Bobby Pulido | Courtesy photo
Latin Grammy winner Bobby Pulido shared his optimistic view on the future of Tejano music In a recent interview on the premiere episode of Texas Monthly’s Viva Tejano Podcast, hosted by J.B. Sauceda. Pulido, the son of Tejano legend Roberto Pulido, began his career in the mid-90s, just after the tragic passing of Selena and the tail end of the “Golden Age” of Tejano music. With a successful career spanning almost three decades, Bobby Pulido has become a prominent figure in the Tejano music scene.
During the interview, Bobby discussed his belief that Tejano music is on the verge of a significant resurgence. He recently initiated a music competition at Corafest for young musicians in the Rio Grande Valley, aiming to nurture new talent. As more school districts across Texas introduce Conjunto music programs, Bobby sees a promising future for the genre. “We are on the verge of a boom,” he stated. However, he also noted a crucial caveat: “They’re Mexican Americans. By definition, they’re Tejanos because they were born here in Texas. They don’t consider themselves that. They have been influenced.”
The “Desvelado” singer highlighted the influence of contemporary artists like Adelaido “Payo” Solís III from Grupo Frontera, who, despite their roots, were not immersed in the traditional Tejano genre. “That really kind of has become Motown, where it kind of stayed in that one thing,” he explained. He emphasized the multicultural nature of Tejanos, who consume a wide range of music, from Spanish songs to Texas country. “Texas country poached a bunch of people off of Tejanos, a bunch. And I’m not saying it in a bad way, but a lot of, they flocked over there because Tejanos, they’ll go everywhere, but the audience is there. We just got to give them a reason to go.”
Bobby also addressed the regional differences within Texas, noting that the music scene in the border region differs from that in San Antonio, Houston, or Dallas. He pointed out that the border has been producing new young talent for years, but the Tejano community’s old guard has been slow to accept them. “I think they love the music so much that they’re purists. I don’t think they’re being, in an ugly way, trying to put other people down, but I think they want that sound to be a certain way, and they don’t embrace change,” he said. Pulido believes that embracing a broader definition of Tejano music, which includes various styles, could help the genre thrive.
Bobby Pulido’s career began in the shadow of his father, Roberto Pulido, a pioneer of the progressive conjunto movement in the 1970s. Bobby launched his own career in the mid-90s, quickly making a name for himself with hits like “Desvelado” and “Enséñame.” Over the years, he has won numerous awards, including multiple Tejano Music Awards and a Latin Grammy. His dedication to the genre and his efforts to support young musicians demonstrate his commitment to ensuring the future of Tejano music.
Bobby’s vision for the future of Tejano music is one of evolution and inclusivity. He believes that for Tejano to remain relevant in the mainstream, it must continue to evolve with the next generation. The Viva Tejano podcast, where Bobby Pulido shared these insights, is available on all major podcast platforms, offering listeners a deeper look into the world of Tejano music and its future.
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