Cezar Martinez | Photo: Mariaelena Villarreal / Tejano Nation
Cezar Martinez has reached an incredible milestone in his musical career, marking ten years as the lead vocalist for the legendary Tejano band David Lee Garza y Los Musicales. The singer from Robstown, Texas, shared the exciting news with fans via social media on November 27, 2024, reflecting on his journey and the honor of being part of the band’s rich legacy.
“Ten years ago today, I started my journey as the lead vocalist for David Lee Garza y Los Musicales. Jumping into the role and not knowing what to expect was nerve-wracking, but I felt that I was ready and up for the challenge,” Martinez shared in his post. His first performance with Los Musicales took place on Thanksgiving night in 2014 at Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio. “I was singing in front of a huge crowd with a binder in front of me so that I wouldn’t forget the words to the songs,” he recalled with a laugh.
Cezar Martinez debuts with David Lee Garza y Los Musicales at Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio, Texas, on November 27, 2014. | Courtesy photo
Since then, Martinez has become a mainstay in Tejano music, earning the distinction of being the longest-tenured lead vocalist in the band’s history. He acknowledged the significance of this achievement, stating, “If you’re a true Tejano fan, you know the history of Los Musicales. Many artists have made their way through this band and ventured off on their own to become successful with their own careers… to be a part of Tejano history and be able to share this experience with so many great vocalists is truly an honor.”
Martinez’s path to success with Los Musicales wasn’t without its challenges, but his perseverance and passion for Tejano music have been key to his lasting tenure. He expressed his gratitude to the Garza brothers—David Lee, Richard, and Adam—for giving him the opportunity to join the band. “It all started with a quince in Robstown,” he humorously recalled.
Before joining Los Musicales, Martinez got his start as the lead vocalist for Los Arias, a role that gave him his first taste of performing with a live band. “I had no idea what I was doing. I had always sung, but never with a band,” he said. He credits that experience with giving him the confidence to take on the role with Los Musicales and build the career he has today.
In his post, Martinez also expressed his heartfelt thanks to the fans who supported him along the way, acknowledging the challenge of following in the footsteps of legendary vocalists who have passed through the band. “It isn’t easy following all the greats that have gone through The University of DLG, but I’m eternally grateful!” he shared. “I have made so many memories and so many friends along the way.”
Martinez also paid tribute to the band members, who he calls his “second family.” He thanked them for the “countless memories and laughs” and looked forward to many more years of making music together. “To the band, thank you all! I look forward to many, many more!”
He also took a moment to thank Adolfo, who was his manager when he started his own band after leaving Los Arias. “We had a good little fun for a few months,” Martinez said with a smile, recalling the time when Adolfo encouraged him to pursue the opportunity with David Lee Garza y Los Musicales. “I will always be appreciative of that.”
Finally, Martinez expressed his deep love and appreciation for his family and his hometown of Robstown. “To my mom, family, and mi querido pueblo de Robé, THANK YOU! I couldn’t have done this without y’all’s support!” he said, particularly acknowledging his mother for being his number one supporter. “Thank you, mom, for being my rock and for encouraging me to do what makes me happy!”
As for the future, Martinez assured fans that his journey with Los Musicales is far from over. “We’re currently in the studio working on my sixth album,” he revealed. “However, be on the lookout for some Cezar Omar music coming soon as well.”
Cezar Martinez’s ten-year tenure with David Lee Garza y Los Musicales places him in the company of Tejano music legends. His contributions to the band and the Tejano genre have cemented his place in history, and fans can look forward to more from this talented and humble artist in the years to come.
List of Vocalists Who Have Recorded with David Lee Garza y Los Musicales
- Ram Herrera (1979-1983)
- Emilio Navaira (1984-1988)
- Oscar G (1989-1990)
- Jay Perez (1991-1992)
- Marcos Orozco (1993-1999)
- Joey Martinez (2000)
- Mark Ledesma (mid-2000s–Sept 2010)
- Ben Ozuna (2012)
- Juaquin Cura (mid-2013–Nov 2014)
- Cezar Martinez (Nov 27, 2014–Present)
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