Tejano

Tejano music is a unique genre that combines elements of various musical styles and cultures. Born in the southwestern region of the United States, this type of music is deeply rooted in Hispanic culture and has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The origins of Tejano music can be traced back to the 1600s when the Spanish colonized what is now known as Texas. These early colonizers brought with them their European music and instruments, which they used to celebrate their culture and traditions. Over time, the European sounds mixed with the rhythms and melodies of the indigenous peoples and the African slaves brought over by the Spanish, giving rise to new music forms. By the late 1800s, Tejano music had begun to take shape as a distinct genre. It was during this time that the first Tejano performers emerged. These musicians primarily played the accordion and the bajo sexto, a type of Mexican guitar, and sang in Spanish. In the early 1900s, a new wave of Mexican immigrants came to Texas, bringing with them the sounds of jazz and swing music. These influences blended with traditional Tejano music, giving rise to a new style called conjunto, which became the dominant form of Tejano music for several decades. Conjunto music is characterized by its use of the accordion, bajo sexto, and drum kit. The lyrics often tell stories of love, heartbreak, and the struggles of working-class Mexicans in the United States. In addition to these traditional instruments, modern forms of Tejano music now include horns and keyboards. Tejano music grew in popularity throughout the 20th century, with many Tejano performers becoming household names. One such artist was Selena Quintanilla, who rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Selena's music fused traditional Tejano sounds with contemporary pop, and her performances attracted large, diverse crowds. Unfortunately, Selena's career was cut short when she was murdered in 1995 at the age of 23. Her death deeply impacted the Tejano community and led to an outpouring of support for the genre. In the years following Selena's death, many Tejano musicians continued to rise to prominence, and the genre continued to evolve. In the early 2000s, Tejano music faced some challenges as it struggled to maintain its audience. However, the genre experienced a resurgence in the mid-2000s, thanks in part to the popularity of reality shows like "American Idol" and "The Voice." The success of Tejano musicians like Los Lonely Boys and Kumbia Kings helped to introduce the genre to a new generation of fans.

Selena: Widely considered the "Queen of Tejano," Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and fashion icon. Her untimely death in 1995 at the age of 23 shocked the world and left a lasting impact on the Tejano music community. Emilio Navaira: Also known as the "King of Tejano," Emilio Navaira was a popular singer and songwriter who helped bring Tejano music to the mainstream in the 1990s. He won multiple Grammy Awards and was beloved for his energetic live performances. Little Joe: Hailing from Temple, Texas, Little Joe Hernández is a Tejano pioneer who has been making music for over five decades. His band, Little Joe y la Familia, has released over 50 albums and he has won multiple Grammys and Tejano Music Awards. Laura Canales: A trailblazing female Tejano singer, Laura Canales had a powerful voice and a career that spanned several decades. She was known for her emotional ballads and was a strong advocate for women's rights. Johnny Rodriguez: Born in Sabinal, Texas, Johnny Rodriguez is a country and Tejano singer who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s. He had multiple chart-topping hits and was the first Tejano artist to appear on The Tonight Show. Sunny Ozuna: As the leader of Sunny & the Sunliners, Sunny Ozuna has been a fixture in the Tejano music scene since the 1960s. He has had several hits, including "Put Me in Jail" and "Smile Now, Cry Later," and is known for his soulful sound. Ruben Ramos: Known as the "El Gato Negro" or the "Black Cat," Ruben Ramos is a Tejano legend who has been performing for over five decades. He has won multiple Grammy and Tejano Music Awards and is recognized for his powerful voice and energetic stage presence. Shelly Lares: Shelly Lares got her start in the Tejano music industry as a child, performing with her family band. She went on to have a successful career as a solo artist, winning multiple Tejano Music Awards and becoming known for her beautiful voice and passionate performances. Freddy Fender: Born Baldemar Huerta in San Benito, Texas, Freddy Fender was a singer and songwriter who became a household name in the 1970s. He had multiple hits in both English and Spanish and was inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame in 2001. David Lee Garza: A Grammy Award-winning accordionist and bandleader, David Lee Garza has been a fixture in the Tejano music scene for over three decades. He has recorded over 30 albums with his band, Los Musicales, and is known for his innovative mix of Tejano, country, and pop music.

1. "Como La Flor" by Selena 2. "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" by Selena 3. "Amor Prohibido" by Selena 4. "No Me Queda Mas" by Selena 5. "El Chico del Apartamento 512" by Selena 6. "La Carcacha" by Selena 7. "Dreaming of You" by Selena 8. "Tu Solo Tu" by Selena 9. "Yo Te Amo" by Selena 10. "Techno Cumbia" by Selena 11. "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens 12. "Don't Waste My Time" by La Mafia 13. "Me Duele Estar Solo" by La Mafia 14. "El Rey" by Vicente Fernández 15. "La Ley del Monte" by Vicente Fernández 16. "A Puro Dolor" by Son by Four 17. "Te Quiero, Te Quiero" by Los Humildes 18. "Oye, Como Va" by Santana 19. "Quiero Amanecer Con Alguien" by Los Bukis 20. "Tu Primera Vez" by José José 21. "Cuidado" by Laura Canales 22. "El Mujerón" by Shelly Lares 23. "Se Me Olvidó Otra Vez" by Juan Gabriel 24. "La Pollera Colorada" by Los Mirlos 25. "Si Una Vez" by Selena.

A subject that has garnered relatively limited literary attention, Tejano music finds its voice through a select few impactful books. In "Tejano Proud: Tex-Mex Music in the Twentieth Century" authored by Guadalupe San Miguel Jr., an exploration unfolds of how Tejano music transcended mere melodies, evolving into a cultural emblem for the Mexican-American community in the American Southwest. This insightful work unveils the nuanced political and social threads woven into the music's fabric, elucidating its profound influence on shaping Mexican-American identity within a diverse tapestry. Noteworthy as well is "El Libro del Tex-Mex: Tex-Mex Sheet Music Collection," a collaborative effort by Juan Tejeda and Avelardo Valdez. This publication offers more than a mere collection of over 100 songs; it serves as a multimedia portal, complementing historical context with captivating visuals, and providing sheet music scores for enthusiasts and scholars alike. A comprehensive resource, this book stands as a conduit for comprehending the evolution of Tejano music and appreciating its resounding cultural resonance. While the literary realm on Tejano music may be limited, the genre's essence resonates through the voices of its practitioners and scholars. Juan Tejeda, founder of the Tejano Conjunto Festival, articulates how Tejano music transcends borders and bridges cultural divides, underscoring its historical and social significance. Grammy-winning accordionist Flaco Jimenez encapsulates the emotional core of Tejano music, noting its ability to evoke feelings while inspiring celebration. Grammy-nominated musician Ruben Ramos aptly amalgamates Tejano's roots in corridos, polkas' rhythm, and the jazz's swing. Linda Ronstadt, a Grammy-winning artist and activist, emphasizes Tejano's representation of resilience and pride amidst adversity. Dan Dickey, a music historian and author, aptly recognizes Tejano music as an uncharted gem in American music history, deserving recognition for its multifaceted beauty.

At the turn of the 20th century, the influx of Mexican migrants into South Texas created a cultural melting pot that paved the way for the emergence of Tejano music. Mexican immigrants brought with them their love of music, which blended with the already existing musical traditions in Texas, such as country, blues, and polka. As these cultures blended, Tejano music began to evolve, incorporating elements from both Mexican and American musical traditions. One of the most influential figures in the development of Tejano music was Mexican-American music publisher and journalist Manuel Peña. Peña established a network of musicians, record labels, and promoters that helped bring Tejano music to a wider audience. He also wrote about the genre extensively in his book, “The Texas-Mexican Conjunto: History of a Working-Class Music.” Another significant figure in the Tejano music scene was Lyndon B. Johnson, who served as a U.S. congressman and senator from Texas before being elected president in 1963. As a congressman, Johnson championed Tejano music, recognizing its cultural significance to the Mexican-American community in Texas. He also helped establish the Tejano Music Awards, which have been held annually since 1980. In the 1950s, Tejano music gained mainstream recognition when record labels such as Ideal, Falcon, and Corona began producing and distributing Tejano recordings. For example, Tony de la Rosa recorded the hit song “El Mosquito” in the mid-1950s, which went on to become one of the most popular Tejano songs of all time. Other notable Tejano musicians from this era include Santiago Jimenez Sr., Flaco Jimenez, and Narciso Martinez. In the 1960s and 1970s, Tejano music continued to grow in popularity, thanks in part to the emergence of new stars like Freddy Fender, Little Joe, and Ruben Ramos. These musicians were able to appeal to both Mexican and American audiences, helping to further integrate Tejano music into mainstream culture. Along with the emergence of new Tejano musicians, technological advances played a crucial role in the development of the genre. The availability of affordable recording equipment and the rise of radio and television helped Tejano musicians reach a wider audience. Additionally, the internet and social media platforms have made it easier than ever for Tejano musicians to connect with fans and promote their music.