ALICE, TEXAS — The Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame recognized its new class of 2024 inductees during a ceremony in Alice, Texas, this past weekend, honoring the contributions and achievements of over 70 artists, musicians, broadcasters, and promoters in the Tejano music industry.
Among the notable inductees are vocalists Freddie Martinez, Sr., Joe “Jama” Perales, Ben Miranda of Latin Breed, Miguel Hernandez, Hilda Lamas, Ray Ray Garcia, and Jonny Martinez, along with his father Anselmo “El Chemo” Martinez. These singers have been part of some of the most influential and successful groups in Tejano history.
Freddie Martinez and his legendary record label Freddie Records was honored with the Javier “J.V.” Villanueva Lifetime Achievement Award, and Anselmo “El Chemo” Martinez was one of the recipients of the Pioneer Tejano Award. The class of 2024 also includes musicians like accordionists Josh Baca and Santiago Garza, guitarist Javi Guerra, drummer Joe Zimmerle, keyboardists Cruz Guerrero of La Sombra and Texas Latino’s Severo “Sevy” Contreras, and many more. These musicians have showcased their talents and skills on various instruments, such as accordion, guitar, saxophone, and drums. They have also collaborated with many renowned Tejano artists and bands over the years.
The inductees were celebrated during Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame weekend on January 3-4, 2025, in Alice, Texas. The event featured a banquet, a concert, and a ceremony to honor the new members of the Hall of Fame.
The Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame was established in 2000 by the Remembering Our Own Tejano Stars (ROOTS) organization. Its mission is to preserve and promote the legacy and culture of Tejano music. The hall of fame has inducted over 500 individuals and groups since its inception.
Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame 2024 inductees
Favorite Son of Alice
- Felix Alaniz
- Marion Cavazos
Broadcasting
- Rudy Bernard
- Frank DeSantiago
- Keith Leal
Male Entertainer
- Bobby Sanchez
- Johnny Martinez
- Raymond “Ray Ray” Garcia
Female Entertainer
- Hilda Lamas
- Elsa Barrera Herrera
Conjunto Traditional
- Retoño
- Samuel Ramos, Jr.
- Salomon Ramos
- Pablo Ramos
- Armando Villela, Jr.
Javier “J.V.” Villanueva Lifetime Achievement Award
- Freddie Records
- Freddie Martinez, Sr.
Pioneer Tejano Award
- Anselmo “El Chemo” Martinez
- Samuel Ramos
- Lilly Saenz
Greg Paredes Bajo Sexto Award
- Amador Rivas
- Jose Luis Garza, Sr.
- Rodolfo “Fito” Valle
- Rene Ramirez
- Christopher Garcia
Sound Engineer
- David Saenz
- David Escalante
- Joseph Sweet
Amadeo Flores Accordion Player Award
- Sam Castro
Special Recognition Award
- Nick Banda
- Christina Guerrero
Million Dollar Band
Promoter
- M & E Productions
- Mike & Estella Flores
Keyboards
- Cruz Guerrero
- Severo “Sevy” Contreras, Jr.
- Roland Gutierrez
- Erick Pastrano
- Edward Rodriguez
Guitar
- Miguel Hernandez
- David “Dave” Hernandez, Jr.
- Ruben Zertuche, Sr.
- Casimiro Castro
- Javier D. Guerra
- Zeke Sausedo
Drums
- Jessie Vasquez
- Sam C. Garcia
- Steve L. Solis
- Alberto Antonio Garcia, Jr.
- Luis Aguilar, Sr.
- Richard Peralez
- Joe Zimmerle
- Lorenzo Martinez
- Alberto “Tito” Cedillo
- Pete Contreras
- Lucio Garcia
Bass Guitar
- Melchor De Los Santos
- Jesse De Los Santos
- Joe Anthony Castillo
- Noel Hernandez
- Paul Herrera
Trumpet
- Felipe “El Tiburon” Borrero
- Antonio V. Rivas, Jr.
- Leo J. Leo, Jr.
- Rudy Peña
Saxophone
- Leroy Urrabazo
- Daniel Serrano
- Felipe Chavez
- Alejandro R. Lopez
- Roberto Ruiz
- Jim Garza
Accordion
- Salvador Olivo
- Josh Baca
- Juanito Castillo
- Santiago Garza
Vocalist
- Douglas Davila
- Juan Sobrevilla
- Ben Miranda
- David Anthony Dehoyos
- Miguel Hernandez
- Joe “Jama” Perales
Historic Dance Hall
- KC Hall – Alice, Texas
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