Genaro Aguilar | Courtesy photo
The Tejano and Conjunto music community is mourning the loss of one of its legends, Genaro Aguilar of Los Aguilares, who passed away at the age of 80, his family announced on August 20, 2023.
He was part of the iconic duo with his brother Emilio Aguilar, who died in 2009. Together, they formed Los Aguilares in 1960 and became one of the most influential and successful groups in the genre, with hits like “Flor Del Rio”, “El Parrandero” and “La Mula Bronca”. They were inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame in 1997 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tejano Music Awards in 2009.
Genaro & Emilio Aguilar | Courtesy photo
Genaro Aguilar’s death comes just months after the release of the final album from Los Aguilares, titled “El Gran Final”. The album, which was released in January 2023, features new recordings of some of their classic songs from their six-decade career. The album was produced by Miguel Aguilar Jr, grandson of Emilio Aguilar, and recorded at 830 Studios with engineer Mario Ortiz Jr. The album also features Genaro’s brother Luis Aguilar, who joined the group as a drummer in the 1970s, and bassist Charles Howton.
When asked earlier this year about recording the final album, it brought back a lot of memories for Genaro. “To get back in the studio after so many years, it took me back to those times with me and my brother Emilio. Back then, we produced the majority of the songs, so it was special to have a new generation of sound engineers and producers recreating our sound, pa que se oiga mas bonito,” he said. “To all the friends and fans that have followed us, I want to give thanks and share how wonderful they have been to Los Aguilares”.
The family of Genaro Aguilar issued a statement to announce his passing and to thank his fans for their support. The statement reads:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Genaro Aguilar. He was a legend on and off stage and leaves behind a beautiful legacy through his family and music. He will be missed forever but never forgotten. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
Fans and fellow artists have expressed their condolences and tributes on social media, remembering Genaro Aguilar as a pioneer, a gentleman, and a master of Tejano and Conjunto music. His music will live on in the hearts of many generations to come.
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