Little Joe / Facebook
In a deeply moving interview with The Radio Guys Podcast, hosted by Tejano radio legends Jonny Ramirez and Mico Rodriguez, Little Joe shared his emotions and memories following the recent passing of his beloved wife, Criselida Cantu Hernandez, and his oldest sister, Lupe Hernandez. The interview marked the first time Little Joe has spoken publicly about the heartbreaking events since his exclusive discussion with Tejano Nation journalist Ramon Hernandez last week.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Little Joe, known affectionately as the “King of the Brown Sound,” opened up about the profound impact of losing his wife of 62 years. “Honestly, right now, I’m just a broken, empty old man in a very dark place, but I know I’ll find the light because I have much to do,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “And everything I ever did, I wanted to impress my little girlfriend, Chris, from 1955. So I have to continue doing what I’m doing. It was just an amazing time to have shared that with her. I was able to take risks, go out and fight the world, win or lose, because I knew that when I came back, I had a base, I had a nest where I felt secure, loved, wanted, and my own space with Chris and then the children. So that gave me the confidence and the courage to do a lot of things that I think I would not have attempted if I didn’t have that security behind me all through my life.
He also spoke about the sudden loss of his sister Lupe, who passed away just four days after Criselida.
A Legacy of Music
Despite the personal tragedies, Little Joe remains committed to his music. Reflecting on his illustrious career, he reminisced about the early days of his career, the challenges he faced, and the joy of bringing Tejano music to a broader audience, including his iconic hit “Las Nubes”.
“I never could have thought that the song was going to do what it’s done and continue to do like 52 years later,” he said. “But the song itself, beautiful lyrics, great arrangement, beautiful melody. And I understand this better now It’s about hopelessness, but it’s also about hopefulness and it’s also about determination and it’s also about looking into yourself. Those are lyrics as I’ve gotten older and I’ve sung them thousands of times and the people sing them along with me, I thought that was so deep and profound because I find myself there at this moment.”
Looking Ahead
As he navigates this difficult time, Little Joe expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Tejano community. “It has been, like I said, a really empty time, a real dark time. And I’ve not answered any calls, hundreds of calls and text messages with wonderful, all these people with prayers and well wishes and the support. It’s been incredibly good for me. And I apologize that this is the first time I’m talking to anyone other than my family, my kids. I just came back and myself in a cocoon because I knew I needed to grieve and be by myself. So for all of you, the hundreds of you, just like back in COVID time, you’re supporting me so much. It’s a blessing to have shared so much in my life and although my birthday was the worst of all time because it was just the 17th, I wanted to be alone. But I’m getting there. I’ll find that light.”
Little Joe has been a pioneering force in Tejano music for over six decades. He has seamlessly fused traditional Tejano/Chicano music with country, blues, and rock influences to create a distinctive sound. Throughout his illustrious career, Little Joe has recorded more than 70 albums and earned multiple Grammy Awards, solidifying his place as a legend in the music industry.
The full interview with Little Joe Hernandez on The Radio Guys Podcast is available below.
Little Joe on The Radio Guys Podcast Episode 4
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The Radio Guys Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by San Antonio Radio Hall Of Fame member Mico Rodriguez and longtime Tejano morning show host, Jonny Ramirez. The duo talk all things Tejano for what it considered a “Texas State Of Mind” every Monday at 7 pm CT. Subscribe to their YouTube channel here.
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