Legendary musician Gilbert “Gibby” Escobedo announced his cancer is in remission as he works his way back to doing what he loves, playing music. The Latin Breed co-founder shared details on his health issues and much more in an interview with the Cruz Control with AC Cruz podcast.
In his first interview in over 10 years, Escobedo spoke about his plans for a return to music, his legendary career, upcoming events and much more.
Listen to the full interview with Gibby Escobedo on the latest episode of the Cruz Control with AC Cruz Behind The Mic podcast below. Hear previous episodes and get more details at CruzControlWithACCruz.com.
Can’t hear the audio? Click here to listen via Libsyn.
“Little Miss Dynamite,” who is celebrating 37 years in Tejano music, added she supports today’s young Tejano talent and mentors many as she was mentored by another iconic singer Patsy Torres.
“In order for us (Tejano) to grow, we have to be supportive,” said Lares. “Tejano music is the best music in the world. I feel like we are the most versatile artists, musicians, fans. I mean, I don’t think anybody can touch us.”
Lares shared details on her next project that will also feature Torres.
“It is all Orquesta oriented because that’s where I started,” she said. “It’s going to be great!”
Watch the full interview with Shelly Lares on “Domingo Live” below.
Tejano Nation journalist Juan Morin wins Best Local Writer at 2019 SLM Awards in Houston, Texas on Dec. 28, 2019. | Courtesy photo
Tejano Nation multimedia journalist Juan Morin was awarded Best Local Writer at the fourth annual Support Local Music (SLM) Awards in Houston, Texas on Dec. 28.
The SLM Awards recognizes Houston area music industry professionals for their contributions to the local music scene.
Morin has been covering the Tejano music scene in the Houston area for many years.
“This music has and always will be part of me and I’m proud to represent it,” said Morin. “To be recognized locally for the efforts put forth for the genre of Tejano music and entertainment is such an honor. A big thank you to Don Tino for putting together an event that supports and recognizes local talent and to my Tejano Nation family, friends, and supporters. We did it!”
Morin joined Tejano Nation as a contributing multimedia journalist in 2019. He 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.
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.
“Unfortunately I will be spending a few days in the hospital with Pneumonia,” said Jimenéz. “With the help of my doctors and great staff, I am feeling much better and slowly recuperating.”
“I will be canceling any upcoming events for now until I recover,” he added. “I apologize for any past or future canceled shows but I will soon get back to Doing what I Love, playing my accordion for my beloved fans.”
The six-time Grammy winner has canceled scheduled events since mid-November due to health issues. His last performance was in Chicago on Nov. 8 with Los Texmaniacs.
His career has spanned six decades, and it’s certain that no one has taken the accordion-fueled Tex-Mex sound to a larger audience than he has. Without compromising his musical vision, Jimenéz has introduced the traditional conjunto sound to mainstream pop and country listeners thanks to his collaborations with the Texas Tornados, Dwight Yoakam, and the Mavericks, and he is celebrated by adventurous rock fans through his work with Ry Cooder, Carlos Santana, Doug Sahm, and the Rolling Stones.
Tejano Nation will share updates on the health recovery for Jimenez as more information becomes available.
VMB Music Group released a teaser video for the upcoming official music video for “Hoy Me Perdiste,” the latest single from Los Desperadoz.
The track is the fourth release for Los Desperadoz from their new album, “Calm Before The Storm,” released in May. It’s the debut album for the band with VMB Music Group.
The official music video for “Hoy Me Perdiste” will be released in full on Friday, January 3, 2019 at the VMB Music Group YouTube channel.
Los Desperadoz has spent over 30 years in the Tejano music industry. Three generations of the Villarreal family have added their unique contributions to the texture of Tejano music since the 1950s, with Los Hermanos Villarreal to today’s band Los Desperadoz featuring brothers Mike, Lee and PJ, and now with the addition of Lee’s son Eric Lee as lead vocalist.
Anjelique earned two Tejano Music Awards in November as Best New Female Artist and Best New Group with her Sweet City Band. The singer from Sweetwater, Texas spoke about her TMA wins, latest album, family and more with “Domingo Live” host Rudy Treviño.
Anjelique shared details on her music career that is a family affair with her husband, Sammy Alvarez Jr, and kids, who are a part of her band. She also spoke about the success of her third album “Proposito” and is already working on her next album for 2020.
The much-anticipated debut album from Monica Saldivar has officially been released and it was simply worth the wait. Put together by an ensemble of multi-Grammy award-winning singers, songwriters & producers along with special guest musicians. The self-titled album from the 2015 Tejano Idol winner, delivers a strong and stellar presentation from such a talented singer.
The singer released her first single, “Este Dolor” three years ago. That song started building the anticipation for the album as it started coming together, sharing the process of this project via social media platforms throughout its duration. We all got to see a glimpse of it being put together.
Tejano Nation: How did it feel to finally release this album?
Monica Saldivar: I am still trying to process the accomplishment of it being released. I knew that taking the time to pick out each song on the album with the help of my music director Victor Garcia as well as working with some of the most amazing songwriters and producers was going to be all worth it in the end. Me and my family are still very emotional about it.
Tejano Nation: Can you tell us a little about the songwriters and producers who helped put this project together?
Tejano Nation: The album features two fan favorites, “Para Olvidarte” and “Me Cuesta Tanto Olvidarte.” Which song on the album is your favorite?
Monica Saldivar: Choosing my favorite song is very difficult. I truly love each one of them that made the tracklist. The final song on the album “Como Te Quiero” written and produced by Victor Garcia. It has a special place in my heart but “Este Dolor” will forever be a favorite due to the fact that it was my very first single. I will forever be thankful to Mario Ortiz and Juan Treviño for allowing me to record it. I’ll never forget when Mario first reached out to me and told me he seen one of my YouTube performance videos and was very interested in working with me on a few original tracks. When we talked, I jokingly requested a Juan Treviño song not believing it would be possible and he said, “sure, I can do that!” Well he did and I actually ended up with two Juan Treviño songs on this album! I couldn’t imagine a better debut single than “Este Dolor.”
It was the ultimate introduction to who I am as an artist.
The Laredo, Texas native recently shared details on a life-changing event when he was very young.
“I thank God for my life,” he wrote on Nov. 28. “I was only 1 year old when I fell from a third-floor balcony and was in a coma for 2 weeks. When I woke up I was left blind for several days. Today I glorify the Lord Jesus with all my soul!”
Written by Molina, “Cowboy Cumbia” is an incredibly catchy and danceable song featuring a highly contagious, down-on-the-farm type of cumbia beat, punctuated by it’s memorable and catchy phrases. The song single-handedly attracted a whole new generation of Tejano music lovers in the late 1990s.
Molina released his latest album, “Country Musica,” earlier this year.
The show must go on and despite suffering an injured back, Siggno frontman Jesse Turner performed at the group’s show in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico on Saturday, Dec. 28.
A video posted on Siggno’s YouTube channel shows Turner receiving an injection to help with back pain. The singer and musician can also be seen performing with the help of a chair later in the video. Musician Lalo Morales was asked to fill-in on the accordion when Turner was not able to play for Siggno’s performance in the border town.
Former Siggno member David Rosas filled in for current percussionist Jorge Torres who missed the Nuevo Laredo show due to a family commitment.
Turner gave full details via social media sharing the YouTube video on Dec. 30. “Our last performance of the year,” he said on Facebook. “We had to cancel Aguascalientes, Dr said plz cancel Nuevo Laredo, but I didn’t. Jorge had an absence of leave so my old friend David Rosas helped us out, I couldn’t play the accordion so my other friend Lalo Morales came to help out. Crazy weekend. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.”
“I was honestly in pain when I went up to sing in Nuevo Laredo but I already have my appointments for a specialist,” Turner said in another Facebook post with a video of him painfully walking to his home from his car. “Good thing I’m already on vacation!”
Juan Treviño released a music video for “Siempre Te Recordaré” (“Will Always Remember You”) on Dec. 24 just for fans.
“It’s not a new single, just something new for the fans,” Treviño told Tejano Nation about the visual for the song from his latest album “Pedazos de Mi Alma” (“Pieces Of My Soul”), released in May.
The singer, songwriter, and musician won a Latin Grammy for Best Mexican Regional Song at the Latin Grammy Awards in 2017 for his song “Siempre Es Asi” featuring AJ Castillo.
Longtime KSAB morning co-host Barbi Leo announced her departure from the Tejano radio station in Corpus Christi, Texas on Tuesday (Dec. 31).
She made the announcement via social media. “This is a day of very mixed emotions for me,” she said. “Today is my LAST day on the KSAB Morning Show. After 21 years in radio, I have decided to make a career change. It has been one of the most difficult decisions I ever had to make.”
The radio and television host added she will remain in the Corpus Christi community and continue to co-host her weekly television show “Domingo Live” every Sunday on KIII-TV.
Leo shared a message for her KSAB listeners, “You have become my FAMILIA. You have been there since the beginning of my career when I would go out in the mornings giving away taquitos & newspapers. We have shared special moments, laughs, tears and every emotion in between on-air and off. Thank you so much for your trust.”
She also spoke about her longtime morning co-host Dan Peña, who also serves as KSAB Program Director. “I want to thank my bestest friend Dan Peña for EVERYTHING! He is the only one who took me under his wing and showed me the ropes from day one. Dan, I Love You! You have become a brother to me. Thank you for all of your advice and support throughout the years and for teaching me everything you know.”
“Tough show today, as I bid farewell to my best friend and sidekick Barbi,” Peña shared via social media. “Today is her last day on the show. Thanks for the best 21+ years in my radio career Barbi. And the best of luck in your new venture.”
Leo said she will share details of her “next adventure” soon and that iHeart Media, owners of KSAB, has “left the door wide open” for a return in the future and be a part of the station once again.
Barbi Leo joined KSAB in 1998 after graduating from college and was part of the longest-running morning show in the market. She became co-host at “Doming Live” in 2005 and has received numerous honors for her significant contributions to the music industry and community service, and was inducted at the sixth annual La Musica del Sur de Tejas (The Music of South Texas) in 2017.
Villarreal spoke to Tejano Nation about the collaboration with the Tejano music icon for his latest track.
Tejano Nation: What was your inspiration for the song?
Jesse Villarreal: There are many relationships in which one or the other significants don’t want to be at fault. That leads to breakups and separation. I wanted this song to be heard in hopes that it helps those going through those notions. When I began writing the song I portrayed myself in the perspective of a woman going through the emotional turmoil.
Tejano Nation: How did the collaboration with Shelly Lares come together?
Jesse Villarreal: We were trying to find the right fit to enhance the song and give it more emotion. Producer Eddie Perez immediately thought of Shelly Lares and she agreed to be part of the song. It was so amazing to work with her.
Tejano Nation: You are a very successful songwriter having worked with many artists and groups from Monica Saldivar, Los Palominos to Massizo and David Lee Garza, to name a few along with so many more. Are you currently working on any other projects?
Jesse Villarreal: In between writing for some other artists. I am actually putting the finishing touches on my upcoming fifth studio album.
We haven’t set a release date yet but I can officially announce the name of the album, “Puedes Volver Con El.” It will include the current single along with nine other tracks that were written from real-life events and experiences.
Villarreal released the official music video for “Fue Mi Error” with Shelly Lares on Dec. 21.
The visual was produced and directed by Joe Leal Jr of MP Recording Studios of Weslaco, Texas in collaboration with BocaMar Entertainment and La Preferencia.
The romantic cumbia features a rhythm that will touch many who enjoy dancing to Tejano cumbias.
“The song is about the love of your life that expects a lot out of you and you have given her everything and you have nothing more to give,” Bocanegra told Tejano Nation.
Learn more about La Preferencia at Facebook.com/lapreferencia or for booking at BocaMar Entertainment (956) 451-0756.
Still riding the wave from his Tejano Music Awards win for Entertainer of the Year, Sunny Saucedastarted the New Year off with a video teaser for his latest single, “Solo Es Ella,” a romantic ranchera with a Tejano Norteño sound.
Sauceda traveled to Mexico in early December, specifically Rio Verde San Luis Potosi, to record the song that is a different sound for Sauceda and his band, Y Todo Eso. Sauceda co-wrote “Solo Es Ella” with Mexico-based writer/producer Ulises Emmanuel, while JJ Silva produced and arranged the song. The two have worked with artists such as Ana Barbara and Shaila Durcal, and both have numerous awards for their prolific work.
“I wanted a different vibe,” Sauceda told Tejano Nation. “I’m an executive producer at heart and it’s always about the vibe. I’ve been making records for the past 37 years and I love to surround myself with people who are more talented than I am to make something new of my sound.”
The single will appear on an album slated for release in March on Sauceda’s Solstice Records, the label he runs with his wife, Vickie.
In the video, shot at downtown San Antonio’s Brackenridge Park, Vickie is featured and she also directed the video with Ryan Bazan.
“The video came together really quickly,” Sauceda said. “We intended to hire a model but Ryan (Bazan) liked the idea of using Vickie.”
Sauceda said the song’s “deep lyrical content” conveys how the woman he loves is the “soundtrack of my life.”
Since Sauceda’s TMA Entertainer of the Year win in November 2019, the busy, always-on-the-go musician’s calendar is quickly filling up and that’s why the video was filmed early. Sauceda said he is already slated to play at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in mid-February and before that in Texas City on Jan. 11 as well as perform on the Tejanos in Paradise Cruise 2020 from Jan. 12-19, which will also feature Stefani Montiel, Los Palominos, Destiny and Raulito Navaira, and more.
The year is starting off right for Sauceda and if “Solo Es Ella,” is any indication, his 2020 album is also off to a sweet-sounding start. Listeners will get lost in the lyrics Sauceda delivers with passion and tenderness.
Mia Garcia, the trail-blazing 12-year-old girl who gained international recognition throughout 2019 is about to release her first illustrated book, “My Hero.”
Mia wrote the book when she was 11 years old. The children’s book, inspired by her father, is a project of love with the collaboration of Mia Garcia, illustration by Arturo Quijano and the guidance of Larissa Davila of BCO Consulting.
This book will be Mia’s first book published and directed to children ages 5-10 years old. In the book, Mia talks about her relationship with her dad, and how he plays a part in her life growing up.
Mia received the Tejano Music Award for “Best New Artist – Female,” on March 16th of 2019, but is no stranger to accolades. She has also been honored by the Texas State flag flown over the State Capitol on June 6, 2019, along with a proclamation from the Senate of the State of Texas and Senator Kirk Watson. On October 5th of 2017 she received a proclamation of “Mia Garcia’s Day” in Austin, Texas along with the State of Texas and Governor Abbot. Mia Garcia has also won nearly 200 other medals and awards in sports she participates such as gymnastics and karate, along with scholastic recognitions.
Mia’s father and manager, Chris Garcia, has confirmed the book will go on sale in mid-January. To receive more information on the book, please contact Mia Garcia’s manager Chris Garcia directly via email: miamusictx@gmail.com.
Young singing sensation Isabel Marie Sanchez ended 2019 with the release of her fourth album “IV’ on Dec. 31.
The award-winning 16-year-old singer’s latest disc is produced once again by Abraham Quintanilla and features 10 tracks including her latest singles “Por Que Ahora” and “Since I Fell For You.” A duet with Kumbia Kings All-Starz vocalist Ramon Vargas on a cover of “Cuatro Copas,” and a Mazz medley dedicated to late Tejano icon Jimmy Gonzalez.
“It was such an honor for me to be able to record that song, those songs because there’s three songs,” Isabel Marie told Tejano Nation. “It was really, really fun. Just an honor to be able to pay tribute to the late and great Jimmy Gonzalez and Grupo Mazz.”
The new album “IV” from Isabel Marie is currently only available here, where fans can buy a personalized copy.
The women of Tejano music dominated the Top 20 songs of 2019 as Rudy Trevino‘s Tejano Gold Countdown released the year-end chart on Thursday (Jan. 2).
Isabel Marie Sanchez topped the list with “Tu No Sabes” a song from her third album “Hugs & Kisses” and spent 15 weeks on the chart in 2019.
Stefani Montiel, Aisha and Texas Latino were the only artists with multiple songs on the year-end chart. Montiel held the No. 2 spot with the catchy cumbia “La Comadre” and the collaboration with La Calma, “Echame La Culpa,” was No. 8. Aisha took the No. 4 spot with “Baby Baby” and “La Reina De Tu Vida,” the title track from her solo debut album was No. 6. Texas Latino ranked No. 16 for the year with “Mi Princesa” and “Sonambulo” finished at No. 18.
Check out the slideshow below for the Top 20 hits of 2019 on the Tejano Gold Countdown, heard on 134 radio affiliates in the U.S. and Mexico. Listen to Tejano Gold Countdown podcasts at TejanoGoldCountdown.com.
1. Isabel Marie – “Tu No Sabes”
2. Stefani Montiel – “La Comadre”
3. Las Fenix – “Un Traguito De Tequila”
4. Aisha – “Baby Baby”
5. Devin Banda – “La Tejana Enamorada”
6. Aisha – “La Reina De Tu Vida”
7. Solido – “Imaginate”
8. “Echame La Culpa” – La Calma feat. Stefani Montiel
9. Sarah Monique – “Brindo Contigo” feat. Shelly Lares
10.Michael Salgado – “Si Tu Me Dejaras”
11. Mia – “Lost In The Middle Of Nowhere”
12. Linda Escobar – “La Revancha”
13. David Lee Garza Y Los Musicales – “Regresa A Mi”
14. Rebecca Valadez – “Que Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir”
15. Missy – “Tu Perdon”
16. Texas Latino – “Mi Princesa”
17. Magali Delarosa – “Mira Lo Que Has Hecho”
18. Texas Latino – “Sonambulo”
19. Rick Fuentes & the Brown Express – “Caricia Y Herida” feat. Arturo Montes
20. Los Palominos – “Ellas”
The Tejano Gold Countdown Top 20 is based on data provided by National Hispanic Syndicated Radio, LLC., comprised of data from Mediabase, reporting stations and select online radio stations.
“I will have surgery this Friday, January 3, 2020, in San Antonio,” he wrote on Facebook. “I have four damaged cervical vertebrae; two of them are blocking the blood supply to my spine causing a life-threatening condition called Myelomalacia. I will be away for some time but I trust in my Lord Jesus that I will come back healthier than ever.”
Molina previously said he suffered the injury during an accident.
Myelomalacia is a pathological term referring to the softening of the spinal cord, according to Wikipedia. Myelopathy is a very serious condition that if untreated can lead to significant and permanent nerve damage including paralysis and death.
Tejano Nation will keep you updated on Molina’s surgery and recovery as more details become available.
Written by Molina, “Cowboy Cumbia” is an incredibly catchy and danceable song featuring a highly contagious, down-on-the-farm type of cumbia beat, punctuated by it’s memorable and catchy phrases. The song single-handedly attracted a whole new generation of Tejano music lovers in the late 1990s.
Molina released his latest album, “Country Musica,” earlier this year.
Tejanos Unite president “La Unica Rose” Torres passed away on Dec. 31 after a long illness. She was 55 years old.
Torres was diagnosed with polymyositis, a disease that is a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Currently, there is no cure or no FDA treatment. However other medicines including chemotherapy can be used to get the illness into remission. Ten out of 1 million people are diagnosed with myositis. The same illness as music legend Peter Frampton.
Polymyositis is one of the inflammatory myopathies, a group of muscle diseases that involves inflammation of the muscles or associated tissues, such as the blood vessels that supply the muscles, according to MDA.org. A myopathy is a muscle disease, and inflammation is a response to cell damage.
La Unica Rose told Tejano Nation earlier this year her goal is to get others to listen to your body.
“It will let you know something is not right,” she said. “Please don’t ignore symptoms. This illness has so many co-morbidities.”
Torres was president for Tejanos Unite 2013, an organization that unites Tejano music lovers across the United States and around the world for the promotion of Tejano music to the world, as well as bringing unity to the industry by sharing ideas, past experiences, and new movements.
A visitation is scheduled from 5 – 7:00 p.m., on Monday, January 6, 2020, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home in Waco, Texas. Graveside services will begin at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 7, at Oakwood Cemetery, 2124 S. 5th Street also in Waco.
Fans of Latin music icon Selena will have another place to visit in 2020 to celebrate the Queen of Cumbia as a San Antonio museum will unveil a photo exhibit featuring the Grammy winner.
The “Selena Forever/Siempre Selena” art exhibit at the McNay Art Museum will be on view from Jan. 15 until July 5 and feature a series of photographs from San Antonio photographer Jon Dyer. The “Amor Prohibido” singer was the subject for two of his photoshoots, one for Más Magazine in 1992 and another for Texas Monthly in 1995 just before her tragic murder, according to the museum.
The exhibit was curated by Kate Carey, the museum’s head of education, and will be located in The Octagon, in the Main Collection Galleries.
The exhibit will be part of regular museum admission and can be purchased online or in person.
