Placido Salazar | Courtesy photo
The Texas Talent Musicians Association (TTMA) announced that Placido Salazar will receive this year’s Tejano Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. The legendary singer-songwriter, decorated Air Force veteran, and Hall of Fame host of television and radio will be honored at the 44th annual awards show in San Antonio, Texas, on Friday, November 22, 2024
Born in 1939, in Edcouch, Texas, and raised in nearby La Villa, Salazar’s journey in music began at a young age and has left an indelible mark on the Tejano music scene.
Reflecting on his early years, Salazar shared, “At age 7, my Dad taught me to play the guitar. I started singing at talent shows throughout The Valley, winning first place each time, with a prize of usually $10. When I sang at El Capitan Theater in San Benito, a kid approached me and said, ‘I hear you have been winning all over The Valley? But THIS is my town.’ At the end of the night, I came in #1 again. Someone asked, ‘Do you know who that kid is?’ I told him I didn’t know. ‘His name is Baldemar Huerta.’ Years later, Baldemar Huerta changed his name to Freddy Fender.”
Salazar’s talent was evident early on, leading to his first professional gig at age 8 with El Conjunto de Pedro Ayala, one of the top Conjuntos in the country. He recorded his first song backed by Pedro Ayala on Discos Del Valle and quickly realized that music was his true calling, especially compared to the hard labor of working in the fields.
Throughout his illustrious career, Salazar has recorded with notable groups such as Conjunto Los Hermanos Banda, Los Rancheritos de Topo Chico, Flaco Jimenez, Manuel Guerrero, Los Pavos Reales, and his own Conjunto. His career as an announcer began in 1947, and he has since hosted and produced a TV show for over 20 years. At 85, he continues to work as a radio announcer on San Antonio’s KLMO-FM and was inducted into the San Antonio Radio Hall of Fame in August.
Salazar’s musical journey also includes serving in the United States Air Force, where he continued to entertain troops with his guitar and singing. From Okinawa to Vietnam, and various bases in the U.S., Salazar’s music brought comfort and joy to many servicemen and women. He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his life-saving actions during Vietnam.
Image courtesy of TTMA
The 44th Annual Tejano Music Awards will take place on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas. This milestone event will honor the rich heritage and culture of Tejano music, featuring live performances by some of the genre’s most talented artists. The night promises spectacular shows with iconic performances and surprising collaborations. Powerhouse Avizo will pay tribute to legendary figures such as Jimmy Edward, Joe Bravo, Jimmy Gonzalez, Steve Jordan, Jessy Serrata, Alfonso Ramos, and Emilio Navaira. Additionally, fans can look forward to performances by Da Krazy Pimpz, David Marez, Jay Perez, La Calma, Lucky Joe, Solido, Stefani Montiel, Sunny Sauceda, and The Homeboyz. Marez will also be honored with Lifetime Achievement.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Placido Salazar and the vibrant world of Tejano music. Get your tickets for the 44th Annual Tejano Music Awards while they last. For more information and ticket details, visit TejanoMusicAwards.com.
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