Linda Escobar (center) and Elida Reyna (far right) cut the ribbon at the 2019 South Texas Music Walk of Fame In Corpus Christi, Texas on June 8, 2019. (Photo credit: Munoz Snapshots)
Two top female artists – Tejano’s enduring, ever-evolvingElida Reynaand conjunto queenLinda Escobar– earned the stars they deserve during Saturday’s South Texas Music Walk of Fame 17thannual ceremony in Corpus Christi.
Other inductees were:Billy Powell, late, longtime keyboardist of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd; Ray Summy, who has run an open mic night in Corpus Christi for more than 20 years, and Eben Wood, a jazz/folk artist.
This year marked the event’s penultimate ceremony as space limitations will make next year’s honorees the last to have a star dedicated to their musical legacy. The South Texas Music Walk of Fame is volunteer-led and funded by Corpus’ WaterStreet Market.
(Read the Corpus Christi Caller Times’ coverage of the eventhere.)
Linda Escobar and Elida Reyna (Photo: Munoz Snapshots)
Since Elida first appeared on the Tejano music scene as “Elida y Avante,” she has consistently produced music that makes an impact and songs with staying power. Elida’s sound has changed throughout her career but her music reflects her roots as she also dares to experiment. From fiery rancheras like her signature, “Duele,” to contagious cumbias like “Atrevete,” Elida has stayed relevant throughout her musical evolution.
Escobar, a native of Alice, Texas, started singing as a child with her father, a conjunto legend in his own right,Eligio Escobar. The two toured together and after his passing, Linda kept the conjunto tradition alive on her own, with her own label and also with a unique partner in the late Japanese accordionistKenji “El Gato” Katsube.
Freddy Fenderearned the first star on the Walk of Fame in 2004. Other artists recognized with stars in past years includeSelena,George Strait,Kris Kristofferson,Tish Hinojosa,Johnny Rodriguez,Roberto PulidoandChris Perez.
Can’t wait to see who makes the cut for the event’s final inductees in 2020! See the criteria below.
Criteria:
– Nominees must be from South Texas (San Antonio to Brownsville), or have lived here during a pivotal point in their music career.
– Nominees must be music makers (no movie stars or politicians.)
– Nominees must be good citizens.
– Nominees may represent any style of music, from the past or present, and may be performers, producers, songwriters, recording technicians, innovators, educators, mentors and more.
– Nominees must have contributed, through their music, to the rich, diverse, legacy of South Texas Music.
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