Brownsville [VIDEO]

The singer and musician was a pioneer, legend and multiple Grammy award winner. He co-founded Grupo Mazz in 1978 and went on to achieve international acclaim as one of the most successful Tejano groups ever.

Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @TejanoNation, for the latest Tejano music, news and entertainment.

WATCH: “En El Último Minuto” (Tribute Lyric Video)

Facebook | Puro Tejano FM

Grupo Mazz returned to the stage for the first time since the passing of frontman and Tejano icon Jimmy Gonzalez.

Gonzalez died of cardiac arrest in a San Antonio hospital at the age of 67 on June 6.

RELATED: Jimmy Gonzalez laid to rest in his hometown of Brownsville [VIDEO]

The group performed at the Texas Throwdown concert in Houston, Texas on June 23 at Tumbleweeds. The event was hosted by Puro Tejano 101.7 FM, Houston’s newest Tejano radio station. Fans were treated to Mazz hits sung by the group’s backup vocalist Daniel Ortiz with additional vocals from Di Marie, a Best New Female nominee at the 2015 Tejano Music Awards.

Mazz plans to pay tribute to Gonzalez at future performances. The group has not released an official statement for the future of Grupo Mazz, but Tejano Nation will have more details as they become available.

RELATED: Freddie Records release ‘En El Último Minuto’ tribute lyric video for Jimmy Gonzalez

Gonzalez was a pioneer, legend and multiple Grammy Award winner. He co-founded Grupo Mazz in 1978 and went on to achieve international acclaim as one of the most successful Tejano groups ever.

Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, @TejanoNation, for the latest Tejano music, news and entertainment.

WATCH:  Mazz returns to the stage at Texas Throwdown in Houston, Texas on June 23

La Preferencia released a cover of “A Medias de la Noche” featuring Andie Bustamante for the second single from the group’s upcoming album Simplemente Mariano from BocaMar Records.

The track, written many years ago by Guillermo Acosta Segura and Antonio Aguilar, has become a favorite for many Tejano fans. It has been recorded by many other artists and deals with love, which is the universal language of many Latin songs.

La Preferencia’s production was done by Joe Leal Jr. and Mariano Bocanegra at MP Recording and was arranged as a ranchera, promising to be a great danceable song. The song features the musical style of the band, offering fans a mixture of the bajo quinto, accordion and keyboard combinations, which creates a true Tejano sound.

It also features the talent of aspiring female vocalist Andie Bustamante. The singer from Zapata, Texas has been involved in a wide range of personal musical endeavors in the Rio Grande Valley and plays the accordion and violin.

“A Medias de la Noche” is available now at all major digital platforms and will be a part of La Preferencia’s upcoming album, Simplemente Mariano, set for release in the early fall of 2018.

Learn more about La Preferencia at their official Facebook page, @LaPreferencia91, or for bookings contact Boca Mar Entertainment at (956) 451-0756.

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LISTEN: “A Medias de la Noche” — La Preferencia featuring Andie Bustamante

Grupo Alamo has returned with a new album, Próximo Nivel, the follow up to their 2014 Latin GRAMMY nominated album Seguimos Soñando.

The new nine track album from the group, formed in 1993, was produced by Ernie Gonzales, Sinuhe Sin Jam Aussenac, Percy Cardona, and features lead vocals from Mark Ledesma.

Constantly setting new musical standards with their energetic performances, and trendsetting albums, Grupo Alamo has established itself as one of the top Tejano bands in the industry, due to the help and support of the audience, their love for music, and commitment they have for their fans.

“Regrasa A Mi Lado” is the lead single from Próximo Nivel and the full album is currently available for purchase and streaming on all digital platforms.

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LISTEN: “Regresa A Mi Lado” — Grupo Alamo

Jacob Turner of Siggno was critically injured in an auto accident on February 8, 2016. (Facebook photo)

Siggno frontman Jesse Turner gave an update to fans on Wednesday about the recovery of his son Jacob Turner, who was critically injured in an auto accident in February 2016.

Jesse posted a photo of Jacob on Facebook with the caption, “Jacob and his beautiful smile! How is Jacob? His progress is still slow, but we are grateful to God that is still some sort of progress. Once in while he’ll find the strength to smile…and that’s when my sky becomes Heaven. Mijito Hermosa te amo…chulo mi werko!”

Jacob was critically injured when the car he was driving crashed into a guardrail at a high rate of speed during the early morning hours of February 8, 2016 in Harlingen, Texas.  He was the only occupant in the vehicle.

After being in a coma for over four months after the accident, Jacob is now slowly progressing towards recovery.

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Gibby Escobedo | Facebook

A benefit concert for Tejano music legend Gibby Escobedo has been set for July 1 in San Antonio. Escobedo, known to many as the saxophonist for Latin Breed, was recently diagnosed with cancer and the benefit will help pay for medical expenses.

The concert will feature performances from The Latin Breed, La 45, Bennie Reyna & Final Cut, Ruben Ramos, Jorge Alejandro, Bobby Esquivel, Ruben Rene Ramos, Anthony Hernandez & Crew, Sauce Gonzalez & Westside Horns and many more special guest artists.

The benefit concert will take place at VFW Post 76, located at 10 10th Street in San Antonio on Sunday, July 1. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. with a $10 donation for entry.

A benefit plate sale has been scheduled for Saturday, July 14 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 255 Placid Drive in San Antonio, Texas.  Barbecue chicken and sausage plates with sides will sold for $7.00.  For more information and tickets call 210.867.5282.

All proceeds will benefit Gibby Escobedo for medical expenses as he fights cancer and other medical issues.

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Savannah V | Facebook

Savannah Votion released her latest single, “Loca Peligrosa” featuring Gabriel Zavala, and it features a different sound for the former American Idol contestant.

The Latin track fused with Reggaeton and Cumbia beats was produced by Angel Cano and Acmed Tuesta. It features Savannah’s versatile talent and impeccable production of Cano and Tuesta with the energy and vocals of Zavala.

“Loca Peligrosa” is available now at Amazon.com and is the lead single from Savannah’s upcoming third album. It will be the follow-up to Diva Del Fuego, released in 2016.

Stay up to date on Savannah Votion at her official website, SavannahVotionSA.com.

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LISTEN: “Loca Peligrosa” — Savannah Votion featuring Gabriel Zavala

Destiny Navaira | Tejano Nation Facebook

Destiny Navaira of Grupo Remedio got ‘Up Close with Mingo Mariano‘ about her new project, Operation Destiny, the impact of the loss of her uncle, late Tejano legend Emilio Navaira, and much more.

The two-time Tejano Music Awards has embarked towards a healthy lifestyle for Operation Destiny, a workout boot camp held every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at McCollum High School in San Antonio.

The vocalist also talked about the loss of her uncle, Emilio, in 2016 and the impact it had on her family and music career.

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WATCH: Destiny Navaira get ‘Up Close with Mingo Mariano’