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AJ Castillo talks upcoming live concert album, new record label + more [AUDIO]

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Photo courtesy of La Voz 93.3

AJ Castillo is planning to release a live concert album, as well as new music from the first artist signed to his G Music record label, and the star shared details during a recent interview.

The singer and accordionist has been recording hits for ten years since the release of his debut album, “Who I Am,” in 2009, an album that earned him Best New Male Artist at the 30th annual Tejano Music Awards in 2010.

Now, the star is keeping busy in 2019 with the release of a live concert album recorded in Lubbock, Texas in May and the new music from his Ricky Naranjo Y Los Gamblers, the first artist signed to Castillo’s record label. Castillo shared details on all this during an interview with Tejano Nation radio affiliate La Voz 93.3 on Aug. 23.

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LISTEN: AJ Castillo on La Voz 93.3



Leonel Correa of La Calma speaks on success of Stefani Montiel duet, upcoming album [VIDEO]

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Stefani Montiel and Leonel Correa perform at West Texas Blowout 2019. | Photo: Valdez Ent Dallas

Leonel Correa of La Calma discussed the success of the smash hit of the summer, “Echame La Culpa” featuring Stefani Montiel, and shared details on the band’s upcoming album in a recent interview with Tejano Nation.

Tejano Nation’s Fanny Gurl caught up with Correa during the 2019 Tejano Music National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The singer and musician spoke about the collaboration with Montiel, that was produced by Gabriel Zavala, a cumbia version of the worldwide 2017 smash hit from Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Luis Fonsi and pop star Demi Lovato.  The idea to record the duet happened during a holiday party last year. He added fans can expect more collaborations for the new album from La Calma, their first with new record label VMB Music Group, expected to be released in September.

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Cumbias reign over Aztec Theatre with A.B. Quintanilla Y Los Kumbia King All Starz, Stefani Montiel

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The fans love A.B. Quintanilla III Y Los Kumbia Kings All Starz. This was obvious by the screams, sing-alongs and overall pandemonium throughout the group’s show at the beautiful Aztec Theatre in downtown San Antonio, Texas on Aug. 31.

Quintanilla and his All Starz, featuring vocalists Ramon Vargas and Ricky Valenz, played all of the Kumbia Kings hits, including “Azucar,” “Boom Boom,” “Fuiste Mala,” and more. A special segment included a Selena medley and to top that, A.B. brought his sister, Suzette Quintanilla, out to play the drums on “Como La Flor.” This was the show’s highlight if the crowd’s reaction was any indication. Before the show ended, A.B. invited fans to stay after for a meet-and-greet and take selfies with the group.

Just before the Kumbia King All Starz took the stage, Tejano sensation Stefani Montiel, along with producer/husband Gabriel Zavala, pumped up the crowd with their high-energy show. Montiel’s voice was in top form and Zavala also performed his cumbia hits. Both artists spoke with Tejano Nation about the experience and upcoming projects.

Stefani Montiel with Tejano Nation

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Gabriel Zavala with Tejano Nation

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Other openers featured Stephanie Acevedo, a Latin cumbia/pop vocalist on the Young Money label, who appears on VH1’s reality show, “Cartel Crew.”  The series follows the lives of several daughters and sons of cartel members as “they set out to live legit lives and make names for themselves outside of the drug world,” according to VH1’s website. Acevedo began her set with a Selena medley and showed off her dancing ability during her show, too. The rising star also spoke on camera with Tejano Nation about her music, her culture and shared news on the second season of “Cartel Crew.”

Stephanie Acevedo with Tejano Nation

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The night’s other opener was Houston, Texas-based duo, Gio Chamba, performing their style of Latin dance and electronica beats.

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Elida Reyna expands ‘Colores’ lipline, pre-orders start Friday

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On Sept. 6, the same day Elida Reyna celebrates 25 years in the music business with a live DVD filming at The Rock Box in San Antonio, the songstress and budding entrepreneur will expand her cosmetics line, “Colores.”

Reyna will offer three new shades available for pre-order Friday, along with a replenished inventory of her first three shades that quickly sold out in late July.

RELATED: Elida Reyna launches limited-edition ‘Colores’ cosmetic line [VIDEO]

The three new colors, again, named after Elida y Avante hits, include “Magico,” “Suavecito,” and “Prefiero Morir,” and were just announced hours ago on Reyna’s Facebook page. The three new colors include two daring shades, including a deep purple that appears matte as Elida models it, a rich fuchsia shade, while the third lipstick is a nude hue, the lightest offering thus far in the lip line.

The first three shades released, also named after Reyna’s hit songs, “Adicta,” “Duele,” and “Luna Llena,” sold out on the pre-order date of July 26, so fans should visit https://shop.elidareynayavante.com this Friday so they don’t miss out on the lipsticks.

“Adicta” is a deep, matte nude; “Duele” is a dazzling red, and “Luna Llena” is a light ruby/brown. The first three lipsticks cost $18 each but no price information was released yet on the three new shades.

In previous social media posts, Reyna promised her cosmetics line, “Colores,” named after her most recent album, would offer “lashes and much more” coming soon.

RELATED: Elida Reyna celebrates 25 years with live concert DVD filming Sept. 6 in S.A.

And don’t miss out on her live DVD filming this Friday, Sept. 6 at The Rock Box, 223 East Houston Street, in San Antonio.

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Brown Express ‘Tribute’ album features many collaborations, available now

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The highly-anticipated “Tribute” album from Ricky Fuentes and The Brown Express to the original Brown Express is finished and available online now.

The tribute album to the legendary band started by Fuentes’ father, Ricardo “Richard” Fuentes, in the 1970s features collaborations with many Tejano stars and legends.

“I present to you all this collaboration of songs with my FRIENDS as I pay TRIBUTE to my Dad, ‘Riche’ Fuentes, and the original Brown Express,” Fuentes posted on Facebook.

The album boasts 20 tracks with collaborations that include AJ Castillo, Shelly Lares, Chente Barrera, Gary Hobbs, the late Arturo Montes, to name just a few. One song, “El Corrido del Brown Express,” features legends Little Joe, Ruben Ramos, Roberto Pulido, and Los Texmaniacs.

“This album was a huge undertaking for me that lasted two years in production,” said Fuentes. “This project took countless hours in recording studios and road trips throughout Texas and southwestern states.”

Fuentes lost his father in a tragic tour bus accident that also killed another member of The Brown Express in 1983.

“I remember being that 12-year-old kid who had just lost his Dad,” he said. “Everyone telling me, ‘You have to follow your Dad’s footsteps & continue where he left off.’ I had no idea how I was going to do it but I spent the next 36 years preparing for this moment.”

“My dream has finally come true,” he added.

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“Tribute” is available for download and CD plus download at BrownExpressTribute.com. It will be available all digital music platforms on Sept. 6.

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LISTEN: “Tribute” Album Preview


AJ Castillo, Sunny Sauceda, Devin Banda celebrate KLMO Bash on Sept. 6

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The new Tejano radio station in the San Antonio area is celebrating its launch with the KLMO Tejano 98.9 1st Annual Bash with AJ Castillo, Sunny Sauceda, and Devin Banda on Friday, Sept. 6 at Midnight Rodeo.

Advance tickets are $20.00 and available until 12:00 pm CT, Thursday, Sept. 5 at Eventbrite.com. Midnight Rodeo is located on 12260 Nacogdoches Road in San Antonio, Texas.

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Legendary band Tierra talk new music, longevity + more [VIDEO]

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Tierra is celebrating over 48 years in the music industry and the legendary band is planning new music and re-releasing their most current project on a national level.

The Los Angeles-based Chicano R&B band is the first Latino band to have four songs on the national chart with two of them in the Top 100 at the same time.

Tejano Nation contributor Fanny Gurl caught up with Tierra members Rudy Salas and Rudy Villa after their performance at the Latin Legends Dance at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Arizona.  

The duo spoke about the band’s beginning in the 1970s, the longevity of producing hits for over 48 years, news of their new album, “Tierra Ya LLego,” and their upcoming performances. They also shared their thoughts on the recent mass shooting in El Paso, Texas.  

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Monica Saldivar talks new single ‘Echame a Mi La Culpa’, working with Mr. Q [VIDEO]

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Monica Saldivar | Photo: Tejano Music National Convention Facebook

Monica Saldivar is a rising star in Tejano music. The singer won Tejano Idol in 2015 and released a few singles that earned her Best New Female Artist at the My Tejano Awards earlier this year. Now the songstress has released her latest single, “Echame a Mi La Culpa,” produced by Abraham Quintanilla.

Saldivar spoke to Tejano Nation contributor Fanny Gurl during the Tejano Music National Convention last month in Las Vegas, Nevada about her latest release, working with Mr. Q and details on her highly-anticipated debut album. She also shared details on her performance with LA 45 during Vegas Tejano Week.

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Telemundo series ‘El Secreto de Selena’ is ‘reopening the wounds’ for Quintanilla family

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Selena | Photo: Q Productions

The Telemundo series “El Secreto de Selena” is “reopening the wounds” for Abraham Quintanilla Jr., the father of the slain Tejano icon, and her family.

In a statement released in Spanish via the Q Productions Facebook page on Wednesday, Quintanilla denounced the series based on a book by Telemundo journalist Maria Celeste Arrarás. The 13-episode series, that began airing on Telemundo on Aug. 25, features untold stories about Selena’s death and relationships.

“In recent weeks my family and I have lived a real torture, avoiding the media and ignoring the lack of respect and the nerve of Maria Celeste Arrarás, a false journalist, who mocks and, as if she is possessed, dances on the grave of my beloved daughter, Selena, with her fake ‘documentary’ that she calls a true story. It is definitely not a true story, because it is based on falsehoods that, although they are scandalous and sell, also hurt and dirty the name of an innocent person who can no longer defend herself. The main objective of María Celeste is to make money and hang on Selena’s fame, not to clarify any mystery, because the court studied all circumstances carefully and came to a blunt and clear decision.”

“The true story is that since the death of my beloved daughter Selena my family and I have dedicated every second to protecting, elevating and honoring her short life. There is no day when my wife Marcella and I do not shed a tear, because the pain of losing Selena is a constant pain and we feel it in every detail, in every moment, because the pain is in itself very great,” Quintanilla writes. “Selena was a young woman with great aspirations and focused on her family and her musical career, her clothing designs and her many projects.

“Selena was happy and did not suffer, as the false journalist asserts. She had a lot to live for and looked forward to the best moment of her career, releasing her first album in the English market.”

Quintanilla calls Arrarás a “leech” who is taking advantage of his daughter’s name, image and music. He says Selena cannot defend herself because Yolanda Saldivar killed her, and he cannot stay quiet when Arrarás defames Selena’s character with that “shameful cartoon.”

In December 2018, Netflix announced a series based on the life of Selena will be added to the streaming service. This series is the only project, other than the 1997 Selena film, that is authorized by the Quintanilla family. The show will follow Selena’s rise to fame and her tragic death at the hands of her former fan club president, Yolanda Saldívar.

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Source: Houston Chronicle


Journalist behind ‘El Secreto’ series refutes criticism from Selena’s father

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Photo: Facebook / @MariaCelesteArraras

Maria Celeste Arrarás, the Telemundo journalist and executive producer of the controversial series, “El Secreto de Selena,” defended herself Thursday against an emotional statement released Sept. 4 on Q Productions Facebook page by Abraham Quintanilla, father of Tejano legend Selena.

Quintanilla denounced the series, which aired its second episode last Sunday on Telemundo. He attacked Arrarás personally as he accused her of being a false journalist whose series is filled with scandalous lies. Quintanilla said that Arrarás “mocks” and “dances on the grave of our beloved daughter Selena.”

The series, “El Secreto de Selena,” is based on a book by the same name written by Arrarás and published in 1997. The Quintanilla family also vehemently opposed the book and described it as an inaccurate and fictitious portrayal of their daughter.

In her defense, Arrarás told People en Español that her intent in responding is “not to start a war of words with Selena’s father,” but that she felt a response was warranted “to defend the integrity of my work.” She expresses that she “wouldn’t ever want to imagine the pain” the Quintanilla family feels and said she is “answering in the most polite possible way after all the horrible things he said about me.” Arrarás also posted on Instagram her response to Quintanilla’s statement.

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Es muy difícil y delicado tener que responder a las declaraciones del Sr. Abraham Quintanilla sobre mí persona porque, aunque hayan pasado tantos años, estoy de acuerdo en que el dolor por la muerte de una hija es algo de lo cuál un padre nunca se repone. Mi intención nunca ha sido ofender al Sr. Quintanilla, ni a su familia. Desde que comencé la investigación sobre el asesinato de Selena hace 24 años, como parte de una asignación especial que me fue encomendada, siempre he procurado hacerlo con seriedad y respeto. Tan es así, que después de que entrevisté a la asesina en el 1995, el propio Sr Quintanilla me llamó para pedirme que yo lo entrevistara en exclusiva. En esa ocasión, el comenzó diciéndome ante las cámaras que le pareció muy profesional la forma en que cuestioné y rebatí los testimonios de Yolanda Saldivar. Fue SU iniciativa llevar a cabo esa entrevista en reconocimiento a mi trabajo periodístico. “El Secreto de Selena”, que es una serie basada en el libro del mismo nombre que escribí , no favorece la versión de la asesina convicta, ni cosa que se parezca. Jamás haría una cosa así. Está basado en evidencia, en hechos documentados y en testimonios de testigos. Antes de que el libro fuese publicado, cuando aún el manuscrito estaba en mis manos y nadie lo había leído, el Sr. Quintanilla ya estaba amenazando con tomar acción legal para evitar su publicación. Esa amenaza nunca se materializó porque no se puede demandar por difamación a un trabajo que no difama. No dudo, que si el libro hubiese tenido alguna falla o mentira, el hubiese entablado un proceso legal en mi contra, así como lo hizo contra Chris Pérez, el viudo de Selena , quien escribió un bello libro sobre su relación con Selena y quiso llevar a la pantalla esa historia de amor. Chris NO pudo hacerlo porque el Sr. Quintanilla lo llevo ante los tribunales y se lo impidió. No soy ni la primera ni la última periodista que escribe un libro sobre una persona famosa que murió trágicamente, basado en los resultados de su investigación. (CONTINÚA en el post que le sigue).

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“El Secreto” aired in its 13-episode entirety last year in Mexico and provoked Selena fans and especially her family as the series claims that Selena had “secrets” that Arrarás claims fans have a right to know. As her sources, the journalist cites documents from Selena’s murder trial, interviews with people close to Selena, and other sources. The so-called “revelations” include the implication of an unorthodox relationsip between Selena and the woman convicted of her murder as well as ties between Selena and a Mexican surgeon.

In his statement, written in Spanish, Quintanilla expresses how Arrarás has created a fictitious version of Selena’s life that tarnishes the image of his beloved daughter, who was an innocent person, full of life and who is no longer here to defend herself against the lies that the series asserts. Quintanilla said Arrarás’ main motivation is to profit both financially and from Selena’s fame.

Arrarás denies that her motive is money and points out how she donated the profits from the sale of her book about Selena for scholarships for students.

As far as Quintanilla’s attacks against Arrarás as a journalist, she reminds fans in her second Instagram post that shortly after Arrarás interviewed Selena’s killer in 1995, he requested an interview with Arrarás. Arrarás said Quintanilla even complimented her on her professionalism in how she handled her interview with the convicted murderer. The journalist also pointed out how Quintanilla threatened legal action against her book before its publication but the “threat was never materialized because you cannot sue for defamation a work that is not defamatory.” She also points out how Quintanilla kept Selena’s husband at the time of her death, Chris Perez, from creating a series based on his book “To Selena, With Love.” “Chris could not do it because Mr. Quintanilla took him to court and forbid it,” she said.

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Despite its extremely controversial nature, ratings show that “El Secreto de Selena” has captured the attention of viewers around the country. An upcoming Netflix series on Selena’s life, with the Quintanilla family’s blessing, is currently in the works, which Selena fans await with great anticipation. As Arrarás pointed out, a series by Chris Perez, was nixed, but the fact that so much interest in Selena and her life remains almost 25 years after her passing, says it all: Selena’s legacy lives on.

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Spotify’s ‘New Tejano’ playlist showcases recent rise of women in Tejano

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Cover photo: Veronique Medrano

The New Tejano playlist on Spotify for September showcases the new wave of many talented women breaking through with hot new hits in the historically male-dominated genre.

September’s New Tejano Playlist, co-curated by Tejano Nation, features new music from rising stars including Veronique Medrano, Destiny Navaira, Devin Banda, Aisha, Monica Saldivar, Magali Delarosa, and the past two Best New Female Artist winners at the Tejano Music Awards with Isabel Marie in 2017 and Mia in 2018.

Two of the biggest hits of the Summer of 2019 are also featured this month with the collaboration of La Calma and Stefani Montiel on their version of “Echame La Culpa,” a cumbia remake of the worldwide hit from Luis Fonsi and Demi Lovato, and “Desechable,” the duet from Lucky Joe and Elida Reyna.

New music from veterans is also featured including Jay Perez, Los Palominos, Michael Salgado, Ruben Ramos and more.

Tejano Nation and Spotify have collaborated tot highlight today’s hottest new Tejano hits from Tejano music’s biggest and rising stars.

“We’re excited to collaborate with the cultural experts at Tejano Nation on this new initiative that will help bring some of the most exciting voices in the Tejano music scene to the forefront and connect them with Spotify users who are passionate about the present and future of the movement,” said Rocio Guerrero, Head of Global Cultures at Spotify.

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LISTEN: New Tejano Playlist on Spotify

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Tejano Highway 281 guitarist Tiger Gonzales injured in drive-by shooting

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Tiger Gonzales | Photo: Terri Galvan

Tejano Highway 281 guitarist Tiger Gonzales was injured during a drive-by shooting after a show by the band in Edinburg, Texas Friday night.

Tejano Highway 281 leader Chris Rodriguez shared news of the incident via Facebook on Saturday morning. “We were involved in an accidental drive-by shooting that occurred late last night,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, one of our musicians was grazed in the head by a stray bullet and suffered lacerations to the back of his head by the shattered pieces of the window.”

Gonzales is in stable condition at a San Antonio area hospital and does not have any life-threatening injuries. He posted an update via Facebook on Saturday afternoon. “I have a bullet fragment lodged in my head that surgeon’s refuse to remove at this time,” he wrote. “I did have a mild heart attack and will be seeing a cardiologist for possible surgery.”

Tejano Highway 281 road manager Mayra Dee Salinas was severely shaken over the whole incident and is being monitored and tested for her heart condition. Guitarist Victor Campa, Jr. was also shaken by the incident the bullet missed him by just inches, according to Rodriguez.

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Tejano Highway 281 | Photo: Vic Gonzalez

“We were most certainly at the wrong place at the wrong time, but thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, we are all ok,” added Rodriguez.

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Siggno caps off show that featured Lucky Joe, La Calma, Stefani Montiel in New Braunfels

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A Siggno performance is more like a spiritual experience. Led by charismatic accordionist and vocalist Jesse Turner, the tight band hypes up the crowd with their talent and energy, backed by a giant video screen of images, photos and colors to further stimulate the crowd. This concert and musical journey took place Saturday, Sept. 7 at New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center as Siggno headlined a multi-act lineup that included Lucky Joe, La Calma, Stefani Montiel and Gabriel Zavala.

But Turner is at the center of it all. He sings from his soul, carrying a note out to its emotional end with a powerful, pain-filled passion and the crowd screams. He speaks about the hardships of life and encourages his fans to persevere and they shout back with an equal level of emotion. And he preaches about everyone having a purpose in life and the crowd hollers.

But perhaps what fans most love, in addition to the pumping, contagious beats that Siggno offers, is how Turner gets personal, shares what’s in his heart, and demands an intimate connection with his fans.

When he noticed that several rectangular tables separated the audience from the stage, he motioned and the tables immediately disappeared. Now, the fans could push up against the stage and get even closer to Turner.

Turner thanked the fans for their support of his son, Jacob, who in 2016 was in a horrific car accident that left him critically injured. Turner spoke of his love for his 80-year-old mother, backed by a video of the two of them hugging, and he talked about how he cried for days after losing the first love of his life.

Siggno share details on upcoming album + more

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Those in attendance enjoyed a multi-act lineup that included the divalicious Stefani Montiel and hitmaker Gabriel Zavala; multi-talented group La Calma, and singer/songwriter and musician Lucky Joe.

Lucky Joe talks new album + more

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Stefani and La Calma took the stage together to perform their hit collaboration, “Echame La Culpa.” Zavala and Lucky Joe also joined Siggno on stage for a jam session as Turner took to the drums.

Leonel Correa of La Calma and Stefani Montiel talk collaboration + more

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Tejano Nation spoke exclusively with all of the performers Saturday night. Check out the videos and the photos from Saturday night’s star-studded show.

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Alfredo Guerrero shares exclusive details on Tortilla Factory tribute album + more [AUDIO]

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Alfredo Guerrero | Photo credit: Lupe Moya

The legendary Chicano Tejano Band, Tortilla Factory had emerged in the early ’70s. Tortilla Factory’s style can be described as a blend of American and old Mexican ranchera’s incorporated with that Tortilla Factory flavor.

The band’s current leader is Alfredo Antonio Guerrero, who took over for his father, Tony “Ham” Guerrero, after his death in January 2011. Alfredo spoke to Tejano Nation contributor DJ Peaches about an upcoming tribute album to the original Tortilla Factory and spoke about the next generation of the band featuring new co-lead vocalist Lia G.

Alfredo Guerrero reminisced about Bobby Butler. Bobby is one of the most unique performers from the Texas Chicano music scene, he was the first African American singer to become an international star in this genre. It was in the cotton fields in Arkansas, working side-by-side with Mexican laborers that Butler learned to sing in Spanish. He didn’t understand the words they were singing, but the emotions they conveyed were clear. He was also a gifted composer as well. His stage apparel included his beautiful Mariachi and Charro suits that are tailor-made for him. El Charro Negro was pivotal in helping to break racial barriers in music and in communities throughout the U.S. during the 1960s and ’70s. He’s a three-time Grammy Award nominee and a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Tejano Hall of Fame.

Tony “Ham” Guerrero born in El Barrio Bulto in San Angelo, Texas in 1944.  Guerrero started playing the trumpet when he was in the fifth grade. Guerrero studied at the Berklee School of Jazz in Boston, then Guerrero relocated to San Francisco where he continued to play jazz and salsa. In 1965, Guerrero formed his own orchestra in Oakland CA. It was in California where he was exposed to Tejano music. Then in 1968, he accepted the position as lead trumpet for Little Joe, the Latinaires ( renamed La Familia in 1970 ) for the next 5 years. Guerrero arranged horn parts for the Latinaires’ ten-piece orquesta based out of Temple, Texas. Guerrero helped craft a new sound for La Familia that merged American swing, jazz, and rock, with Mexican ranchero music in their successful 1972 album “Para la Gente.” Included in the album is the song “Las Nubes” (Clouds) that became a Chicano movement anthem. Despite the success of Para La Gente, In 1972 La Familia turned into the Tortilla Factory after a falling out with Little Joe. How the name of the Tortilla Factory was thought of as told by Alfredo Guerrero is a hilarious story for generations. ( See the interview below ) Guerrero is a two-time Grammy Award Nominee.

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Tortilla Factory received a Grammy nomination for “All Tha Jazz” in 2008.

Alfredo Guerrero also announced the new lead singer, Lia Gallardo from Burbank, Californa. Lia grew up in a musically rich family, where her grandparents were singers and her mother a Tropicana dancer and singer. Music has always been a part of Lia’s life and her idol was late Latin music icon Selena. Lia is a professional singer and has worked with well known artists such as Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin and more.

The Tribute Album to El Charro Negro and Tony “Ham” Guerrero will be due out by the end of December. It will bring back a lot of the memories, digging in the classics.

Listen to the funny, informative interview below. A huge thank you to Alfredo Guerrero, it was like catching up with a good friend.

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INTERVIEW: Alfredo Guerrero of Tortilla Factory

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Lucky Joe speaks on success of ‘Desechable’ duet with Elida Reyna + more [VIDEO]

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YouTube / Freddie Records TV

“Desechable”, the duet from Lucky Joe and Elida Reyna, has become one of the biggest hits of the year. The single and official music video were released in July and the video boasts almost 95,000 views, with the song heating up playlists all summer.

The track is the latest release from Lucky Joe’s fourth album “Tu Principe,” released last December.

“It’s a great song that people have been responding really well to it and have been getting a lot of good feedback on social media and on Freddie Records TV channel on YouTube, so we’re excited about that one,” Lucky Joe told Tejano Nation.

Lucky Joe had always wanted to record with Elida Reyna.

“It had been one of my goals in my musical career to record a duet with Elida and finally se me hizo (it was made),” he said. “I have been a big fan of Elida Y Avante for a very long time and once I got signed with Freddie Records, you know we were on the same label and I’m like, ‘Man, maybe this is my chance’, and it happened.”

Lucky Joe plans to follow up the success of “Desechable” with the release of his next single, “Mi Bonita,” a song written by music legend Freddie Martinez, in October.

Watch the full interview with Lucky Joe below, where he also speaks about the origin of his name, which is his real name, and much more.

INTERVIEW: Lucky Joe

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Pio Treviño Y Magic sign with Freddie Records, new album slated for fall release

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Pio Trevino at 38th Tejano Music Awards in San Antonio, Texas | Photo: Mariaelena Arocha

Legendary record label Freddie Records, who is celebrating 50 years of making hits in 2019, announced the signing of legendary crooner Pio Treviño Y Magic on Sept. 10.

“Freddie Records is very proud to announce the signing of PIO TREVIÑO Y MAJIC to our roster of recording artists,” the record label posted on the official Freddie Records Facebook page.

The label added that Treviño and the band just recently wrapped production on their new album at Legends Sound Studios in Corpus Christi, Texas. The album is slated for release later this fall.

“We’ll be announcing the title and release date for the first single very soon,” the record label said. “We welcome Pio to the Freddie Records Family and look forward to the release of his upcoming album.”

Starting as a vocalist in the early ’70s for regional groups such as Los Exitos, and Sangre Chicana, Treviño drew national attention when he became the lead singer for La Movida. The group became an instant success, making the crooner a household name. He was the lead vocalist and composer of many of La Movida’s songs for several years until the formation of his own group Majic. The singer received a Grammy nomination in 1988 with his album “Quiero Verte Otra Vez” for Best Mexican-American Performance.

Like Tejano Nation on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with everything Tejano. Listen to new Tejano music first with our playlists on Spotify and Soundcloud.

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Candace Vargas returns with new album ‘A Mi Modo’ after five-year hiatus

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Candace Vargas | Courtesy photo

Award-winning singer Candace Vargas has made a bold return to Tejano music after a five-year hiatus with a new album “A Mi Modo.”

The album released in June 2018 has shattered expectations and borders due to the support of the New Mexico-based vocalist’s devoted fans across the country.

The singer and songwriter took time off from recording and touring to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Applied Mathematics. Upon receiving her degree, Vargas was excited to get back into the studio to do what she loves most. 

Using renowned songwriter Humberto “Beto” Ramon, along with other original songs, Vargas hoped to provide a fresh and unique sound to the album. The multiple New Mexico Hispano Awards winner also enlisted some of Tejano Music’s breakthrough producers to assist with the creation of the album. Eddie Perez, Mario Ortiz, and Vick Nash Espinoza used their creative energy to make the album a success. 

Several songs on this album such as “Sera,” “Pocos Tiempos,” and “Dia De Solteras,” have charted for weeks on radio stations across the United States and in Mexico. 

The most recent and exciting news is that Vargas was listed on the Industry Ballot for this year’s Tejano Music Awards as Female Vocalist, Album of the Year for “A Mi Modo”, and Song of the Year with “Sera. The singer has also been selected to perform at the 39th annual Tejano Music Awards show on November 16th at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in San Antonio, Texas.

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LISTEN: Candace Vargas – “A Mi Modo”

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Rebecca Valadez returns with new single ‘Que Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir’ [AUDIO]

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Photo: Jimencio Arte

Two-time Grammy winner Rebecca Valadez has returned with a new single, “Que Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir,” her first Tejano release in 10 years.

The track was produced by Severo “Sevy” Contreras at Slackmonster Studios in San Antonio, Texas. It’s a cover of song originally composed as a Peruvian waltz in 1936 by Angel Cabral with lyrics by Enrique Dizeo, both from Argentina. It has been covered by many singers over the years, most notably Julio Iglesias in 1980, La Sonora Dinamita featuring Margarita Vargas in 1990, and José Feliciano with Alicia Villarreal in 2006.

“I used to sing this song when I was with the Soto band in L.A.,” Valadez told Tejano Nation. “It got used to singing it. It was something I was familiar with, so I called Sevy and said we should do this as a ranchera.”

The duo hit the studio to record the song and released it as her comeback track.

RELATED: Two-time Grammy winner Rebecca Valadez speaks on career and much more [VIDEO]

Valadez began her career as a backup vocalist for Jimmy Gonzalez y Grupo Mazz in 1994 as a teenager, winning a two Grammy Awards as part of the group. She recorded her self-titled debut album in 2006 with a follow-up sophomore album “Sinceramente.”

The songstress is ready to get back to performing and recording original songs written by herself.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back on stage and doing my original music,” she said. “The next step is promoting the song because this really will get the ball rolling for me as far as continuing to do music and just building up my confidence in general because I haven’t done anything for myself in 10 or 12 years. So this will be interesting to see what happens next.”

A full album is in the future for Valadez, but she plans to take it one song at a time for now.

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LISTEN: Rebecca Valadez — “Que Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir”

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Univision’s “Reina de la Canción”: Searching for the Next Female Latin Superstar Beginning September 22

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Univision presents “Reina de la Canción” (Queen of Song), a female-only music development competition serving as a platform to identify, motivate and empower contestants to become a complete performer and the next Latina Music superstar.

The show will headline Univision Network’s “Domingos en Familia” (family time) lineup beginning Sunday, September 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT).

Produced by Univision Studios alongside music industry experts, “Reina de la Canción” will combine viewers’ love of Latin music with the irresistible appeal of uplifting, empowering stories of women breaking barriers and expanding into genres traditionally dominated by men. The show will be hosted by Univision’s TV personality Alejandra Espinoza and is executively produced by one of the most-listened-to Latin artists worldwide, Daddy Yankee. To find women with voices, talent, charisma, versatility, discipline or what he calls “the whole combo,” the urban music icon has formed a star-studded team, bringing together top stars from the music industry, which includes: a top-notch panel of judges comprised of Urban and Latin pop sensation Natti Natasha, regional Mexican star, singer-songwriter Joss Favela and iconic, timeless tropical music superstar, Olga Tañón; multiple GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® winning producer Sergio George, “El Maestro,” will be the show’s musical director and producer; and the sensational singer-songwriter Pedro Capó will be the co-host and studio house director in charge of the development of the contestants.

The first two episodes will cover the audition process where hundreds of women in Miami, Chicago, New York, San Antonio, Los Angeles and San Juan participated in castings. Only 40 of them were selected to audition in front of the judges, who picked the top 24 contestants to advance to the next stage, “the middle rounds.” These episodes are packed with unforgettable moments, lots of music, emotion, tension and above all, tons of competition. In addition, viewers will meet the 40 candidates, hear their stories and find out why they deserve to become the next Latin music superstar.

WHEN: Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT) beginning September 22.

WHERE: Univision

Music fans can join the conversation about “Reina de la Canción” on Twitter via @Univision using the hashtag #ReinadelaCancion, as well as comment along with others on Facebook.com/ReinaDLaCancionInstagram.com/ReinaDLaCancion and Twitter.com/ReinaDLaCancion.

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Juan Morin joins Tejano Nation as digital multimedia journalist

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Published digital multimedia journalist Juan Morin and his One Morin Media has joined Tejano Nation as a contributor covering the Houston and southeast Texas area.

Morin has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry as a personal assistant, media director and social publicist.

In 2013, he launched his own platform One Morin Media, which delivered his trademark series “The Experience,” a mini-documentary production that gave viewers an all-access pass behind the scenes with various featured artists, including AJ Castillo and Lucky Joe. Many called It a unique visionary perspective to the genre of Tejano like never before. He was a media director for various other platforms and television shows including “Tejano Concerts” with Hector Rodriguez, who passed away suddenly in July. 

RELATED: Lucky Joe goes behind the music in new documentary ‘The Experience’ [VIDEO]

In 2017, he launched The Tejano Experience (thetejanoexp.com), which is currently being revamped to help bring another media platform to the genre. 

Morin is now taking on the role of promoter and will be putting together concerts and events to help grow Tejano culture once again to the Houston and surrounding areas. 

“Juan is a visionary in digital media for Tejano culture and his expertise will be a great addition to Tejano Nation,” said John Henry Medina, Digital Managing Editor at Tejano Nation. “He will help Tejano Nation remain the #1 source for everything Tejano with fresh, exciting content.”

“Tejano Nation is the pinnacle platform of this industry,” said Morin. “John has always been so embracive and supportive of me and my projects. We share a passion for this genre and have always done our part, individually and collectively, to push for its mainstream media recognition. To be inducted and recognized as part of this platform officially is truly an honor.”

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