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The unique voice of Art Tigerina is well known in the Tejano industry. With a career spanning over 35 years, Tigerina has been a significant figure in both Tejano and Country music. This year, he earned a nomination in the inaugural Tejano Category at the upcoming Texas Country Music Awards in November, a testament to his enduring influence and talent.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Art Tigerina’s musical journey began in his childhood, shaped by the late-night country songs he heard on the jukebox while accompanying his mother to her graveyard shift at a local café. “I remember late at night hearing all the old country songs on the jukebox—I didn’t realize it then, but those songs shaped my taste in and longing for playing music,” Art recalls. This early exposure ignited his passion for music and set him on a path to becoming a singer.
The Birth of the Jukebox Preachers
In February 2021, inspired by his experiences during the pandemic and the success of the Art Tigerina Band’s single “An Empty Glass,” Art launched his all-country band, the Jukebox Preachers featuring Art Tigerina. This new venture allowed him to fulfill a lifelong dream of singing country music while continuing to perform Tejano music with the Art Tigerina Band.
“With my wife’s support, we expanded our music business (Tigerina Entertainment), kept doing Tejano music with the Art Tigerina Band, but also started the all-country band the Jukebox Preachers. Now I can offer my music to a wider audience. It’s like a dream come true…again,” Art shares.
Musical Releases and Upcoming Projects
The Jukebox Preachers have released several original songs, including “Bourbon and Bad Decisions,” “Seat 25,” “Summertime,” and “Dust Clouds and Smoke.” Today, they released their rendition of the iconic classic “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” originally by George Jones. This track is the first single off their upcoming album, “The Jukebox,” which will feature classic country tunes reimagined in the Jukebox Preachers’ unique style.
“While we know this is a gutsy move to give these treasured songs a try, we are up for the challenge and will give them nothing but the love and respect they deserve,” says Art. “We hear and see more Tejanos giving country music a try—I have always known Tejano and Country music are intertwined in sound and history. After the huge success we had with ‘An Empty Glass’ with my Tejano band, the Art Tigerina Band, we hope Tejano listeners will not only enjoy this rendition of ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today,’ but also embrace my all-country band, the Jukebox Preachers.”
Looking Ahead
In late 2024, the Jukebox Preachers featuring Art Tigerina will release their first album of all original songs, along with “The Jukebox” album featuring their renditions of classic country favorites. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and all Jukebox Preachers music are available now for streaming on Reverbnation. The latest song will be on all digital platforms (Spotify, iTunes, Google Music, etc.) in early September 2024.
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Slackmonster Studios by the talented Sevy Contreras out of San Antonio, TX. For more updates, follow the Jukebox Preachers featuring Art Tigerina on Instagram and Facebook.
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