In This Issue

JANUARY 2013
In This Issue
K1 (Page 1)
Artie v y grupo Suave (Page 5)
Grupo Xprezzion (Page 9)
Joe Lopez (7 Page )
$3.95 US $4.50 MX
www.tejano-magazine.net
within the group in their song: "Amor, Familia, Respect" which features recording artist Fat Joe; other members followed and Kingz One
(K1) was born. They began promoting themselves around Texas, California, Mexico City and other areas.
“Nuestro Turno” is the name of their debut CD, which was released February 10th, 2004 to critical acclaim. The first single, “A Que
Te Pongo” (I Bet I’ll Make You), became an international hit. It was
nominated for “Song of the Year” at the Tejano Music Awards in 2005
and was remixed by Reggaeton artists Daddy Yankee and Luny Tunes.
Other nominations followed and they won the award for “Most Promising Band of the Year”. Other popular tracks from this album include
“Tu”, “Por Ella”, and “Ay Amor”. Media outlets such as the Dallas
Morning News and Laredo Morning Times praised the group as talented musicians who are more than just former Kumbia Kings, even referring to them as “the new Kingz on the block.”
During a seven-year hiatus, they spent time assisting their cousin
Cruz Martinez with his group Los Super Reyes (LSR). Their time with
LSR included tour dates in Mexico and nominations for multiple
awards. “Slim” also collaborated with international recording artist:
Alicia Villarreal.
Kingz One (K1) has returned with the CD “Resurrecciòn” released
December 13, 2011. The mix of styles and flavors on this CD includes
touches of Bachata, Reggaeton, Hip-Hop and Latin Pop, all mixed with
Cumbia. The first single, “Mañana”, has already spent time at the number one spot on KSAB Tejano radio station in Corpus Christi. Another
notable track is "Si Me Quieres Tu", a remake of the La Sombra hit.
The song features friend and former Kumbia King Frankie J. as well as
"Don Trilo of Trilogy Mafia". Kingz One (K1) also collaborated with
the girls of La Conquista for the track "Con La Musica".
The latest Kingz One (K1) release "Dame" features another exKingz One (K1) is the name for a group of passionate, talented Kumbia King, DJ Kane. With the release of this CD, Kingz One (K1)
performers whose style is a mix of Latin Pop, Cumbia, Reggaeton, and now comprised of Alex and “Slim” Ramirez, “Marko MC”, Sergio
other musical styles.
Lozano, Alfonso “Nox” Herrera, Matt Lopez, Frank Lozano, Mikey
Kingz One (K1) is led & founded by Alex Ramirez and his brother Gonzalez, Cesar “Mana” Sanchez and Eduardo Salinas-are ready to
Roy Ramirez: known to fans as “Slim”. Their careers began in La embrace the promising future that awaits them. Biography was preSombra, an influential Tejano group out of Illinois, led by their uncle sented and introduced by: B. Godina/S.Natera
Tony Guerrero. “Slim” credits his uncles Tony and Gavino Guerrero as
two of his biggest musical influences. Alex emphasizes, “we must not
forget our family of musical influences, including our mother Maria
Luisa G. Ramirez and all of our cousins and relatives.”
Several questions were asked of Alex and Roy (“Slim”):
When did you decide to become a singer?
Alex: From the time I was a little boy, my cousins and I would
watch
our uncles and family in La Sombra and that inspired all of us;
Kingz One’s (K1) career really began to thrive when they became
founding members of the immensely popular and multi-platinum sell- also listening to my mom singing in the kitchen! She would sing songs
ing group Los Kumbia Kings. They received multiple accolades while like "Si Vivi Contigo" by Laura Canales
part of that group, including: three Billboard Awards, ten Tejano Music
Slim: Ever since I was a little boy, watching my uncles Tony and
Awards, two Furia Musical Awards and four Grammy nominations, Gavino especially Gavino made me want to be an entertainer.
one of which was for the debut CD: “Amor, Familia y Respeto” in (Continue on next page)
1999.
After the release of the fourth album, Alex and “Slim” made the
decision to part ways with the group. They referred to their situation
Tejano Magazine Contact Information
Staff
Belinda Jimenez - Dallas Sales Rep. (214) 883-0898
Angie Diaz - Houston Sales Rep. (832) 643-9858
Carmen Garza - Houston Sales Rep. (281) 780-5102
Hugo Olmos - West Texas Sales Rep. (915) 203-8328
Cordelia Villa - Laredo Sales Rep. (956) 744-7174
Jesse Hernandez—Austin Sales Rep. (512) 516-4907
Alexander Lopez– Corpus Christi Sales Rep. (832) 643-9858
Javier Covarrubias - San Antonio Sales Rep. (210) 724-9541
Page 1
Contributing writers
Valentina Estrada
Ramon Hernandez
Rosie Lopez Almazan
Joe Alfaro
Henry Zimmerle
Our Address
Tejano Magazine
6504 Eagle Dr.
Moses Lake, WA. 98837
(509)750-7280
www.tejano-magazine.net
Who or what is your biggest motivation to entertain and sing?
Alex: Watching the fans’ reactions, seeing how happy they are to see
us, singing our songs, dancing to our music, screaming...while we get
to do what we love.
Slim: Just seeing the fans go crazy, dance and sing. I vibe off of them
like they vibe off of me! And of course my kids motivate and inspire
me! My son plays piano and dances, already winning talent shows and
my daughters also love music and dancing, they’re already little Divas
(laughs)! My kids are continuing the family tradition.
If given the chance to speak with groups of young people interested
in getting into the music business what advice would you give
them?
for the group and for this album.
Slim: We are currently promoting our latest album, Resurrecciòn which ended up being
quite a project in itself with all
the features and collaborations
that ended up on the album.
We have a rapper from Puerto
Rico, Jose ’Voodoo’ Valentin,
our song Con La Musica with
the girls of La Conquista, "Si
Me Quieres Tu" with Frankie J
and Don Trilo of Trilogy Mafia who is also a cousin, Tsunami with
Prime Status, and our latest single Dame with DJ Kane.
Alex: Stay strong, stay focused and follow your dreams. Learn to read
people well! There will be people who say they have your back but
that is not always the case. In my opinion, there is no profession like Can you list special venues or events that are highlights in your
being an entertainer, so just keep doing what you love and success will career that you would like to mention?
follow.
Alex: I would definitely say the yearly concert they have in Monterrey.
Slim: I would just say follow your dreams, do what you love, go all They have concerts on Friday and Saturday, Latin pop on one night
out, go hard. Be careful of other people’s intentions and remember that Regional Mexican on the other. K1 was the only band to perform on
both nights, as our music encompasses both styles. In addition, all the
us Latinos are capable of some amazing things!
awards and nominations, which mean just as much because it is recogWhat radio stations have you visited to promote your CD’s: how nition from the industry, our peers and fans. It means you’re doing
did it go for you and what was your experience with the Radio something right. Grammy nominations and Billboard awards are nice,
(DJ’s) Personalities?
but Tejano music awards mean the most to us because it’s close to
Alex: It’s hard to remember all the DJ’s, there are so many, but we home.
love doing radio and television promo because we get to interact with Slim: Performing on the Cristina Show, and our interview with her.
the fans and let them know what our new songs are and our upcoming
Our performances at the Astrodome, Alamodome, and I remember one
tour dates. As far as our new songs "Manana" and "Dame", we would
night outside of Dallas Stadium when I did a swan dive into the crowd
like to thank DJ's Ed Tex-Mix Garcia of 104.5 Sabor FM, San Angelo
and the fans were tearing off my clothes, greatest time ever! I’m lookTX; Robert Hernandez of KOZA 1230 AM, Odessa TX and Eddie ’the
ing forward to more times like these during our upcoming tour dates
Dog’ Moreno of Magic 93.7 Lubbock for their support of K1 and
for Resurrecciòn.
Tejano music.
What has been the response to your CD?
Slim: Radio promo is off the chain! They welcome us with open arms.
We always have a great time getting to know the DJ’s and the Program Alex: Great response from the fans! Especially with all the collaborations on this album and the mix of styles, which includes regional MexDirectors and talking to the fans.
ican, salsa, bachata, Reggaeton, vallenato, hip hop, and Latin pop all
Who were your heroes, mentors and influences when you were mixed with cumbia which in the end, is the K1 sound. Our latest singrowing up as a Latino and what artists did you admire in the gle, “Dame” with DJ Kane is a perfect example of this and is the closTejano genre to shape your musical career?
est you will come to the original “Kumbia King sound”.
Alex: Aside from my family, I would have to say Selena. We both
Slim: It’s been amazing! Our fans absolutely love this album. They
grew up in this business and even though I was younger, I could appresay things like “Super Cool”, “Really Good”, “Different from everyciate her harmonies, strong voice, charisma and just her personality and
thing else”, “a truly original mix of musical styles” and more.
presence, in general. Once she stepped on the stage, it was all about
her. I remember the last show we did with her in Ohio. After watching What would you like to share with your fans?
her and thinking, man we need to practice (laughs); She was an amazAlex and Slim: Our love of music, life, our families, and of course the
ing vocalist, dancer and overall just a great person. May she Rest-Infans. Keep requesting our music and check out our website
Peace. We love and miss her.
www.k1musik.com. There you can find updates, tour dates, pictures,
Slim: My cousin Cruz Martinez, of course for teaching me about pro- links to purchase our music on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon and basicalducing and how to play keyboards, and my brother Alex was a great ly everything on K1. Thank you to our fans for supporting us during
mentor. I was a roadie for La Sombra for a while, and then started per- our hiatus and for the great reaction to Resurrecciòn. Special thanks
forming with them, little by little. After that it came my time with the from all the K1 band members, including Alfonso “Nox” Hererra, MarKumbia Kings with Cruz and Alex. As a rapper, I would have to say ko MC, Sergio “Cheko” Lozano, Eduardo Salinas, Matt Lopez, Jose
Tupac, Busta Rhymes, Vico C, El General and Big Boi. They inspired “Voodoo” Valentin, Mikey Gonzalez, Frank Lozano, and Cesar
“Mana” Sanchez to the K1 girls Blanca and Steph, fans Joann and Theme to mix Spanish rap with Tejano music; I was probably the first.
resa, and of course our promoter, Selina Natera, who has been a great
What other projects are you working on?
help to us. Birdcall to all the fans! See you soon West Texas...”Amor,
Alex: We are currently promoting our latest album, Resurrecciòn. It Familia and Respect”!
took us awhile to finally put this album out because I am a perfectionist
For bookings, promotion or further information contact:
and I didn’t want to go forward with this project until we found the
Selina Natera (432) 202-7071; www.k1musik.com
perfect lead vocalist. That ended up being Marko MC. He was already
a K1 fan to begin with and understood our style, direction and vision Valentina Estrada, Contributing Writer – Tejano Magazine
Page 2
just created his own band after leaving El Conjunto Bernal. Cha Cha
was impressed with the boy from Corpus Christi; needless to say, Ernie
was on his way to make a name for himself and give Tejano a different
taste. ¡Ahora si, agárrate papá! So off he went playing with Los
Chachos. He traveled all over Texas and the USA. “I met interesting
and great people,” he said. The beauty of Los Chachos was the chemistry among them, the lyrics, arrangements, the vocals (Cha Cha and
Joe Solis) with a trio style as well as a flavor of rock, and Latino (salsa)
like in the songs of Coco de Maria, Remolon, and Askarakatiski. With
Los Chachos he recorded 14 albums (Los Chachos, 1976, Los Chachos
Traicionera, 1979, Los Chachos Nuestro Aniversario, 1980…). “I
cherished those wonderful moments playing and recording around Cha
Cha, we had great times,” stated Ernie.
Ernest said, “One of the best memories was when the shows would
sell out and the fans from all the surrounding towns would come check
out the show and have a great time. I am grateful to all of them because they were touched by our music and it was because of them that
we made it to the top.” As the writer, I have experience first hand
when fans go up to Ernie expressing how much they enjoyed his drumming style and have stated that he is their idol … they just love him!
What has been your biggest challenge in the business? “I would have
to say not being able to spend time with my family and join them for
birthdays, holidays and ups and downs,” stated Ernie Ruiz.
Ernest’s biggest accomplishment in the music industry has
been when inducted to the Tejano
Some of his closest colleagues in the music industry call him the
Hall of Fame in 2003 and in 2007
"Big Cat". He earned this nickname because of his great talent and
received the Legacy Award of
musical ability in drums and percussion. A si es, the legendary Ernest
Tejano Music and Culture. In his
Ruiz! Ernie is considered one of the finest, most dynamic, and innocareer he has played with likes of
vative drummers in the world of Tejano music and Latino sounds. He
Little Joe y La Familia, Black Jack
became an icon while playing with Los Chachos of Cha Cha Jimenez.
(formerly Los Fabulosos), Pura
One of the best times of his life was when he visited his grandmothVida, Project 6 and recorded for
er. He loved it because he had the opportunity to borrow her radio and
some of the best bands in la Onda
listen to his favorite music. While lying down on the bed, he’d be
like: Ruben and Alfonso Ramos,
playing air drums to the tunes of James Brown and other Motown mu- Elida Reyna, Gary Hobbs, Freddie Fender, Jesse and Rene Serrata,
sic and visualized himself playing before a crowd of people. And as
Beto Ramon and the list goes on. Ernie has also played on the Texas
his love for music grew he decided to play the drums in the middle
Casino Ship for 5 years and for the Texas Jazz Festival for the past 20
school and joined the beginner's bands. During his freshmen year he
years. ¡Que barbaro! What do you think people do not know about
asked his father, the late Ernest Ruiz Sr, to buy him a drum set. His
you? He stated, “Perhaps that between 1986 and 1991, I taught drumfather's response was yes but with the condition that he worked for it.
line at both middle and high school level in Corpus Christi, Texas.” I
Therefore, Mr. Ruiz asked him to help him in the construction business had the opportunity to impact students’ lives and prepare them for
with odd jobs to pay for the drum set. Ernie promptly jumped at the
marching band, competition and the world of music.
idea and off he went to work with his dad. Soon after, he formed a
Presently, he is playing with the Hilda Lamas Band. His priority
garage rock band and joined jazz band in high school. While in high
today is his involvement in the healing ministry but continues polishing
school, Ernie learned rock and jazz fills and rudimentals on
his skills as a musician (drummer). “Everyday I learn something new,
drums. The song Haci Lo Quisiste is a perfect example of the drum
I never stop learning,” says Ernie. If anyone wants to follow up on
style he incorporated into many of Los Chachos "rolas."
Ernest Ruiz, you can email him or request him on Facebook.
Contact: Ernest Ruiz
Email: [email protected]
Written by: Rosie Almazán “Ultra Tejana”
Contributing Writer-Tejano Magazine
Co-host-Caranaradio.com (RGV)
Email: [email protected]
After graduation in 1975, a DJ named Gabe Cervantes told Cha Cha
about Ernie and asked him to go audition. At that time, Cha Cha had
Page 3
ABC's KSAT 12 allows us to air. We'll continue to interview artists
and showcase their music as long as possible.”
I can see your passion
for the music and it
stands out on your performances. Out of your
memories that you have
playing or being involved with music, who
did you have an honor
sharing the stage with?
“That's a great question.
There are many great
artists I've shared the
stage with like Chris Perez, Stefani Montiel, Flaco Jimenez, Los
Texmaniacs, Gavino from La Sombra, Jay Perez, man, I've just been
so blessed.”
Henry - So many great names and so many good memories for you.
What is the name of your CD and your newest single?
Gabriel Zavala is one of the hottest new Tejano-Conjunto artists rising
to the top. Gabe is also a writer, producer and a great music engineer. “Algo Alternativo. I'm not really pushing a specific single, but the
He is also the host of hit TV show "Tejano Y Mas" which supports all track fans are really digging is Luces.”
Tejano and Conjunto music. Gabe is very talented and a great musician.
Henry -That’s the best cumbia I have heard, that is going to be the
next club beat that people scream for.
When we interviewed him, I asked him how did he get his start in
the Tejano-Conjunto style of music and what made him pick this What are some obstacles that you had to overcome to get where
type of music?
you are today?
“I got my start listening to my family JAM at the house. All my uncles
played musical instruments. They each wanted me to play their instruments, so they taught me. That's why I play a bunch of different instruments, cause I have a bunch of uncles!”
"I have to say that I was my own worst obstacle. In my younger years
I was so selfish and self-centered musically, it took me a while to learn
to listen and respect the ideas of others. But that is truly the key to becoming a great musicians.”
Was this something that you knew as a young boy, that this would So Gabe, who would you like to thank for supporting your music?
be your career?
"Wow, well to start off with thank you guys for including me in your
"Yes, I knew with all my heart. My neighbor/bestie and I used to day- wonderful magazine. I really appreciate the opportunity. And next,
dream about riding to gigs in buses and play air keyboards to La Som- thanks so much to Henry Zimmerle for taking the time to write this
bra and La Mafia songs.”
article on me, also the fans that read Tejano Magazine and continue to
support our music and culture. I will also always give thanks to God
That’s great Gabe you followed your childhood dream. So tell me for gracing me with the talent to do what I do. I never take a single day
what you have planned for your music and also with Tejano Y for granted". There are a lot of obstacles that get in your way. Keep
Mas?
following your dream and your faith and anything is possible.”
“Well, I intend to keep creating the best music I possibly can, for myWritten by Henry Zimmerle
self as well as for other artists. Tejano Y Más will continue as long as
Page 4
“Emilio Navaira hired me as his body guard, after hearing me
perform. I put my Tejano Group together and found myself sharing a
stage with my mentor and my friend Emilio Navaira and being
managed by Raulito Navaira. Emilio and Raul Navaira taught me what
I needed to know about the Tejano music style and industry”.
So all these years you have played Artie, who was the artist that you
had an honor to play with side by side on stage?
“I remember the first time I shared the stage with Emilio Navaira
and Selena Quintanilla. I went from playing for 20 people to 70,000
people. It was an honor to be on the same bill as Emilio Navaira and
Selena Quintanilla amongst others as well”.
Man what an honor Art, being with that talent on stage, you and
them must have felt great. So Artie, tell me the name of your latest CD
and what do you have going on for upcoming projects?
“The last CD that I released is the “IRON HORSE” in 2009. I have
recently released my newest single “YA NO TE QUIERO” on Nov. 1st
of this year, this single is part my newest musical project “LIFE GOES
ON” which should release within the next few months.”
That’s great Art sounds exciting and I can’t wait to hear it. So Art,
how has the industry treated you and what kind of information can you
give our new artists about obstacles that may get in the way and how to
overcome those?
H
is full name is Artie Villarreal, he has been entertaining since he
was a young boy. As we interviewed him and talked about the passion
he has and personal questions that many fans would like to know. I
asked him what started him in the Tejano Music Business and what
gave him the passion for the music?
“When I was seven years old, I went to see my uncle Nick “Nicky
Snic” Villarreal III at Randy’s Ballroom and it was packed. There
were people everywhere enjoying themselves without a problem in the
world while listening and dancing to the music. I asked my uncle after
the show, “How much did you have to pay them to let you sing?” My
uncle laughed and said, “No mijo, they pay me”. That was when I
knew what I wanted to do. My family roots are in the music industry
from my Uncle Nick to my cousin Luis Martinez from Stockton, California who is also a singer/musician. Therefore, I have been around
music all my life, I was born into this passion.”
“This industry is very competitive but the love for the music
and this industry is what drives
me and gives me the will to keep
going. The music and the amazing support I have in my fans
makes all the obstacles worth it.
This industry can be rough because of the competitiveness but
the one thing that I will share is
never give up. Keep going and
push for you passion and want
the love you had for this industry
when you started”.
Well Art we had a pleasure
talking to you and spending the
time getting to know more about
So as our interview continues I ask, how does it feel to hear your
Artie V y Grupo Suave. Get
music and see all the fans enjoying it? “How lucky can a person be? ready to see more of Artie around the United States, and hear more of
People listen to my creation and from the minute I see that they can the great sound from Grupo Suave.
relate to words that I turned into music is a very rewarding experience.
When I am approached by fans, I thank them every time I have a “My first special thanks is to GOD, without his blessings, none of this
chance, for they took the time to listen and learned to love my music. I would be possible. I would also like to give special thanks to my staff,
am not only proud and overjoyed but rewarded with the overwhelming my road crew, my manager and my band for sticking by me and not
giving up on me through all the years. I also would like to thank my
experience. I feel blessed.”
friends, my family and my fans for continuing to believe in me and
Artie is a great entertainer from his voice to his stage performance. supporting me. Also a special thanks to Henry Zimmerle y Tejano
He has played with some of the best. So tell me Art, who was your Magazine for showing support and love to the Tejano Music Industry.”
mentor when you first started off, who taught you about the Tejano
Written by: Henry Zimmerle
Music style and the industry?
Page 5
www.tejano-magazine.net
We had no television. We had no central heating or air conditioning. We didn’t even have a fan and I think that window units
weren’t invented yet because I don’t remember ever seeing one. Our
two room shack had no insulation and no sheet rock. Small rays of
sunlight would find their way inside through the cracks of the old, gray
wood that our home was made of. The memories are so vivid in my
mind. I distinctly remember the unfiltered sounds. Everything
seemed so close. It was like all the neighborhood’s combined sounds
connected us and formed our community.
Back then our lives revolved around the radio. Most of the
songs that were played were in Spanish, but I do remember a particular
song that I replay in my mind. It was an English song that was sung
by a Chicano with a very heavy Mexican accent. Do you remember
the chorus, “Please call me baby?”
In my teenage years, my friends and I listened to the American Top Forty almost exclusively. Mexican music and Norteño music
became secondary. They were the sounds that belonged to the house
or to the kitchen or to our parents’ radio. But then, I discovered la
onda Chicana, the wave. That’s what Chicano music was called back
then. When I turned fifteen, the most popular form of entertainment
was Quinceañera dances. There were no activities outside of family
celebrations and school activities. My friends and I flocked to the only
dance hall in Crystal City – El Campestre. We learned to dance cumbias, polkas and rancheras. We listened to Mazz, Little Joe, Laura
Canales, Magic, and Gary Hobbs. The Chicano bands sang songs of
love in Spanish. We listened to the lyrics and learned the words. We
sang the songs we thought were new and written just for us.
By Sylvana Avila-Alonzo
Contributing Writer
Music was a big part of my upbringing. My mother turned on
the radio before starting her morning routine of making tortillas, brewing coffee, and cooking traditional Tejano meals like chorizo y papas
con huevo y frijoles refritos. I would wake up to the sounds of KHER
AM radio station that mostly played regional norteño music.
It was the late 1960s in the barrio known as Mexico Grande
in Crystal City, Texas. As I close my eyes, I can still hear the sounds
of the vehicles passing, the dogs barking and the distant twelve
o’clock siren. I can smell the wet dirt after my mother watered the
barren earth. I remember thinking, “Mami keeps watering the yard
and nothing ever grows.” I later found out that she would water the
dirt to keep the dust from flying up. I close my eyes and I can see our
home, the neighborhood and the people. I can taste the flavors of
ama’s cooking and the goma from the mesquite tree. I can feel the hot
dirt under my bare feet as I run across the barren yard and the dusty
linoleum on our house floor.
It wasn’t until many years later that I realized that many of
the songs were in fact remakes. The Chicano bands were interpreting
classic songs by famous Mexican singers like Jose Alfredo Jimenez
and Javier Solis. And, I also realized that if it wasn’t for Chicano music, I would not know Mexican music. Chicano musicians were my
link to the past. The songs they sang had also been my parents’ and
grandparents’ songs. The background music that I and my friends
thought belonged to the house, or to the kitchen, or to our parents’
radios had become our songs. As we asserted our own identity, unknowingly, we were also reaffirming our cultural heritage that had
been passed down to us from generation to generation through music.
Today, Chicano music is called Tejano Music. The labels
change but the musical roots remain the same. Tejano artists are still
remaking the classics and integrating new sounds. You might say that
they keep up with the new waves – las nuevas ondas.
We need to keep our traditions and culture alive. Let out a
Tejano shout! Que se oiga el grito! Ayyy, Ayyy, Ayyy!
Sylvana Avila-Alonzo may be reached through Facebook or
by email [email protected].
Page 6
alleged victim was not eighteen.
“They stopped my life,” the now 62-year-old inmate said. His birthday was on August 28.
“I have forgiven those who prosecuted me (and he goes on to list
them),” was one of the first things the Latin music megastar said.
As anyone who ministers at jails and prisons can tell you, most everyone starts to read the Bible and gives themselves to the Lord; and
López is no different. The second thing most wardens, jail keepers and
guards will tell you is that everyone professes to be innocent, but what
separates López from all others is that the singer-songwriter’s attorneys, his family and Christina Hernández’s Justice for Joe López organization are in the possession of all the inadmissible evidence in the
form of medical records, a rape kit and numerous other documents.
“However, to disclose any of this information could jeopardy the
legal battle to set López free, but the bottom line is that all evidence
will prove his innocence,” Hernández said.
What can be disclosed is that López did not have to go to prison
because he was initially offered four months in jail followed by probation. The result is that he fired his lawyer for even fathoming the
After almost three years of being prohibited to speak to any form of thought of such a deal.
media by numerous lawyers, in 2009 Joe López was finally allowed to
Getting to the meat of the subject, the bottom line is that this exclubreak his silence and grant his first and only interview in this exclusive
sive
interview with the Grammy Award winning vocalist was to bring
story since being incarcerated.
his fans up to date on his state of health and how he is handling being
The Grammy Award winning former lead singer for Mazz whose locked up for a crime he did not commit.
hits include “Amor Con Amor,” “No Te Olvidare,” “Lo Hare Por Ti,”
“Imagine that. If I had indeed done that, I would have kissed his
“¿Qué Esperabas?” and “A Las Encondidas,” who was sentenced to 32
feet
and hugged the judge, but I didn’t do anything. So why should I
½ years on October 31, 2006 for the alleged rape of his 13-year-old
admit
to a crime I did not commit in exchange for a light sentence? Ni
niece, was now able to talk.
lo mande Dios,” López said as he shook his head in disbelief.”
“I have always wanted everyone to hear my side of the story,”
Instead, López is behind bars with now twenty-six more years left
López disclosed.
to do, but as he firmly stated, “I have faith and as they say, the truth
The no-contact visit took place with the Tejano megastar locked shall set you free.”
within the confines of a three by four foot holding cell at a facility
So what keeps the 1980s and ‘90s Tejano Music Awards “Male
south of Rosharon, Texas.
Vocalist and Male Entertainer of the Year” from going crazy from all
López seemed to be in fine spirits as his face lit up and he flashed his emotional torment?
that famous killer smile that once melted the hearts of many women,
“My friends, my fans and God,” he answered. “Little Joe just sent
but gone was his mustache, beard, his long golden locks of Greek God
hair and he was no longer bejeweled.
me $100 and has written a few letters. Marco Antonio Solís also wrote
However, his now smooth pale face had nay a wrinkle and the baby telling me that if this had happened in Mexico, he would have done
blue eyes that send women swooning and falling at his feet still had a something on my behalf and Luis Sílva, que en paz descanze y Dios lo
twinkle and sparkled as though spotlights were hitting his face; and it tenga en sus brazos, he was helping me in looking for due royalties. But
was all, as he said, because he had found the peace of the Lord.
it saddens me that Jimmy (González) has not even sent me one card or
“Yo andaba mal y Diosito me dijo ‘you’re going too fast,’ ” López letter.”
said without hesitating one second to launch into our conversation as
Then there’s the moral support of his children: Joey and Jenny, his
though he did not want to waste one minute of precious interview
mother Benita, his sister Alma and brothers Raúl, Lorenzo, Saúl and
time.”
Ernie to keep him going plus Judy López, who is most vocal as the
“God said, ‘stop it,’ but never in my dreams, did I expect to be in
family’s voice. In addition, he receives a sack full of fan mail per week.
here,” he added. Simply put, it was a wake-up call.
“On the average, I receive twenty letters a day and I answer each
López then started to recount much information that cannot be
shared with the public since it is for inclusion in a book that Christina is and every one of them. Check out my hand!” As he put his arm up to
the window, one could not help but notice calluses and blisters from so
publishing.
much writing had replaced the rings he once wore. His wrists were also
The book, which has a working title of “Justice for Joe” will exon- bare of a watch and bracelets, but he was wearing a necklace.
erate López and detail all the facts that will prove his innocence with
never-before seen documents. It will also expose why López was set
If he flashed a big smile in the pictures taken, it was because he
up, wrongfully charged and convicted. The book will expose important was elated to be visited by someone outside his immediate family. He
behind the scenes shocking facts. Another reason for losing the case is was so happy that he even started hamming it up for us. He also found
there was much evidence that was inadmissible in court because the
Page 7
“See this crucifix? When I got to Huntsville, some of the Chicano
prisoners asked me if I needed anything, I said, ‘yes, I would like a
crucifix’ and they made this for me. If you notice the chain the crucifix
is on, it used to hold the rubber plug from a kitchen sink.
In return López delights inmates within ear reach with their three most
requested songs. “And those are ‘La Diferencia,’ ‘Porque Eres Mia’
and ‘Estúpido Romántico,’ he said. “They are very respectfully with me
and even ask me to sign autographs for their parents, their kids and
their friends.
If he flashed a big
smile in the pictures
taken, it was because
he was elated to be
visited by someone
outside his immediate family. He was so
happy that he even
started hamming it
up for us. He also
found joy in little
things. Such as a
crucifix his fellow
inmates had crafted
for him in metal shop and placed on a necklace made from the chainlink off a kitchen sink. Those photographs were taken at the onset of
our interview and before he got serious as he spoke about his case and
before he got teary-eyed about missing his mother and the rest of his
family.
Physically, the Grammy Award winning vocalist looked healthy.
He is also in protective custody and not in the general population. He
also does not have to share a cell and he is allowed to have a crock pot
and buy groceries at the facilities commissary. This means he is able to
make tacos and cook other favorite meals. He is also now working out.
In addition, he is especially grateful to many of the Ramsey Unit’s
staff.
Next he started to rattle off a list of names that included Paulino
Bernal, plus others too numerous to mention. In addition, he even wrote
down a list of newspapers, churches, congregations and ministries that
are praying for his freedom; plus justice organizations, such as the Innocence Project in New York.
When the discussion shifted to what it’s like being incarcerated,
López said, “You know, if you put a human being into any form of isolation, they will hallucinate; and even celebrity is a form of isolation
because you are cut off … people react and respond to you in an altered
fashion. They indulge you, than they resent you for it. They blame and
accuse you and use you for being nice. Then there is the jealousy …
and the point when evil people want to break you.
“You live behind a glass wall. The more people stare, the more
alone you feel. The more fame, the more poison you swallow. Yet I
never felt success had made me worse.” It is obvious that the many
hours, days, months and now years in solitude have given López a good
look at himself. It has elevated his level of intelligence for he is now
pouring over law books and other reference material. This was a new
López now speaking in eloquent terms.
things don’t matter at all because once you accept it, it doesn’t matter at
all. I was lucky. I got everything I wanted. Now I’d be crazy to wonder
if it was worth it. I’ve since learned that the road of excess leads to the
palace of wisdom. Now what really matters is the truth. And with me,
the truth has always meant everything.”
In reflecting of his fame and the glory days, López said, “I’m not a
super great singer like people who I admire, Elvis, Michael Jackson and
Frank Sinatra. And I’m sure as hell no Ricky Martín, but my voice
works and I feel blessed that it does. However, it works just when I’m
being as honest as I can be with whatever I’m singing about.” In other
words, his performance is heartfelt and that is why he filled concert
halls and his recording outsold most everyone else.
López also feels a special kinship with the soldiers fighting for our
country in Iraq because he too served in the United States Army Infantry, Division 141 to be specific from 1969 to the early ‘70s. Then,
changing mood, his face turned solemn as he calculated his next few
words. “You know? I used to be a lost sheep. I remember one night
when I was at Freddie Recording Studios when Freddie Martínez asked
me if I would record a Christian song and I said, ‘no’ because I had no
interest in doing so.”
Once behind bars, the music icon started asking God, “¿Por Qué
Dios Mio, Por Qué?” Then he made a 180 degree turn. Proudly holding
up a stack of hand-written song lyrics, he said, “Would you believe I
have now written over 100 gospel songs, of Christian tunes that mention or praise God? And the first thing I do when I wake up each morning is to get on my knees and pray 25 minutes. I read the Bible two
hours each afternoon and again, before going to sleep.”
The result is that López is now able to quote Scripture and sees
some parallels to his life. “I can relate to Job and what happened to
him,” the living legend said. “And I can also relate to some parts of
Joseph and King David’s lives.”
As he mentioned King David, one could remember when López
was regally attired in purple velvet outfits plus shiny and glittery costumes as he seemed to hold court onstage before his legion of adoring
fans. The fact he has been humbled by God was evident when he
proudly tugged on his white shirt and said, “When the inmates that
work in the laundry found out you were coming to interview me, they
wanted me to look my best. So they bleached, starched and ironed my
uniform real good.”
And sure enough, his uniform on down to his white sneakers
looked sparkling white, as though radiating a new pureness in his spirit
in what was a contrasting image of his heyday.
In closing the 1980s and ‘90s Tejano Music Awards “Male Vocalist and Male Entertainer of the Year” said, “I worked hard to make a
name for myself … why would anyone want to give all this up. I will
prove my innocence soon because God will give me my day in court.”
The latest on the legal proceeding is that the six appeals that went
before the Justices at the Thirteenth Court of Appeals in Edinburg, Texas were all denied. “There’s still hope and for now, all anyone can do
is pray that a Writ of Habeas Corpus will result in a re-trail,” his younger brother, Lorenzo, said. “Especially if his attorney of record will let
Albert Ramón take over the case.”
“Love is the reason we happen at all (meaning we are all the prodLópez also repeated that what keeps him going is an average of
uct of the love between two people).” Then he dives into true love in 200 letters he receives each week; and which he personally answers. So
which one understands that beauty is not skin deep and how exterior anyone wishing to write him can address their correspondence to José
beauty too will fade, but not that beauty within you.
Manuel López 1399866, Ramsey Unit1, 1100 FM 655, Rosharon,
Texas 77583, E-2-5. (More on Joe Lopez on page 10)
“Your eyes will puff out. You will get loose in the joints, but those
Page 8
Joe Lara of Grupo Xprezzion grew up idolizing his brothers at an
early age. The music his brothers band played was music from Conjunto Bernal, Los Chachos and other bands from the early 60’s and 70’s.
At age 15, Joe picked up the accordion and the passion to be a musician took off.
He first played with a Conjunto band called Sueno Loco with Roberto Mata in the valley. Later he moved to Corpus Christi where he
played with Tonka y Grupo Libre. Then he moved over to play with
Rene Serrata y Los Buenos in 1991. Later he moved on to play with
Cha-Cha Jimenez y Los Chachos. Joe comments “I picked up a lot
learning from Rene and Cha-Cha. It was more of an experience with
trio’s and more chromatic accordion.” Joe's accordion performances
can be heard on such classics as Tu Vestido Blanco by Rene Serrata,
and other great recordings by artists like Los Chachos, Jesse Serrata,
and Tonka y Libre.
Joe comments “That was the start for Grupo Xprezzion on that first
recording.” The CD has some great stuff (music), songs like Chaparrita
written by Joe, Otra Ocupa Tu Lugar written by Beto Ramon, & Tendras Que Pagar written by Joe Lara.
Joe Lara y Grupo Xprezzion later went on to record with Hacienda
Records in 2008. That CD still had the progressive Conjunto/Tejano
sound. The CD was entitled “Llevame” it featured songs like Hay Momentos, Que La Quiero and Regalame Esta Noche.
Joe comments “We then recorded a third CD, that third CD we recorded with Latin World Records with Tino Saenz who is considered
one the best music engineers in Tejano music.” The CD was entitled
“Un Vagabundo”. Un Vagabundo is sure to be a collector before Joe
Lara y Grupo Xprezzion finish their run of recording and performing.
That CD has some great songs on it like La Sigo O La Dejo,
Sentimento De Dolor and Quiero Concerte just to name a few.
Joe comments on playing with Cha-Cha Jimenez “I played with Cha
The fourth recording was with Latin World Records which is the
-Cha for 7 years . We were doing real well. We would travel to Houbands current CD entitled “2012”. The CD is packed with amazing
ston, Dallas and back to the valley. We would tour and perform all
recordings: Me Gusta, No Cambiaria Nada De Ti, Rosa Valencia, No
over. Later on, Cha-Cha’s health required him to slow down and he
Me Quieres Baby, Yo Te Mentia, and Cuida Ese Amor.
couldn’t tour as much.”
Joe admits some changes to the band have taken place in the past
In 2005, Joe started forming Grupo Xprezzion and searched for
few years. The group was a progressive Conjunto/Tejano band but Joe
members that fit the Joe’s style. In February of 2006, Joe and Grupo
comments “we progressed with more Tejano in our recording by bringXprezzion went into the studio to record with Jorge Flores GSM Recing in a guitar player and keyboard player and percussion.
ords in San Antonio, TX. The CD was entitled “Cuando Te Vayas”,
Page 9
www.tejano-magazine.net
Joe comments on working with Latin World Records “We have a
great working relationship with Latin World Records. Tino Saenz is a
hell of a sound man one of the best in the area. Tino’s experience as a
sound engineer is masterful, he was with Hacienda and has great experience working with Tejano bands. Tino really helped us with our
chances in the band when we added the keyboards and guitar. The past
two CD’s were recorded with Latin World Records.”
Lara is also an accomplished song writer, Joe comments “We have
original songs on several of our CD’s along with some songs written
by Beto Ramon.” Joe comments on recent accolades “I was inducted
into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame and museum January 2012 and that
same night I received the Accordion Player Award and was part of the
Million Dollar Band that night. I would like to thank Ruben Lopez
President & Noe Lerma and committee of The Tejano Roots Hall of
Fame.”
“We have been getting a lot of requests from Florida, Kansas City
and all over Texas. Our sales of the CD have picked up. I think this one
of best CD we’ve put out. We have been around with different bands
but working with my brothers and the guys in the band (Xprezzion) has
been good.”
I asked Joe about the changes in the band from a progressive Conjunto to Tejano. Joe comments “We have always been a Tejano band;
we had a bajo sexto in the band in the beginning and had a real progressive Conjunto/Tejano sound. We played a lot of Cha-Cha Jimenez
y Chachos and Rene Serrata y Los Buenos music but with a progressive sound with a Tejano style.
Joe Lara y Xprezzion have many years of experience recording and
performing. The band has been around for a while. Joe comments “I
would like to send saludos to all the readers of Tejano Magazine and
staff, thank you for all your support. Be sure to come out to our performances. Thank you Joe for the interview, we really appreciate Tejano
Magazine for putting us in the magazine.”
Joe’s current band members are backup vocalist Jessie Lara, on
drums is Jerry Lara, on Bass is Alex Trevino from Mathis TX, on Guitar is Ramiro Hernandez from Robstown TX, Johnny Rock is on keyboards from Corpus Christi TX, on Congo’s is Juan “Bronco” Esparza
and our Sound Engineer is Juan Lara. My brother Jerry also played
with Rene Serrata for about 4 years with me as well.
For additional information or events regarding Grupo Xprezzion a
Latin World Records group you may contact Juan Esparza at (361)9441346 or Email: [email protected] or Victoria Gonzalez at
Victoria Turn Key Productions at (512)731-6092 or email: [email protected]
Written by Joe Alfaro
JOE LOPEZ CONTINUE: When program directors around Texas and
the rest of the United States were asked for their verdict on playing, or not playing Joe’s tunes, this was their reaction and their opinions.
Dave “Biondi” Pierce, owner of www.bnetradio.com said, “He’s a great
Tejano talent. Whatever good or bad he’s done doesn’t take away from that.
There’re artists in all genres that’s had worse problems than his, that are still
around and still respected; and my theory is that people will always respect Joe
for his music.”
“I play music. I don’t play politics,” Alfredo “Gordy/Boogieman” Rodriguez of www.amigosradio.com said. “I’ve been subpoenaed for trial. I’ve been
a juror and I’ve learned the court systems are not straight. I found out that the
system’s crooked. Just because the jury finds you guilty does not mean you’re
guilty and vice versa. I honestly don’t feel Joe’s guilty and I will continue to
program his music.”
Incidentally Boogieman recently relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada where
Amigos Radio may soon resurface as Z106.com.
Tejano Roots Hall of Fame inductee and www.chicanoexpress.com founder Jesús “Crazy Chuy” Hernández said, “Are you kidding me? Do you want me
to lose my audience? Of course I’m playing Joe López and Mazz.”
Andy “Jalapeño” Olvera Jr. at KJTZ, Tejano 106.9, at Abilene said,
“When it was Jimmy and Joe, Mazz had all the hype and each release was a
monster album. That’s why, when one thinks of Tejano music, they think of
Mazz. There was not a band that could touch them from through 1980’s and
‘90s. Today people love the music more than the individual and we have to give
our listeners más Mazz.”
Ben González at KKHR, Star 106.3, in Abilene said, “Even if he were to
be guilty, I’m not about that. I’m going to let the people decide. In his case, the
people keep asking us to play his music y la gente manda (and the people
rule).”
Bobby Peña at KOPY/KUKA La Tejana in Alice, Texas said, “People
look beyond what happened to him because their music and their history is that
good. As Joe and Jimmy, they were unstoppable and there’s not ever going to
be another band like that.”
Bert Zuniga at KZIP, Amarillo’s Tejano 1310 said, “That was a lot of
music they did together. I don’t have any problems and the people don’t have
any complaints. So we play a lot of Mazz.”
Isidoro López at KOOP in Austin, Texas said, “Professionally, he’s a top
notch singer. As for his guilt, I’m going to leave it to a higher authority because
who am I to be judgmental. If he didn’t do it, I’m sure it will come eventually
come out.”
Raúl Márquez at KBYG, La Favorita in Big Spring, Texas said, “I don’t
judge people for what happens in their personal life. I judge a person by their
merits and his musical history stands by itself. As a chicano romantic music
songwriter, only Gary Hobbs comes close to rivaling him. In regard to the other, nobody is a saint. So if you’re squeaky clean, go ahead and cast the first
stone.”
“Dulce” Caroline Benavides at KTAM in Bryan said, “We’re not
all perfect, but our radio strictly format is strictly música ranchera y
norteña. However, we occasionally sneak in an old Joe López tune because he has a good voice and loads of talents.”
John Martínez at KVMC in Colorado City, Texas said, “Joe López
is like what Little Joe is to la onda chicana. He, Jimmy and Mazz pioneered the keyboard sound so you can’t leave him out. What he did was
wrong, but he helped create a new genre and made the industry s lot
more popular and stronger. Therefore Joe will always be a part of our
music culture.”
KCCT GM Roy Dávila in Corpus Christi, Texas was short and to
the point when he said, “his music is not guilty.”
Bob Peña at KROB in Corpus Christi, Texas said, “Mazz is relevant when it comes to the hit makers and they were at the top of game
as the best Tejano band ever. If Joe was guilty or not, why are you going to punish the rest of the band when they left us with a wonderful
catalog of tunes?” (continue on page 13)
Page 10
had no choice but to learn on his own.
“I was eight when I started teaching myself. I would wait until 3 or
4 a.m. for my dad to back up his Croft trailer to the house and unload.
The accordion and the bajo sexto seemed too difficult. So after he went
to sleep, I started practicing how to play drums as I put on the headphones and listened to my dad’s cassette tapes. Later, I also taught David how to play drums.”
As a student at Stafford and Gardendale elementary schools, he
sang at festivals with El Mariachi Infantil de Rick and Mario Mejia
plus using music soundtracks to belt out songs such as John Cougar
Mellencamp’s “Hurt So Good.”
The most memorable experience he recalls is when his mother,
Adela, attended one of those elementary school functions and as he
says, “She never wanted me to be in the same boat as my dad, but on
seeing me perform, she got teary-eyed because people were enjoying
my performance.”
Gill continued entering talent contests and doing assemblies
through Eleuterio Escobar Junior High School. He also said that after
he learned some of his father’s pasaditas, he would crawl out his bedroom window to sneak out and jam with many of numerous local conjuntos.
“I didn’t make it to high school because I got married at 15 and I
now had to work full-time in a nine-to-five job as a construction worker,” the 46-year-old singer-songwriter said with a hint of regret.
Still, his love for music never faded and he freelanced as a drummer with Leo Garza, Sandy Sánchez, Rubén Naranjo, Crosswind Band
and other groups.
Whenever he and David would sit in with their father, Flaco would
always say, “Aqui traigo mis pollitos” (“Here’s my little roosters.”)
Then came a long rocky period in his life during which he rode an
emotional roller coaster that seemed to have no end.
By Ramón Hernández
“I went through a period dealing with issues from heading the
wrong way, making wrong decisions, walking on the wild side, living
an undesirably lifestyle and not focusing on what I could have done
with my music,” Gill admitted.
However, he later learned that if a person is headed in the wrong
It has been a long and winding road, but Gill Jiménez has just direction, God does allow U turns. Although Gill says he wasted five
recorded his second compact disc.
years of his life, it was during that period that he achieved sobriety and
Gilbert Jaimé “Jay” Jiménez, that’s his real name, heard his first cleaned up his act.
music notes coming out of his grandfather’s accordion and his father’s
I had so much time on my hands that I started reflecting on life, on
bajo sexto.
my past experiences and I would jot down my thoughts in verse. The
“As kids, my brother David and I would sit there and watch them name for my group came to me when my room-mate would see me
playing on the porch,” Jiménez said during an interview at the Hispanic sitting there writing songs; and for some unknown reason, he said, ‘Go
Entertainment Archives. “I knew then that I wanted to be as they to that mirror, look at your face and tell me who you see.’ I did as he
suggested and the new reflection was a new person, a new image,
were.”
hence the name Nuevo Reflejo. “This is when the Powerhouse recordHowever, his grandfather, Santiago Jiménez Sr. and his father, ing artist turned this period into a liberating experience.
Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez spent so much time performing, that Gill
Page 11
www.tejano-magazine.net
“That’s when I
realized what I
really could do. I
didn’t want to
waste my time in
negativity
anymore. I wanted to
be different. So
when I came back
home, I recruited
musicians
that
could adapt to the
style that I wanted.
I didn’t want to go
conjunto, Tejano or
international.
I
wanted all three
genres in one.”
‘Recuerdando’ who I put myself in the place of someone who lost their
wife and I image the feeling they must be going through.”
The lyrics read in part, “When I pass the places where we lived, crying I fondly remember those times. All my life I will remember you
and I ask God to give me the strength to endure the pain that I feel,
may God rest your soul in peace.”
One of this writer’s favorite set of lyrics by Gill are those of
“Totalmente Enamorado” because they perfectly describe the love of
long-term happily married couple who after a lifetime together can still
say, “You taught me how to love, I’m crazy for you and I’m totally in
love with you.”
Then there’s the much anticipated “Nada,” which Gill co-wrote with
Joe López of Mazz. “It all started after I wrote him that perhaps one
day we could work together. Shortly thereafter he sent me the lyrics he
wrote for ‘Nada’ and I remolded the song by changing and adding a
few words so that it would flow. We collaborated through two weeks
of correspondence and by his second letter I had already recorded it in
my style because I’m an arranger as well.”
In April 2010, Gill formed Nuevo Reflejo with Andy Cubarrubias,
“When I got into the Tejano industry, he was one of the first bands
accordion; Larry Gutiérrez, bajo sexto; JoJo Marez, keyboards; René whose style I liked. And he was the main one that got me in the Tejano
García, bass; Phillip “Big Flea” Ramírez, percussion; and Javier Portil- style of music. Note that my style is similar, yet different. Joe also has
lo on drums. Less than two months later, they recorded nine tunes that a lot of respect for my dad and for me, it was an honor.”
Gill wrote during his five-year inspirational period.
Other tunes on this CD are “Sólo Contigo” and “Cambiaste Mi
The result is “Amor y Dolor” in which he wrote all but one song -- Vida,” which as he says, “I met when I was in a low point in my life
“Rosa Tan Hermosa,” “Eres Tu,” “Equivocado Estaba,” “Amor En and she lifted up my spirits.”
Papel,” “Tus Mentiras,” “Amor Inolvidable,” “El Retrato,” “Mi AlThen there’s Gill’s autobiographical “Palabras de Amor” in which
muada” and “Cicatrizes Inolvidades” (“Unforgettable Scars”) which he
he sings, “I wish the entire world could hear my beautiful words so
says is based on his life.
they would know what I feel,”
“Dios Te Puso En Mi Camino” (“God Put You in My Path”), by
“The words I write are born in my heart from so much love and pasDavid Escalante, is the only tune on this CD that Gill did not write.
sion they come to me in the middle of the night and I get up to write
“I work in a business where I deal with a lot of customers and I hear them down, or when I wake up each morning. In summary, my songs
so many stories that I feel for them and I put myself in their place, my are a reflection of my real-life experiences,” he concluded.
heart in their heart. Most of the situations are very common so most
Today, Nuevo Reflejo consists of Willie “Dedos de Oro” Garza,
listeners will be able to relate to different songs.”
keyboards; Bobby García, accordion; Louie Ortíz, bajo sexto; Steve De
Gill’s sophomore effort is “No Boundaries” and he wrote all twelve Luna, bass; and Joe Martínez, drums.
tunes in this production that features Martín García, keyboards; Louie
“As for our live performances, I tell my musicians to put their heart
Ortíz, second voice and bajo sexto; David Escalante, bass; and Juanito
to the music to spice it up as you spice up menudo until it’s hot. Oh,
Castillo on accordion and drums.
and by the way, the CD will be out in mid-January and we’re planning
The Powerhouse CD kicks off with “Lagrimas Falsas” followed by a CD Release Party tour as an international production. We’ll also be
“Al Mirarte A Ti,” which he based on a friends sister in whom he saw doing some promotions with actor Pepe Serna and on Saturday, Janua sadness in her eyes for many years. “She’s a wonderful person that ary 12, we’ll be performing at The Davenport on East Houston Street.”
deserves a man that loves her the way she is,” The –feet-10-inch tall
For bookings, the singer-songwriter-arranger can be reached at (210)
vocalist said.
400-3665. One may check him out and listen to his music at
“My idea in ‘Empezar de Nuevo’ is that my ex-girlfriend is going to www.myspace.com/gilljimenezynuevoreflejo and www.facebook.com/
regret leaving me, but the only way she’s going to resolve it is to come home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100001419722406&ref=ts
back to me. On the other hand, in ‘Un Secreto,’ I’m telling my woman
that I’ve decided to leave her forever, but we had many good times so I
thank her for the memories. Then there’s ‘Sólo Contigo’ and
Page 12
Becky Reyes at KHER, Club 42, in Crystal City said, “It was sad, and it’s
so sad, to see where he wound up. However, people who grew up with his music continue to want it no matter what. And if I wasn’t in radio, I personally
wouldn’t stop buying his music.”
Jay González at KTJK, Pure Tejano, in Del Rio, Texas said, “We could
not stop playing his (Joe’s) music because it’s a part of our culture, it part of
our history and its damn good music.
Melissa Vital at KFST in Fort Stockton, Texas said, “Joe and Jimmy, as
Mazz, had recorded a solid body of work that is already part of Tejano music
history. So it is our duty to keep Tejano music history alive for future generations to enjoy.”
Sam Almanza, PD at KJBZ Z93, in Laredo, Texas said, “As an entertainer, Joe was always a great entertainer. He will continue to be regardless; and as
a program director, my primary concern is playing the best music for our listeners.”
Eddie “The Dog” Moreno, PD at KXTQ in Lubbock said, “Joe’s talents
are not at fault. The innocent one is the music and if we pulled his music, the
listeners would be the victims. In spite of the verdict, he’s still a very talented
man and its unfortunate there’s no way for him to record from where he’s at
because I’m sure he’s written new material.”
Joe Morales, general manager at KGBT in McAllen, Texas and who once
toured with Sunny Ozuna, Carlos Guzmán, Joe Bravo and Roy Montelongo
summed up why he continues to play Mazz’s music on Univision Radio (soon
to be purchased by Border Media Partners).
“Anque fueron muy traviesos de jovenes (Even though they were very
mischievous in their youth), Mazz is the most loved group in the Rio Grande
Valley where they are held in a high pedestal. Joe probably the premiere voice,
not only in Tejano or Chicano, because he’s more universal. In fact he’s got
this broad appeal with foreign nationals and other ethnic groups.”
“He’s the epitome of our cultura because people can relate to his songs on
drunkenness, love, cheating and courage,” Brenda Lee Huerta, community
relations director, added.
Miguel Ángel Almazan at KQBO in McAllen, Texas said, “Su música es
bonita. Joe may have fallen from grace, but his music is never going to fall,
fade or die. It’s the roots of South Texas Tejano. We’re all human and we commit errors, Joe has such a tremendous voice that he merits a second opportunity
because there’re so few good groups left.”
Martha Alvarado at KMUL in Muleshoe, said, “What happened to him
happens to a lot of people. He just happened to be in the public eye. There’s
nothing wrong with his music. People like to relive the good times when they
saw him perform, met their girlfriend, or wife; and with that nostalgia in mind,
we will continue to play all his hits.”
Benjamin Velásquez, GM/PD at KQLM in Odessa, Texas said, “His music is classic music many grew up with and enjoy. I won’t say enjoyed because
that’s past tense and it continues to be enjoyed because we never stopped playing Joe López and Mazz.”
Armando González Martinez, owner of KSJT in San Angelo, Texas said,
“My position has always been, whether he did the crime or not, that their sound
was completely different. Era el grupo más complete, más fin y en fin, lo maximo (They were the most complete group, the most versatile, the classiest and in
summary, the max). Our radio station has their entire collection because they
are the best talent Tejano music ever had and nobody is going to change my
mind on that. That’s why KSJT will always play them regard of their personal
problems.”
Robin Flores, OM at Border Media Partners radio in San Antonio, Texas
said, “I thought he was guilty by reputation; and by that I mean that someone is
going to drag you down due to your fame. I mean the ‘blue-eyed devil” (Robin’s nickname for Joe) walked into a room and immediately drew attention to him. We went through the same thing with Michael Jackson and we all
felt that the music is not the crime. We had to separate the art from the artist.
His music was a gift and we would be wrong to deny our listeners the gift of
his music.”
Rick “Güero” Davila, PD at KEDA, Radio Jalapeño in San Antonio, Texas said, “Mazz was the first to turn around and synthesize the orchestra’s brass
sections and the first to head in a different direction. Mazz is important mainly
because of their influence in the music itself. That is why, no matter what, that
we will continue to play their music.”
Lillie Gutiérrez at KXOX in Sweetwater, Texas said, “Mazz’s music is
not to blame for what they say happened. His music is awesome. I can’t wait
until the truth comes out and he can once more record and fill our airwaves
with more of his great music.”
Mario Rángel, at KUVA Tejano y Más, in Uvalde, Texas said, “Just be-
Page 13 www.tejano-magazine.com
cause Joe López allegedly committed a crime does not mean you have to punish Jimmy González as well because together, as a duo, they made up Mazz.
What was ironic is that it is “Todo Vas Aprender,” that receives the most requests.”
Lilo Arguellez, PD at KHMC, Majic Tejano 95.9, in Víctoria said, “Why
blame the wonderful music made up of lyrics with such deep meaning. Everyone knows there isn’t a Mazz song that doesn’t hit the corazón with sorrow or
love when they hear Joe and Jimmy. As far as I’m concerned, let’s not dwell on
the bad because we’re not all angels; and the music is not to blame for what
did, or did not happen.”
Rockin’ Rupert at KXEW, Tejano 1600, in Tucson said, “I always focus
on the positive and not the negative. I continue to play him (Joe) because everybody loves his work and I would be punishing my listening audience by
denying them his music.”
Dannette S. Jacquez-Avila at KRZA in Alamosa, Colorado said, “I don’t
care what happened to him. That’s gossip. What he has done as a recording
artist will stick, so I would never pull his music from this station.”
Ken Nuanez at KGRE in Greely, Colorado said, “Grupo Mazz has always
been labeled the Bad Boys of Tejano Music and I know Joe likes to party, but
tell me what musician doesn’t. I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt because
there’s so many people pronounced guilty and they are innocence. I’ve met him
and he’s all music. Most important Mazz built the foundation for most of the
80s bands and you can’t knock the impact his music continues to make.”
Francisco “Paco” San Gabriel at WAFC in Clewiston, Florida said, “Joe’s
music has nothing to do with what he did. We’re human beings and we all
make errors. For us, playing his music is one way of showing him our support
and we pray he gets a retrial.”
Ricardo Chairez at WAFZ in Immokalee, Florida said, “People have a
tendency to forget very quickly. Y qué culpa tiene la música. Además la gente
se molesta si no tocamos Mazz, soló que para nada voy a quitar su música.
(The music is not at fault. Beside, people started complaining if we don’t play
Mazz. So there’s no way I’m going to stop playing it.”
Beto Ayala, the 70-year-old owner and general manager of WAUC in
Wauchula, Florida said, “How many singers committed worse crimes and have
not been caught and locked up? And if we were to stop playing a band’s music
because one, or more musicians, was doing drugs, we wouldn’t have any music
left to play. Radio is a business and if a song is good, we play it; and we will
continue to play both Jimmy and Joe.”
Santos Gonzales at WKZZ in Fitzgerald, Georgia said, “What happened is
his problem and has nothing to do with the music. We all make errors. If he did
it, that’s the way it is and may God forgive him.”
Steve Ramírez, SM/OM at KWEI in Boise, Idaho said, “It’s not fair for
me to judge when I don’t have all the facts. The one thing I know for sure is
that Joe’s a part of Tejano music history and his songs are going to live forever.
Most of our listeners grew up with his music and we’re in business to deliver
what they want.”
Benjamin “El Chupacabras” Reed at KFTA in Rupert, Idaho said, “What
happened was an awful tragic situation. Our listeners were extremely sadden by
the outcome, but they took a ‘wait and see’ attitude. If anything, it may have
helped his airplay because faced with the thought that he may never record
again, people are now requesting his music more than ever to enjoy what he
has already recorded.”
Víctor Rodríguez at KVOE in Emporia, Kansas said, “Morally, if he did
do it. That’s between him and God. I didn’t pull his music because it was and
still is good music. I’m all about the music.”
Jimmy Bejarano at WLEN in Adrian, Michigan said, “I don’t think his
private life should carry over into his professional life. He’s a great singer and
we cannot deny his fans his music.”
Diane L” Lady Di” Aviña at WGTE in Adrian, Michigan said, “He was
such a good artist that everybody still requests his music and not one person
has called the station to protest.”
Tony “El Chayo” Cervantes at WKAR in East Lansing, Michigan said, “I
continue to play Joe López because talent is talent, his music is popular and
people still want to hear it.”
Liz Pérez at WYGR in Wyoming, Michigan said, “Nosotros siguemos
tocando a Joe López porqué nos dejo cantidad de éxitos (We continue to play
Joe López because he left us with countless hits); and one never forgets a hit.”
Antonio H. Daniel Jr. at KDNA in Granger, Washington said, “Music
wise, what happened doesn’t matter because of the impact he made as a performer and the bottom line is that he left behind a musical legacy.”
(Continue on page 19)
Born and raised in the central valley of California, Mike Torres III’s
musical background stems from his grandfather Mike Torres Sr. A
local celebrity, Mike Sr. is an almost sixty year veteran of the music
business. In 1970, Mike Sr. formed The Mike Torres Band with his
young son Mike Jr. His youngest son Martín and daughter Cristina
would soon follow along with many nephews and eventually the third
generation of the band, his grandchildren. Grandsons Mike Torres III,
Esteban, and Angelo joined and toured exclusively for six years with
the Coor’s Light® sponsored family orquesta. Like his father Mike Jr.,
Mike Torres III is well versed in many genres and skilled at many instruments, and performed on each, nightly. Rotating between guitar,
bass, trumpet, trombone, timbales, congas, keyboards, or vocals. Mike
Torres III learned his skills in showmanship, stage-presence, and the
art of interacting with a crowd in the weekend “school” of The Mike
Torres Band.
During his time in California, Mike also had the opportunity to
share the stage with many amazing musicians including Ron Moton of
Con Funk Shun, Victor Cisneros of TIERRA, Gabriel Manzo of MALO, Gibby Ross of MALO, Mike Klooster of Smash Mouth, Dan Zinn,
Todd Roper of CAKE, Mic Gillette of Tower of Power, and many talented California Central Valley and Bay Area musicians. Mike Torres
III has also had the privilege to play percussion with Smash Mouth and
Jorge Santana. With his family’s band, Mike III had the great opportunity to open for a wide variety of acts including Little Joe y La Familia, MALO, The Latin Breed, Tina Marie, The Gap Band, El DeBarge, Eddie Gonzalez, La Sonora Dinamita, Brenton Wood, Johnny
Bustamante, and TIERRA.
In October of 2004, at age 16, Mike III, Esteban, and Angelo
formed their own orquesta called Los Bandidos. The group toured
locally in California and had a successful tour in Colorado in the summer of 2007. The band released their first and only album in the summer of 2006. The self-titled project featured original arrangements of
classic songs as well as an original cumbia written by the groups lead
singer and co-founder, Esteban Torres-Esquer. Enjoying success with
his group Los Bandidos, and still touring with his Grandfather’s group
was a great experience for Mike Torres III, but he still had bigger
dreams to really break into the Tejano/Chicano market. In order to do
that, Mike knew he must do it whole-heartedly and make the move to
the great state of Texas!
A resident of San Antonio since June of 2008, Mike Torres III, now
24, has had the pleasure of meeting and jamming with many of his
musical idols such as Gibby Escovedo, Pete Garza, Richard Solis,
George Rivas, Ralph Seinz, Steve Roth, Steve Solis, Raulito Navaira,
and many others.
Now with The Grooveland Chicano Band, Mike Torres III starts a
new chapter in his life as well as his musical career. The Grooveland
Chicano Band was nominated for “BEST NEW GROUP” at the 2012
TEJANO MUSIC AWARDS, and has already had great success with
the debut, self-titled, album that was released in the spring of 2011.
With a sophomore album in the works, and an ever expanding resume
of performances with some of the top acts in Tejano music including
Los Banger Broz, Lobo IV, Jorge Alejandro, La Diferenzia, Eddie
Gonzalez, La Sonora Dinamita, Brenton Wood, Johnny Bustamante,
and TIERRA.
In October of 2004, at age 16, Mike III, Esteban, and Angelo formed
their own orquesta called Los Bandidos. The group toured locally in
California and had a successful tour in Colorado in the summer of
2007.
(Continue on next page)
Page 1414
The band released their first and only album in the summer of 2006.
The self-titled project featured original arrangements of classic songs
as well as an original cumbia written by the groups lead singer and cofounder, Esteban Torres-Esquer. Enjoying success with his group Los
Bandidos, and still touring with his Grandfather’s group was a great
experience for Mike Torres III, but he still had bigger dreams to really
break into the Tejano/Chicano market. In order to do that, Mike knew
he must do it whole-heartedly and make the move to the great state of
Texas!
With a sophomore album in the works, and an ever expanding resume of performances with some of the top acts in Tejano music including Los Banger Broz, Lobo IV, Jorge Alejandro, La Diferenzia,
Eddie Gonzalez, Los Tex Maniacs, Los AT Boyz, Grupo FAMA,
Grupo Maldad, Tortilla Factory, Raulito Navaira, Ruben Ramos, and
Little Joe y La Familia, Mike Torres III and The Grooveland Chicano
Band are showing no signs of slowing down as they fly, head on, into
2013!
A resident of San Antonio since June of 2008, Mike Torres III, now
24, has had the pleasure of meeting and jamming with many of his
musical idols such as Gibby Escovedo, Pete Garza, Richard Solis,
George Rivas, Ralph Seinz, Steve Roth, Steve Solis, Raulito Navaira,
and many others.
Now with The Grooveland Chicano Band, Mike Torres III starts a
new chapter in his life as well as his musical career. The Grooveland
Chicano Band was nominated for “BEST NEW GROUP” at the 2012
TEJANO MUSIC AWARDS, and has already had great success with
the debut, self-titled, album that was released in the spring of 2011.
With a sophomore album in the works, and an ever expanding resume
of performances with some of the top acts in Tejano music including
Los Banger Broz, Lobo IV, Jorge Alejandro, La Diferenzia, Eddie
Gonzalez, Los Tex Maniacs, Los AT Boyz, Grupo FAMA, Grupo
Several questions were asked of Mike and are as follows:
Maldad, Tortilla Factory, Raulito Navaira, Ruben Ramos, and Little
Joe y La Familia, Mike Torres III and The Grooveland Chicano Band What is your opinion on the future of Tejano music?
are showing no signs of slowing down as they fly, head on, into 2013!
“ I feel like we are in a very opportune place right now! I know that
may sound weird to some people or sound like I’m out of the loop, but
THE BAND:
I honestly feel like the Tejano Industry is in a great place to rebuild
itself and reinvent itself for this new generation. I personally am a
Mike Torres III & The Grooveland Chicano Band brings to the
little tired of all the doomy and gloomy talk I hear at a lot of the fostage a classic big brass sound with a fresh approach. With an enerrums about how much our industry is hurting and we have so many
getic lineup of some of the most talented, young musicians in LA ONproblems! I guess in comparison to the 90’s it might look worse but I
DA, these 2012 TEJANO MUSIC AWARDS “BEST NEW GROUP”
also feel like we can’t use what the industry looked like almost 30
nominees are beginning to take the Tejano market by storm!
years ago as a way to measure our success today. I feel like a lot of
Heavily influenced by the great horn bands of the golden age of the ones that keep talking about “the good old days” and how we need
Chicano music, namely The Latin Breed, Jimmy Edward, The Royal to get back there are holding on to a fantasy that a lot of us have
Jesters, David Marez and People, Ruben Ramos, & Little Joe and moved on from, and we are now trying to build and shape the new
Johnny Hernandez; as well as many mainstream English and Spanish- generation of Tejano music. There are SO many new artists out there,
language acts of today and yester year, Mike Torres III and The and so much new music coming out! It’s awesome! And a lot of
Grooveland Chicano Band brings a great variety of influences to the these new artists are taking their careers into there own hands and
table and cook up their own great sound and style. With the spring making a mark WITHOUT big record companies or any large finan2011 release of their debut, self-titled album, and their recent cial backing, and I think that’s a real testament to how resilient this
TEJANO MUSIC AWARDS nomination, Mike Torres III and The market and this music is. We are always going to find a way! I don’t
Grooveland Chicano Band are rapidly rising to the forefront of the see any signs of anything slowing down for Tejano music! We might
have lost some radio stations, and TV shows, and big record compathriving Tejano music scene!
nies, but we never lost the fans. So I see Tejano being around and
In the fall of 2011 brought many changes for Mike Torres III and
being a strong market for my grandchildren, one day!”
The Grooveland Chicano Band. John Ontiveros (leader of the West
Texas Chicano Orchestra, lead trumpet player for Little Joe Y La FaIf you were given the chance to speak with a group of young
milia, producer, engineer and co-owner of KTTK studios, promoter/ people interested in getting into the music business what advice
owner of Los Hot Horns Entertainment), along with Ms. Gracie would you give them?
Acosta (Trumpet player for Little Joe y La Familia, co-owner of
“Don’t let anyone scare you into giving up. Yes its hard, and a lot of
KTTK studios, marketing director for Los Hot Horns entertainment)
work, and takes a lot of time and money, but it’s all worth it if music
have signed on with the GCB as part of the management team!
is truly what you love and you passionately want to do it for the rest of
Changes in the band’s on-stage line-up occurred as well! “LA your life. It’s amazing to play for packed houses and hear crowds sing
FABULOSA”, Cristina Hinojosa, Drums; Anthony Revilla, Bass and along with your songs, but before that comes a lot of gigs for half
younger brother Adrian Revilla, Keyboards; Roger Salinas, Accordi- empty clubs or very little money or both until you build your fan base
on; Estevan Ramirez, Guitar and Kirsten Boynt, Second Trumpet and people know about you and your music. It doesn’t happen on its
joined original GCB members Mike Torres III, Amy Zuniga, Alto Sax own and it doesn’t happen overnight; but when it starts happening, it’s
and Vocals, and Omar Mojica, Tenor Saxophone, and together, they very rewarding. I think, if you are prepared for the long haul, and the
hard work, you will do fine! Just get out there and DO IT!” (Continue
are taking The Grooveland Chicano Band to new heights!
on next page).
Page 15
www.tejano-magazine.net
What radio stations have you visited or been interviewed at?
What is your experience or highlights with the Radio (DJ’s) Personalities? What radio stations have been supportive during your
musical career?
fornia to work on a few albums with my Dad, who produces and runs
our family’s recording studio. The Grooveland Chicano Band takes up
most of my time, but I love to collaborate on projects with other artists
whenever I have the opportunity!”
“The Grooveland Chicano Band has been very blessed to receive so
much support from DJ’s and radio all over the nation. We have done
quite a few interviews with so many great DJ’s I feel like it would be
unfair to name some and not all! However, I do have to give credit to
BNET Radio and Mr. Bob Olivo. Bob was the first to play our album
on his show and; BNET radio has been playing us and supporting us
since day one! There are so many great Internet stations out there that
have shown us a lot of support like Tejano Allstar Radio, Mexico;
Tejano FM out, Ohio; Hot Tejano, Austin; Picante Radio, Austin;
TejanosBest with DJ’s from all over, and the list goes on and on. Then,
of course all the AM and FM radio stations that are keeping Tejano
going on the airwaves have also been great to us!”
Do you have any bookings coming up in the future? Are you going
to perform at TTMA Fan Fair in March 2013?
Are you planning to work on any other projects?
Is there anything else you want to share with your fans or the
public?
“The Grooveland Chicano Band will be in Odessa, TX for New
Year’s Eve at a private dance for the Knights of Columbus organization, which is going to be a great party. The last I heard, they only had a
few tables left so we are excited for that show. Then we will spend the
first few weeks of the New Year in the studio, finishing the new album.
After that we will hit the ground running, promoting the new album!
And yes, we will be at Fan Fair. I’m still not sure what days or times
we will be performing, but everyone should add us on Facebook
(www.facebook.com/groovelandchicano) to keep up with all that’s
going on with the band, and find out when and where they can catch us
Who were your heroes, mentors and influences when you were at Fan Fair or when we will be performing close to their hometown!”
growing up as a Latino and what artists did you admire in the
What has been the response and feedback to your CD Projects?
Tejano genre that shaped your musical career?
“The response has been great! We are very happy with how the al“I would have to say my Grandfather, Mike Sr., and my Father, Mike
bum turned out. Sales have been good, which is good sign... We were
Jr. I come from a very musical family. My Grandfather founded the
also very honored to have been nominated for “BEST NEW GROUP”
family band that includes three generations of the Torres family over 40
at the 2012 Tejano Music Awards, which was a great experience. It’s
years ago. So growing up, I was exposed to so much and learned so
amazing to know you have fans that love your music enough to take
much about music, the music business, life on the road, and countless
time to vote for you and recognize you with a nomination. And we
other lessons that I have carried with me into my solo career. I spent
constantly get calls and texts from friends and family, letting us know
almost nine years on the road with The Mike Torres Band (look them
that they are hearing us on the radio. The fans are fantastic, the media
up if you get a chance!) and it was the best “schooling” I have ever
has been awesome to us, radio has been great…we can only hope that
received to prepare me for life as a musician.”
the next record does just as good and maybe better!”
“As far as Tejano music goes, I am a huge fan of 70’s era Chicano
What venues have you performed at, that was special in your
music. I’m sure that’s a big shock to people who know my music!
musical career?
Little Joe and Johnny Hernandez, The Latin Breed with Jimmy Edwards and Adalberto, David Marez, The Royal Jesters, Joe Jama, Tor“On two occasions we opened the show for Little Joe y La Familia.
tilla Factory were some of the ones I tried to emulate with The Groove- Little Joe was gracious to invite me and some of the band members of
land Chicano Band. Growing up, I also loved hearing bands like The Grooveland Chicano Band to join him on stage and we performed
MAZZ, Emilio, Ram, David Lee, Jay Perez, Shelly Lares, La Sombra, Las Nubes with his band! Those were the two great shows that we will
etc. and I LOVE their music too; but Old school Chicano is what start- remember forever! Not everyone gets the opportunity to share the
ed it all and that’s where my heart is.”
stage with The King of The Brown Sound! Great memories!”
“We are working on our second album right now. We are shooting
for it to be out for Fan Fair 2013. All the band members have other
projects on the side that we love doing when we aren’t busy with The
Grooveland Chicano Band. I finished a record back in May for a New
Mexico recording artist, playing bass, guitar and drums, and am starting
his second album this January as well as another New Mexico based
project thanks to my friend Mike Martinez who is doing a lot of producing with artists out there. I am also going to be flying home to Cali
“Well, we have a lot of great, exciting things in motion for the New
Year including the new album, so I would like everyone to please add
us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groovelandchicano; subscribe to
our You Tube channel: www.youtube.com/groovelandchicano, check
out our ReverbNation profile: www.reverbnation.com/
groovelandchicano and visit our website: ww.groovelandchicano.com.”
Valentina Estrada, Contributing Writer – Tejano Magazine
Page 16
decided to come back we wanted to be in agreement that the quality
would be as good or better.”
Lupe comments “Now is the time to do our Legacy Tour because it
was tough when we were touring with our kids growing up but our kids
are all grown up and we have time.”
In 1991 it got hard for the band, their hit song “Las hijas de Don Simon” had just released and they had twenty years on the road when it
shot up and the band was constantly touring. They would be on the tour
on the West Coast then in the middle of their tour fly to Florida to do a
TV interview then back to their tour schedule. Then get back home to
Tejas then off to Chicago, Illinois. It was a lot of flights, tours and
cities and by 1995 Tierra Tejana got burned out. (The guys laugh about
having their batteries changed up and ready to do the Legacy Tour)
Lupe comments “It also got tougher when our dad passed away
because my mom and dad were the ones that showed us how to sing
harmony. My dad showed me how to play the guitar when I was five
years old. They taught us a lot of old songs that we had a chance to
record.”
One of the most influential Tejano bands returns to the music scene
in 2013. Labeled as the Tierra Tejana Legacy Tour, the Gonzales
brothers Lupe, Pete, Jesse and Mike are set to start off 2013 on fire.
The group last performed in 1995 which at that time ended their run in
Tejano music, the band originally first started in 1964.
When breaking news of a legendary band like Tierra Tejana doing a
reunion tour breaks, social media and radio stations quickly capture
the moment. This news breaking event is wonderful news for Tejano
music fans that have long waited for the Gonzales brothers to return.
Lupe Gonzales had been thinking about doing the tour for a while.
Lupe comments “I felt the fans were ready for us to do a tour in 2013. I
called my brothers and we held meetings to discuss the tour, marketing
and promotion, sound and video production and especially to make
sure the musicians were all in agreement. One of the reasons for several meetings was if we were going to put something together it had to be
the best the Gonzales brothers could offer. We also called in Louie
Salinas and Randy Lalanne the original trumpet players. Also, the bass
player who played with us a long time, well he passed away in 2001.
We recently audited for a bass player and sax player. We want to make
sure we can give the fans what they have been craving for. We want to
leave a legacy of Tierra Tejana and do it the right way.”
Pete comments “In 2010, our mom passed away and come this
February it will be three years that she passed away. We miss her a lot,
when she was still alive we would all get together during her birthday,
Christmas and holidays. We would gather as a family eat, party and
sing. She would make fun of us for forgetting words to certain songs
when we would all get together and she would start singing the songs.
Our brother Joe would come over from Hawaii, he was the one who
wrote “Celebrate”, “Prende El Radio” and others songs. He would
come to visit also we would all sing.” Lupe comments “I miss those
Pete comments when Lupe asked him about doing the Legacy Tour
days.”
“I was perfectly happy here at home, personally Lupe with his band the
Jesse comments “Our parents were musicos back in the days but in
Soul Brothers is playing, my other brother Mike also plays with other
the
ranchos. My dad would play guitar and my mom would sing and
groups, Jessie also plays with other bands off and on. Yo, I haven’t
our
Tios also played instruments. They didn’t have a grupo but they
done much since Tierra Tejana stopped performing; I pretty much hung
up the gloves. But once Lupe told me what he wanted to do, I said let’s would all sit around and sing.”
give it a try. It’s going to be a one year tour focusing on large venues.
Lupe comments “Our band formed out of necessity, our dad got sick
We want to play in those large venues because we want fans young and and couldn’t work anymore. We started playing at weddings and
old to come see us perform.”
quinceañeras and we were still in elementary school. Our parents got
Lupe comments “The reason for us doing the tour and doing large ven- us some used instruments. Then we got our first song recorded in 1964
ues only, we want everybody to come hear us. We have been talking to and then we kept going and going. Then we got out of High School and
our fans that follow Tierra Tejana and those fans now have children. we hit it hard. Then in 1977 we became Tierra Tejana.
Those children are now young adults and they want to see us perform
Tierra Tejana’s Legacy Tour is sure one event you will want to
live. We want everybody to be there with us when we do our Legacy circle on your calendar when they come to an area near you. Be sure to
Tour.”
keep up with Tierra Tejana in the coming months. News on tour dates
Pete comments “We want to thank all the fans that still follow us will be released sometime early in 2013. The band would like everyone
and never forgot us. It’s been 18 years since we last performed. Every to like them on facebook and log onto their website at www.tierraonce and a while people would ask about our come back or reunion tejana.com
tour, the time came and we all thought it’s time so we are going to go
Written by Joe Alfaro
at it. When we left the music scene in 1995 we left a void and when we
Page 17
www.tejano-magazine.net
Of My Mind, Nadie Como Tu, No Volveras, Una Noche Mas, 12oz
Curls, Quiero Ser Como Tu, Dejame Quererte, The Sky Was So Blue,
Tu Amor Es Para Mi.
Tejano Cavalry is from Pleasanton Texas. They are a Tejano band
that includes: Bassist and country singer- Bruce Hudson, on bajo sexto
Sam Sustaita, Drummer-Fabian Valdez, Accordionist- Angel Valdez,
Sax Player/keyboardist-Javier Villareal, Congas Player- Cornelio
"Pato" Valdez and lead vocals Rick Ortiz.
Currently the band is in the studio working on their follow up CD.
They have released the first single of the upcoming CD which is entitled "Sin Ti", it has hit on several charts and radio stations in Texas.
The band is set to release a second single entitled "Sabes Que Te
Quiero" which is more of a Cumbia style.. The band plans to release
the entire CD in the spring of 2013.
Angel comments "My brothers and I get our musical genes from our
father. Our father use to be a musician. But he got married and took a
career as a carpenter. We followed in our fathers' footsteps and took up
carpentry as careers. But when we were kids we would imagine we
were guitarists playing on stage. We would pick up pieces of lumber
and pretend to be on stage performing. My dad would laugh at us and
say maybe one day, maybe one day. The carpentry trade slowed down
and one day we picked up instruments... it was in our blood... it came
natural to us." We got out of carpentry when we graduated from High
School. After School I went on the road as a truck driver and landed in
the Oilfield Industry, where I presently am, Fabian went to college to
be a Pharmacy Tech, which he works in a hospital.
Fabian comments "I've been playing drums for about 3 years. I started off playing at home and invited my brother to practice with me...
that's how we started. After that, we picked up a Bass player and the
Tejano Cavalry has been together for about three years. Since the band grew from there. My brother Angel is also a talented song writer.
band has been together they have released one CD. The title of their He writes all our music." Fabian comments "Music is in my blood. I
debut CD is "Nada Es Impozible". At the time, the group was called just want to share the music my brother and I have."
Impozible. Angel and the band decided there were several bands with
Although the band has changed their name from impozible to
similar names. They decided to change the name of the band to
Tejano
Cavalry, Angel and Fabian still march forward. Fabian com"Tejano Cavalry".
ments "There are a lot of headliner bands that get the recognition but a
lot of new bands are coming up and getting recognized. It's good to
see that happening."
The group recently opened up for Siggno. Siggno is touring promoting their new CD. "That's great to be up there with Siggno." says
Fabian.
Tejano Cavalry reached two nominations at the 2012 Tejano Globe
Awards. The first was for Best Online Popularity and the second was
for Best New Artist/Band. Receiving nominations and awards is what
all band strive for but for Angel and the band airing their music and
having fans attend their performances is reward enough.
Off their “Nada Es Impozible” CD, Nadien Como Tu reached #1 for
seven weeks and Una Noche Mas spent five weeks on the top ten.
That’s a great accomplishment for a debut CD.
As Tejano Cavalry gets set to release their second CD in early
spring of 2013, one thing is for sure the boys of Tejano Cavalry are
mounting up for a great ride in the Tejano Music Industry.
Angel comments “Our goal for 2013 is to have our CD done in the
Spring, Tour all Texas and have all our songs hit the Charts! @ the
ending of the year we will try for a Christmas CD as well as our 3rd
CD. We plan on attending multi Tejano Award Shows, performing or
not.”
The "Nada Es Impozible" CD was released on May 21, 2011 and is
available to purchase on iTunes and features the following songs;
Acercate a Mi, Cariñito Amado, Vete Con El, Yo Me Enamore , Out
Writ en by Joe Alfaro
Page 18
Alberto M.
Ramón Asked to
Help Joe López
by Ramon Hernandez
Alberto Manuel Ramón was asked
to write the Writ of Habeas Corpus that
would set free the former lead singer
for Mazz free.
A few months ago, Lorenzo
López asked the prominent Eagle Pass,
Texas-based attorney for his help, he
immediately replied, “Me cambio el
nombre si no soy capaz de hacerlo (I
will change my name if I don’t succeed).” However, he was unaware that
Joe had an attorney of record.
Next Gilbert Rodríguez, the famed
legendary lead singer of the Blue
Notes, who has dedicated himself to
helping Joe asked if he could meet with
the lawyer, author, songwriter, composer, political leader, community
organization social worker and advocate for justice regarding the release
from confinement of a Tejano legend.
“Of course many fans and, most
importantly his family would like to
see him released and perhaps have the
benefit of a new trial,” Ramón said
during an interview that began at Gilbert’s Restaurant and continued at the
Hispanic Entertainment Archives.
“The release of Mr. López is a
goal that was first mentioned to me by
Brandon Mireles, who you and many
other know was a key ‘compadre’ of
Joe López and his music.
“Joe López wrote me but, an attorney-client relationship has not and
cannot be established because he is
represented by counsel of his choice
and that must be respected ethically
and professionally. Hence I cannot
undertake any work on behalf of Joe
López or anyone else for that matter
while that person is represented by
other defense and/or appellate counsel.
Until that is clarified all I can do is read
what Gilbert (Rodríguez) has agreed to
provide me.”
Then Ramón once underscored
the sanctity of the attorney-client relationship and that Joe had a prominent
and very competent lawyer who practices appellate law in Houston.
Gilbert Rodríguez, although somewhat
disappointed at first, accepted Ramón’s
explanation notwithstanding that he
believes some lawyers have not served
Joe well in the past and that he and
other friends of Joe are willing to invest their time and resources to see that
Joe, who has already served six years
in prison, gets proper representation.
Everyone was hoping that the
former Eagle Pass Assistant District
Page 19
Attorney and Maverick County Attorney could put an end to this endless
loop of injustice., but Ramón’s explanations were serious and professional
throughout the course of our meeting
as he further explained the legalities of
what it would take to free Joe.
“Writs of Habeas Corpus can be
filed in state as well as in federal matters, but the procedures while very
different in scope do have one thing in
common: they seek to address errors of
constitutional magnitude which purportedly occurred during trial on the
merits or in some other part of the proceedings. A common ground, but not a
highly successful one, is to pursue a
theory in which defense counsel was
ineffective. Most matters brought forth
are based on violations of the Fourth,
Fifth, Sixth and/or Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution
or similar provisions of the Texas Constitution.
“If you can get the appellate
courts to allow you to develop favorable evidence outside of the record, you
may have a reasonable chance of helping your client, but most cases just do
not lend themselves to being reversed
because of the many protections which
the accused enjoy during trial or when
they plead ‘Guilty‘. But, every case is
unique and must be evaluated on its
own merits.”
Asked for some insight on why he
became a criminal defense lawyer,
Ramón took a deep breath before a
slight smile broke across his face, “My
father, Napoleón Ramón-González,
was very conservative and chided my
fifth-grade teacher and the Principal of
Stephen F. Austin Elementary School
for taking my brother Napo and I to
visit our local jail to pass out gum,
candy and soft-drinks to the inmates.
Then he turned to us and said, ‘No
Ramón is ever going to break the law
and set foot in jail unless they want to
be hung on the limb of a mesquite
tree.’
“One has to understand that my
father grew up in Mexico when justice
was swift and without due process and
you were either hung or shot by a firing
squad near the spot of the offense purportedly committed. Needless to say,
he made his point and we have never
gotten into any serious problem.”
As for Joe, Ramón said, “I can
only ask your readers to please pray for
Joe López and his family. Meanwhile
my offer to help stands if and when the
circumstances permit it.”
For now, just pray that Joe’s
present attorney steps aside so
Ramón can do his Writ of Habeas
Corpus and all his fans will once
more enjoy seeing him back on
stage with the spotlight shining on
his once-again smiling happy face.
www.tejano-magazine.net
We have all read about
what happened down in the Rio
Grande Valley and how questions have been raised about the
integrity of the courts and the
lawyers who were involved under a canopy of corruption, one
of them being the D.A. who
prosecuted Joe. However, that
has no bearing on Joe’s freedom. So don’t believe any of the
many rumors about any forthcoming release.
several charted songs, but we knew that there was unfinished business
with Grupo Daño. So last year Grupo Daño was reborn.
Well I can tell you that Grupo Daño is quickly rising to the top
and is going to make an impact in the Tejano Music Industry.
Throughout your start in music what type of obstacles did you
have to overcome and how did you get past them?
Rene - My biggest obstacles were range, pitch, stage nervousness, and
when my wife became ill. For range I just kept practicing arpeggios
and diaphragm working, singing through my nose and upper chamber
and for pitch, just practicing with guitar and piano note by note. Nervousness all I did was get lost in the song. Feel the song and close my
eyes and live the song. And my wife’s illness, all we did was believe
in god, have faith in God, and ask God for his help.
Well that is great to know I am glad to hear your wife is doing
good now. Thank you for letting us know about some of the obstacles that new artists may have to confront when starting, it’s always good to get advice from great talent. You as a singer and musician, what is the most memorable moment you may have had as
far as working with Icons in the music Industry. Who and where
did it take place?
Rene - Of course everyone always has a story of an icon telling you,
you have a great voice and to keep it up, but some of us also have the
story of certain ones telling us to give it up, lol. But we try to avoid
telling it. I had several people and an artist telling me to give it up. I
would always take it in as positive criticism though. It made me work
harder to do what I love to do the most. Recording myself sing was the
Tell me how you got started playing TEJANO music.
best thing I ever did. I won’t give you the name out of respect, but it
Rene -I started playing Tejano music in 1992. Friends of mine of SW was several times and places..lol
High School (here in San Antonio) had started a jazz band and had
auditioned to be one of the acts at Fiesta Texas. They were turned Understandable Rene Its good to use that as constructive criticism
down. One of the bands that did make it was a Tejano band and it kind instead of giving up because you take it in the wrong way. Critiof turned on a light bulb. Not that much later we went to a show, I cism is a good thing when it comes from legends and people that
can’t recall where, but we saw several Tejano groups and we were have been involved so long. What type of music did you listen to as
hooked. People dancing, screaming, singing the lyrics, and fighting to a kid and who was the artist that inspired you to follow your
get to the front. We wanted to form a group to do the same. We want- dream?
ed to make people dance and we wanted to put on a great show. We Rene - I listened to all types of music growing up from Rock, Norteño,
formed a group called Grupo Traicion. We used to put on a show, we Conjunto, Tejano, Mariachi, Country, Pop, Oldies, Jazz and classical.
used to dance on stage, get people involved, give out stuff, have grito Pedro Infante, Javier Solis, Marco Antonio Solis, Juan Gabriel, Rocio
contest. We developed a big following really quick. Those were some Durcal and Vicente Fernández have made me love to sing. Because of
good times.
them I joined church choir, school choir, college choir and practiced
Grupo Daño is a great Tejano band that is amazing audiences where
ever they play. The great look of the band brings the fans in to enjoy
their great sound. I talked to Rene, lead singer for Daño and had a
great interview.
It’s amazing some of the stories we hear how the greatest singers countless hours.
get started. How did Grupo Daño come about?
Tell me about Grupo Daño's newest CD and any projects you have
Rene - Grupo Daño started a couple years back by Javier Villareal and coming up.
me. Javier and I have worked together in different bands on and off for
Rene - En El Nombre Del
about 18 years. We became friends when we both played for Grupo
Amor. It’s a cd from beginTraicion in 1995. We both had the same idea of creating our own muning to end done by Javier
sic. In 2009, we got reacquainted after I took a long break for school
Villareal and myself. We
and work. We started getting some material together and were schedcomposed, arranged, recorduled to have our first performance at Mission County Park two months
ed, and produced. It’s us. Not
later. Then a week before the event my mother passed. A week later
us imitating someone else.
my wife became very ill and needed a kidney to survive. So I stopped
Our hearts and soul went in to
again to be by her side. She spent several months on home dialysis. In
it. We have already had severMarch of the following year she received a kidney from her dad, my
al charted songs. We were
hero. Because of him she is still by my side. She said after what she
nominated for Best group,
went through and me being by her side that she wanted me to start
song, and album with this cd
singing again. She said that she saw how much I missed it and loved it.
for the TGA's. Our next cd
So I auditioned for a group called Tejano Cavalry. I got in and got
which is already in process,
Javier (my friend and partner) in. We helped them record. First single we want to do the same, so we have our work cut out. Lol We have a
released was recorded at little e studios. Then the rest was done at couple of ideas as far as songs, but most or all will be our own. We are
Javis studio. Javier helped by doing most of the arrangements and I by also recording and producing for other groups.
co-writing and writing a lot of the cd. I did the vocals, my own harmonies, and some of the mixing. We performed with them for a year, had (Continue on next page)
Page 20
I think my favorite songs is "Vuelve Palomita" that is a very
touching song and quickly gaining popularity. Tell me Rene who
would you like to thank for helping you, and supporting you
through your journey and obstacles in getting where you are
today?
family) thank you so much for your faith and belief in us, for your
support, your openness, your opinions, your comments, and your
blessings. Thank so much for making our dreams come true. You all
are the best fans that anyone could ask for. A special thanks to Henry
Zimmerle and Tejano Magazine for your time and support. May god
always bless you fill your days with happiness
Rene - First, I’d like to thank God. Thank you for everything, for my
family, friends, fans, interest in music, my faith, my heart, and my de- Rene - P.S. If I’m dreaming please don’t wake me up.
sire. Next my mom, thank you for molding me into the man I am. I
Written by Henry Zimmerle
love you, miss you, and will never forget you. My beautiful wife, thank
you for all the support you have given me. You have been a great wife,
friend, and mother. You and the kids are my strength and willingness
to do great things. I love you all so much. My sisters (my greatest
fans) Eva, Christina, and Amanda thank you so much for all your
support and belief in me. To the DJs, fans and friends (our extended
Page 21
“Subele” by Hugo Guerrero reaches
the 1# spot. Hugo Guerrero returns
to the Tejano Charts with this soulful
jazzy cumbia. Assisted by Ruben
Ramos on vocals, Subele brings the
flavor and sound of current barrio
Tejano Music, what insiders call “La
Onda”
This
Last
Week
Week
TITLE/ARTIST
1
1
Subele/Hugo Guerrero Ft. Ruben Ramos
2
2
Con Amor/Rey Reyna
3
4
Solo/A.B. Quintanilla y Los Kumbia Allstarz
4
6
Te Mueres Por Volver/Jessica Sanchez
5
12
Luces/Gabriel Zavala
6
3
Como Le Hago /Braulio y Fuzzion
7
7
Una Lockura/Jesse Camacho
8
11
Si Vivi Contigo/Grupo Bezzo
conjunto from the valley that
plays cantina music, they are
a traditional band with a
modern flavor. Blues and
rock have been the Boyz latest influences, and you will
surely agree once you have
seen a live performance. Los
Badd Boyz intend to keep
making new music, and always stick to the roots of
“Sonar” by Los Badd Boyz Tejano and Conjunto music.
Del Valle is the latest single
released by this dynamic
Conjunto band. Being a
Gabriel Zavala finds himself
at # 5 with his hit single
“Luces”. The track is off the
debut CD entitled “Algo Alternativo”.
“Luces” by Gabriel Zavala
9
5
Mueve La Colita/Calle Seis
10
8
TE A-M-O/Grupo Aldaco
11
16
Dame/K1
12
17
Sin Ti/Tejano Calvary
13
9
El Hombre Que Yo Amo/ Natajja
14
14
Yo Te Mentia/Grupo Xprezzion
15
10
Te Quiero Amar/A.J. Castillo
16
13
Long Tall Chuco/Mike G y Los 4 Realz
17
18
Llorar y Padecer/Monico Cortez
18
15
Es Una Freakytona/Tony Guerrero y La Sombra
19
20
Dime Que Me Quieres/Gary Hobbs
20
New
Sonar/Los Badd Boyz Del Valle
is the fastest climber of the
week. Last week “Luces”
was at #12 and this week
Look for this single to make
some noise before it’s all
said and done. This crisp
clean cumbia is what today’s
Tejano youth are craving and
Zavala delivers. Look for
this CD at your local record
store that sells only the best
in Tejano Music.
chart. The single was off to a
slow but has captured fire
with more airplay by internet
radio stations. Angel Valdez
and the rest of the cavalry
have mounted up and are
ready to release the entire
CD in 2013.
Be on the look out for this
CD and band in 2013. Tour
dates and event schedule will
“Sin Ti” the first single off be posted on the bands facethe upcoming CD by Tejano book page. Search Tejano
Cavalry is rising again on the Cavalry on facebook and you
are sure to find them.
www.tejano-magazine.net
Page 22