Max Baca (Photo: Mariaelena Villarreal / Tejano Nation)
San Antonio, TX – The Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame & Museum is set to honor Max Baca, a renowned bajo sexto player and leader of Los Texmaniacs, as one of its newest inductees. Baca, who has been a pivotal figure in the Conjunto music scene, will be celebrated for his contributions to the genre at the induction ceremony this weekend in San Benito, Texas.
Reflecting on his journey, Baca shared in an interview with San Antonio TV station KENS 5, “It just comes from within. God-gifted talent. I am very blessed and fortunate to have music in me.” He credits his father, grandfather, and legendary accordionist Flaco Jiménez for nurturing his love for music. “Flaco once told me, ‘You don’t have to play a thousand licks and a thousand notes. Just play that one note, but feel that one note.'”
Baca’s career spans over five decades, during which he has toured with the Texas Tornados, recorded with the Rolling Stones, and earned a Grammy with Los Texmaniacs. “It is Texmaniacs music,” he said. “It is based on the core of Conjunto, of course; that’s our root. We do branch out with a little bit of blues and rock-and-roll.”
Joining Baca in this prestigious honor are several other notable figures in the Conjunto music community:
- Johnny Degollado, known as “El Montopolis Kid,” has been a tireless advocate for Conjunto music in Austin and has recorded nearly 500 songs over his career.
- Gilberto Rodriguez, a distinguished musician whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the genre.
- Martin H. Solis, a pioneer who brought Tejano-style music to Michigan and was recently honored with a historical marker in Detroit.
- Frutoso “Fruty” Villarreal, a Conjunto legend known for his dedication to preserving the music’s rich heritage.
- Gilbert Reyes, a talented musician whose work has been celebrated within the Conjunto community.
- Nicholas Z. Villarreal, remembered for his significant contributions to the music industry and his loyal fan base.
- Hilario “Layo” Jimenez, a master luthier renowned for his handcrafted bajos, which are used by musicians worldwide.
- Kenji “El Gato” Katsube, a Japanese Conjunto artist who has captivated audiences with his unique style and performances.
- Los Tigres del Norte, a legendary Norteño band originally from Mexico, have become one of the most recognized acts in regional Mexican music, known for their powerful corridos and significant contributions to the genre since their formation in 1968.
The induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the ABC Event Center in San Benito, Texas. The event promises to be a night of celebration, honoring the pioneers and legends of Conjunto music. Immediately following the induction ceremony, attendees will enjoy a dance with live entertainment. The headliner is Conjunto pioneer and legend Ruben Garza y Su Conjunto. Tickets for the award ceremony and dance are available for $20 each.
As Baca humbly accepts this honor, he reflects on the significance of Conjunto music. “It is a very special music. It is the people’s music. It comes from the people, it is our culture,” he said. “Believe in what you do, from your heart. And be proud of who you are and your culture.”
The Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been a non-profit 501c (3) organization since 2001 and is dedicated to promoting, archiving, documenting, and permanently displaying the history of Texas Conjunto regional folk music for the benefit of generations to come. Since its inception, the organization has inducted 93 inductees into its hall of fame.
“We are extremely excited to host this event that will honor the pioneers and legends in the Conjunto community,” said TCMHFM President Patricia Avila.
For table reservations and ticket information, contact Avila at (956) 945-5005 or via email at: texasconjuntomusicmuseum@gmail.com.
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