Image courtesy of Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame Museum
The Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame has revealed its list of inductees for the class of 2023, honoring the contributions and achievements of over 70 artists, musicians, broadcasters, and promoters in the Tejano music industry.
Among the notable inductees are vocalists Alfredo Antonio Guerrero of Tortilla Factory, Neto Gutierrez, Monico Cortez, Jr, and Jimmy Lee. These singers have been part of some of the most influential and successful groups in Tejano history.
“This has to be one of the happiest days of my life,” said Cortez Jr about his induction. “I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive this award with all my fellow inductees, Class of 2023!”
The class of 2023 also includes musicians Ricky Guzman III, Andrew Rodriguez, Tiger Gonzalez, and more. These instrumentalists have showcased their talents and skills on various instruments, such as accordion, guitar, saxophone, and drums. They have also collaborated with many renowned Tejano artists and bands over the years.
One of the recipients of the Javier “JV” Villanueva Lifetime Achievement Award is legendary broadcaster Rudy Trevino, host of the syndicated Tejano Gold Countdown and TV show Domingo Live, which will also be recognized. Trevino has been a champion of Tejano music for decades, promoting and supporting the genre through his radio and TV programs. He has also been a mentor and friend to many Tejano artists and personalities.
Trevino commented on the news of his induction, “I am humbled, honored and beyond blessed,” he said. “Thank you all for this recognition, in an industry where there are so many others more deserving than me. God knows His blessings have been many. Thank you to the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame board members and to all of you who took the time to share your congratulations.”
The inductees will be celebrated during Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame weekend on January 5-6, 2024, in Alice, Texas. The event will feature a banquet, a concert, and a ceremony to honor the new members of the hall of fame. Tickets and more information will be available soon on the Tejano ROOTS website.
The Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame was established in 2000 by the Remembering Our Own Tejano Stars (ROOTS) organization. Its mission is to preserve and promote the legacy and culture of Tejano music. The hall of fame has inducted over 500 individuals and groups since its inception.
Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame Class of 2023
Favorite Son of Alice
- Mark Sanchez
Broadcasting
- Roger Hernandez
- James Echavarria
Conjunto Tradicional
- The Delta Boyz (Javier Gonzalez, Jaime Gonzalez, Arturo “Tury” Alviar III, Eddie Gonzalez
Javier “JV” Villanueva Lifetime Achievement Award
- Luis Homero Lopez
- Ram Chavez
- Henry Brun
- Rudy Trevino
- Domingo Show
Pioneer Tejano Award
- Alejo De La Cruz
- Roel Florez
- Greg Paredez
Bajo Sexto Award
- Juan Jose Gonzalez, Jr.
- Juan R. Santellana
- Gilberto Perez, Jr.
- Isaac De Los Santos
Sound Engineer
- Daniel Valdez
- Paul Westbrook
- Amadeo Flores
Accordion Player Award
- Margarito Flores
- Domingo Flores
- Encarnacion Garcia
Special Recognition Award
- Norma Jean Mendez
- Eulalio “Lalo” Reyna
- Sandra Ann “Catfish” Munoz
- Andrew Belmarez
Composer Award
- Marvin Palacios
Million Dollar Band
Congas
- Robby Esparza
Promoter
- Rene Saenz
- Delmiro Garcia
Keyboards
- Richard Alanis
- Cristobal Perales
- Jose Luis Soliz
- Anthony Hernandez
- Roberto Hernandez Rojas
Guitar
- Jesus F. Martinez
- John Pacheco
- Tiger Gonzalez
- Victor Manuel Campa, Jr.
- Willie Esquivel
- Eddie Hinojosa, Jr.
- Reynaldo Ramos
Drums
- Juan Lopez, Jr.
- Israel J. Garcia
- Gabriel Rocha Barajas
- Richard Perez, Jr.
- Jason Lee
- Rick Vasquez
Bass Guitar
- Roberto Ramos
- Victor Almendariz
- Joseph Scott
- Eddie Olivo
- Charles Ray Howton
- Jesus Juan Yucupicio
- Johnny Longoria
- Lauro Rene De La Garza
Trumpet
- Rupert Pacheco
- Gilberto O. “Beto” Olorreaga
- Jorge Rodriguez
- Frank Perez
Saxophone
- Carlos Cantu
- Alfred “Al” Aleman
- Jesse E. Ortiz
Accordion
- Joe Escalante
- Andrew Rodriguez
- Mark Molina
- Ricky Guzman III
- Michael Longoria
- David Lee Flores
Vocalist
- Jimmy Lee
- Monico Cortez, Jr.
- Richard “Rico” Guajardo
- Alfredo Antonio Guerrero
- Ernesto “Neto” Gutierrez
Historic Dance Hall
- El Casino Ballroom
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