ason Martinez | Photo: Evelyn Vasquez / EV Imagez
Jason Martinez, the longtime frontman for Grupo Vida and the band’s country version The Electric Cowboys, announced his departure from the group this week after 25 years.
“I’ve been wanting to address you all and put out a statement regarding The Electric Cowboys and Grupo Vida,” Martinez said via social media. “I’ve had a great time fronting both of these phenomenal groups, though our fans have always been the best part. Last month was my last fronting these bands and I wish them the best in whatever the future may hold for them.”
The singer and musician will concentrate on his own band, Jase Martin & Standing Peppers.
Martinez added, “As far as Jase Martin and the rest of the guys, we are still going strong and look forward to bringing our show to a venue near you. Jase Martin and the Standing Peppers are the only bands I own and perform in. I am no longer associated with any media, social or otherwise, associated with Vida or TEC.”
Grupo Vida praised Martinez in a statement of their own. “We would like to thank Jason Martinez for his dedication to Vida since 1997. Holding down the fort and keeping the dream alive. He is more than a bandmate but a brother till the end. We wish him the very best with his future plans,” said John Villanueva, manager of Grupo Vida and The Electric Cowboys.
Vida also shared that the last album recorded with Martinez, a Country album titled Town Upside Down, was recently released to all digital music platforms.
Grupo Vida was formed in 1992 by brothers Tim Villanueva and John Villanueva, along with former lead singer Eddie Gonzalez and former accordion player Sunny Sauceda. Grupo Vida entertained thousands of fans with their energetic shows and brand of live entertainment. The 1996 album Kik It from Eddie Gonzalez Y Grupo Vida sold over 100,000 copies in the United States and Mexico. Vida decided to part ways with Gonzalez in 1997. Martinez joined the group as guitarist shifting to lead singer after Art Tigerina left the group, which has earned three Grammy nominations and multiple Tejano Music Awards.
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