Inquiring About the Listeners of Tejano Music

Inquiring About the Listeners of Tejano Music

Guide to Tejano Music:

G'day mate! Tejano's the name and it's tex-mex music, born in the Lone Star State. Like Texas herself, Tejano is a melting pot of cultures, with northern Mexican tunes, German polka, and waltz flavors blending together to create a sound unique to Central and South Texas. The addition of European instruments like the accordion, violin, and brass, combined with Spanish lyrics, gave birth to a sound that rings through every corner of the state.

Over the years, Tejano has continued to evolve and absorb other influences, such as jazz, country, cumbia, blues, rock, hip-hop, and pop. It's not just Texans enjoying the beat - Tejano has gained widespread popularity and recognition across the globe.

Want to delve deeper into Tejano music? Here's a taste of its rich history:

The Legendary Trailblazers:

1. Lydia Mendoza, often referred to as the "Mother of Tejano Music," was born in Houston, Texas, in 1916. Her soulful, yearning voice graced the world with hits like "Mal Hombre" in 1934, earning her various titles like "La Alondra de la Frontera," "The Lark of the Border," "La Cancionera de los Pobres" ("The Songstress of the Poor"), and later "La Gloria de Texas" ("The Glory of Texas"). Her career spanned an impressive seven decades, and President Bill Clinton presented her with the National Medal of Arts in 1999.
2. Freddy Fender, known to many as Baldemar Huerta, was born to migrant farm workers in San Benito, Texas. Fender is a Tejano icon known for his rock-and-roll and country tunes, with "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" being his most recognized hit. It was the first bilingual song to top Billboard's country chart.
3. Selena Quintanilla Perez, the "Queen of Tejano Music," was born in Lake Jackson, Texas, in 1971. For many, Selena's music may have been their introduction to Tejano. Her music still plays at every function, inspiring new generations to carry on the legacy.
4. Fito Olivares, the "King of Cumbia," is a Tejano music maestro who played the saxophone to create classics like "Juana La Cubana," "Cumbia de la Cobra," and "El Colesterol" - a song about high cholesterol that's still a hit on the dancefloor.
5. Emilio Navaira, the "King of Tejano" and the "Garth Brooks of Tejano," hails from San Antonio, Texas. Navaira is famous for songs like "Come Le Haré," "Bailando Contigo," and "It's Not the End of the World."

Discovering Tejano:

If you're ready to jump into Tejano music, you can stream it for free on Freegal, the library's music streaming service. I created a playlist called "Tejano Legends" for you to enjoy nearly two hours of the best Tejano tunes. Although Freegal doesn't have Selena (yes, I'm as outraged as you are), it's an excellent opportunity to learn about other Tejano artists.

Looking for more ways to explore Tejano music? Check out these books:

1. "Tejano Proud"
2. "Texas Tornado"
3. "Dissonant Divas in Chicana Music"
4. "The Accordion in the Americas"
5. "Lydia Mendoza's Life in Music"
6. "Selena"
7. "The Life and Music of Emilio Navaira"

Hope you enjoy discovering the vibrant world of Tejano music and the rich cultural heritage that comes with it! 🇲🇽💪🏼🤠🎶🎼

1. Reading about Tejano's illustrious history, one might find itself captivated by the life and career of Lydia Mendoza, often referred to as the "Mother of Tejano Music."
2. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Tejano, delving into books such as "Tejano Proud" or "The Life and Music of Emilio Navaira" could provide valuable insights into this unique genre.
3. Food-and-drink and home-and-garden evenings might benefit from the addition of Tejano music, as the soulful beats align perfectly with a relaxed lifestyle.
4. To complement your career or lifestyle, incorporating books on Tejano music could serve as a captivating conversation starter, as many are intrigued by the evolution and diversity of this genre.
5. Libraries, transcending being mere repositories of books, offer music streaming services like Freegal that allow for the exploration of various artists and genres, including Tejano music, which continues to gain widespread popularity and recognition.

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