Photo: Grant Foto
Stefani Montiel | Courtesy photo
Three-time GRAMMY-nominated singer Stefani Montiel will be inducted into the New Mexico Music Hall of Fame this November, as the organization announced the Class of 2022 inductees during a fundraising dinner and ceremony in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 16.
Montiel, who is a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, shared her excitement about the recognition with Tejano Nation. “Oh my goodness it’s a true honor,” she said. “It’s just such a blessing to be recognized for my contributions, not only to New Mexico music but what I’ve done since then as well which is of course Tejano music. (I’m) just very happy, honored and I feel so blessed to have been recognized for this accolade.”
At the tender age of five, Montiel released her debut single to a warm industry welcome. At the age of nine, her first full-length LP racked up three hits and by age 15, yet another record was released making her a veteran in the industry. Like her voice her dreams were tremendous. she soon signed with Capital EMI and had her sights set on making her mark and a new star was ready to shine on San Antonio, Texas, “The Capital of Tejano Music.” Immediately the Tejano industry and fans were captivated by her music and with two major hits, she then signed a lucrative long-term record deal with Sony Discos.
“That allowed me to just pool different styles and kind of create my own style and thankfully I’m still here doing it and it’s just been such — I keep saying blessing but it truly is — it’s a blessing to me because music has been a lifesaver for me. It’s my outlet and it’s where I feel more comfortable and that’s where I express myself. I’m just very fortunate to continue to do this after all of these years.”
Montiel has spent 27 years in the Tejano music industry releasing numerous hit songs on many successful albums and winning multiple awards including three Tejano Music Awards, three New Mexico Hispano Music Awards, and four Academy of Tejano Artists and Musicians Awards. She has earned three GRAMMY nominations and three Latin GRAMMY nominations. In 2013, she was inducted in the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame.
“I’m passionate about what I do and I’m passionate about Tejano music and I love it and I’ve always loved it. I love music period,” said Montiel. “Music saves me every day. It’s there for me when I’m at my highest high and at my lowest low and without music I don’t know what I would do and without the fans out there to support me I wouldn’t be here today 27 years later in my Tejano music career and X amount of years after I started with my first 45 (single) when I was five years old and all the people that supported me in New Mexico and continue to do so today. I’m just so thankful, fortunate, blessed, all of that, it just means everything to me.”
Montiel is one of seven inductees which also include Roberto Griego, John Truitt, Tony Quinones, Sugie Padilla, Eddie Garcia, and Dick Bills, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The New Mexico Music Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization established in 2003 to recognize the contributions of those who have had a significant impact on the evolution, development, and perpetuation of New Mexico music.
The 2022 New Mexico Hall of Fame inductions will take place during a ceremony on Saturday, November 26, 2021.
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