The Tucson Musicians Museum (TMM) has announced its 2023 inductees, and among them is a historic name in the Tejano music scene: Ritmo Suave de Louie Ramirez. The band, founded by Louie C. Ramirez in 1975, is the first Tejano/Tex-Mex group to receive this honor, joining the ranks of legendary musicians such as Lalo Guerrero, Linda Ronstadt, and Adalberto Gallegos. The band’s picture will be displayed in the lobby of the Tucson Convention Center (TCC), where the TMM is located.
The induction ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 19th, at Hotel Congress, from 3pm to 8pm on the patio. The event will feature a 45-minute set from Ritmo Suave, as well as performances from other inductees and local artists. The ceremony is open to the public and free of charge, but donations are welcome to support the TMM’s mission of preserving and promoting Tucson’s musical heritage.
Louie E. Ramirez, the son of Louie C. Ramirez, expressed his gratitude and pride for his father and the band. “I’m so proud of my Dad! He is very deserving of this honor as well as all the talented musicians that came through the group. My Dad will always be my #1 Hero and role model! I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to continue playing alongside him for now 30 years!” he said.
Ritmo Suave: A Brief History
Ritmo Suave was born in the summer of 1975, when Louie C. Ramirez, a Sunnyside High School graduate, decided to start his own Tejano group. He had already played in local Tejano groups with Manny Guerrero and Group Vida. He recruited his brother, Dr. Santiago Ramirez, to play drums, and later added his younger brother Carlos Ramirez as the second trumpet player.
Ritmo Suave always took pride in its musicianship and diverse sound. From Tejano to Country, Pop to Old School R&B, the powerful brass sound always gave the group a distinctive edge. In Ritmo Suave’s 37 years, many local and talented musicians have made their way through the group.
Through the years, Ritmo Suave played for many weddings, quinceañeras, birthday parties, anniversaries, New Year’s Eve dances, and many other celebrations. Providing music and entertainment was always a goal of the group but nothing more important than giving back to the Tucson community. During Ritmo Suave’s duration, the group played for Chicanos Por La Causa, many church fiestas, and countless families in need. Ritmo Suave always prided itself in always being there for our Tucson Community.
About Tuscon Musicians Museum
The Tucson Musicians Museum (TMM), a nonprofit organization founded in 2007, is dedicated to preserving Tucson’s unique musical heritage. TMM recognizes, showcases, and supports the historical contributions of Tucson area musicians. Their vision is to transform the lives of underprivileged and at-risk youth through fantastic music programs, enhancing their chances of a prosperous future. TMM pays tribute to accomplished musicians from traditional genres, whether born in, residing in, or having a connection to Tucson. They collaborate with schools, music stores, and academies, maintaining a mentorship program for local young musicians and providing quality instruments and training. Learn more at tucsonmusiciansmuseum.org.
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