‘God Blessed Texas’ Reimagined with Texican Take on the Iconic Anthem

NASHVILLE, TN — Thirty-one years ago the original mega-hit “God Blessed Texas” was released. Today, a Texican tribute version, “God Blessed Texas (Dios Bendijo Tejas),“ features Grammy-nominated artist Keith Nieto, Grammy-winning artist Sunny Sauceda, and award-winning artist Rico Gonzalez, who is the fiddle player and frontman for the Texas Country Red Dirt band Kin Faux. The combination of talent brings a unique style for a fresh and exciting rendition of the beloved classic.

The iconic anthem captured the hearts of millions in 1993 and continues to resonate with audiences of all ages and holds a special place in the hearts of country music fans worldwide. “God Blessed Texas” was written by Porter Howell and Brady Seals and originally released by Little Texas. The song struck a chord with listeners and caught the essence of the Lone Star State with its infectious melodies and powerful lyrics. The song became an anthem for Texas pride and a symbol of unity.

“A true honor to be a part of this special Texican version celebrating the 30th anniversary of Little Texas’ megahit, ‘God Blessed Texas’ with our twist of ‘Dios Bendijo Texas.’ Joining Rico and Sunny to bring this Spanglish version to audiences will get people on the dance floor,” expressed Keith Nieto. 

“Little Texas has always been one of my favorite bands and a legend in the Texas country sound! I’m so blown away and beyond excited about this project. When I got asked to be on it, I couldn’t believe it. I’m proud to be on a song that brings two cultures together when we need unity in this country the most! We had a blast recording it; you can hear it in the music! God Bless Texas! God Bless America, and God Bless Country music,” exclaimed Rico Gonzalez.

“It’s an incredible honor and privilege to have a friendship with Duane Propes. Being a part of the tribute to one of the greatest songs of all time, “God Blessed Texas,” is truly a milestone in my career. This moment speaks volumes about the current state of the music industry. If you had told me 30 years ago that I’d be featured on a Little Texas track, I would have laughed in disbelief. But today, the lines between genres are beautifully blurred, and fans embrace this cross-pollination of styles and artists. The music business landscape is shifting, and once again, Little Texas is trailblazing, leading by example. This experience has been a true blessing, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity,” added Sunny Sauceda.

“When I had the idea for this, I wanted to create something that would honor the band’s legacy while also celebrating the diverse cultural landscape that makes Texas special. The Texican version of “God Blessed Texas” is a tribute that bridges two rich cultures, bringing together the universal love of music. It’s a collaboration that I’m incredibly proud of, and I hope it resonates with everyone who hears it, just as the original did,” proudly stated Executive Producer Brandyn Steen. 

“Tejano music has been a part of Texas country music for as long as I can remember. Artists like Johnny Rodriguez, Emilio Navaira, and Freddy Fender were heard on country radio when we started out in the early 90s. And it’s a little-known fact that Freddy Fender was indirectly responsible for Little Texas getting our record deal with Warner Bros. If it hadn’t been for him, Little Texas might have never been heard. When we started talking about doing a Tejano version of ‘God Blessed Texas,’ I immediately called my friend, Sunny Sauceda, and asked for his help. I met Sunny at a show about 20 years ago and immediately called him ‘The Edward Van Halen of the accordion.’ He jumped at the prospect and brought in his touring buddy and collaborator, Rico Gonzales, from the band Kin Faux. Of course, I had heard of the band, but I didn’t know that Rico was such a fantastic fiddle player. Then, we brought in the international superstar Keith Nieto, who added his vocals and saxophone to the mix, and there it was – the perfect Latino version of “God Blessed Texas” in both English and Spanish. I think Freddy Fender would, and Johnny Rodriguez especially will be proud of this one,” shared Duane Propes of Little Texas.

The newly released version of “God Blessed Texas (Dios Bendijo Tejas)” was recorded at ER Studio in Nashville, Tennesse, and Stormy Cooper Media in Houston, Texas.

Key people involved in the project included Brandyn Steen, Executive Director, Music Producer, Duane Propes, Stormy Cooper, Mixing, and David Spielberg and Stormy Cooper Engineered the project. Four17 is working alongside Dallas / San Antonio, Texas-based Azteca Ranch Music to release this unique Spanglish version called “Texican” style, incorporating southwestern sounds and a bit of Spanish in the mix with the original. 

Studio musicians on the new project were Mark Matejka (lead and acoustic guitar), Duane Propes (bass), Corey Wright (drums), Rico Gonzalez (fiddle), Sunny Sauceda (accordion) and Keith Nieto (Saxophone).

The “God Blessed Texas” tribute “Dios Bendijo Tejas” is available for download and streaming on all digital music platforms.

About Keith Nieto: 
Keith Nieto, saxophonist and leader of the band La Maquinaria Norteña, is one of the most persistent and talented artists in the music industry. Over the years, he has forged a prominent career in the regional Mexican genre with his brothers. However, his extensive experience is the perfect drive to discover his path and present his musical productions.
The leadership and experience gained with La Maquinaria Norteña, which earned Keith several nominations at the Latin Grammy Awards, will more than ever keep him true and loyal to his ideals and dreams, pursuing his solo career and evolving as an artist.
Alongside Azteca Music Group, Keith Nieto embarks on this new journey, establishing himself as one of the most important artists in the norteño sax genre and continuing to demonstrate the quality and skill that define his work.
 
About Rico Gonzalez:
Native Texan Rico Gonzalez moved to Michigan in 2015 with his wife and found fiddle work with a Country band, playing the popular cover songs of the time, where he met Dan Currier. The two of them hit it off well on long drives to and from gigs around the region. At the same time, Jakey Black IX and Ross Barkey comprised half of a prolific Outlaw Country band that also made its way around the state. The two projects overlapped occasionally, and as the pair of duos overlapped more often, they discovered a mutual appreciation for Texas/Red Dirt music. Contacts were made, and an experimental side project called Kin Faux was born. The band was inspired by the Texas/Red Dirt artists they all enjoyed, such as Randy Rogers, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, Turnpike Troubadours, and others. Unsure of how this brand of music would be received in Michigan, the band played sporadic off-nights as more of a creative outlet. Still, it quickly became apparent that an unexpected and thriving Texas/Red Dirt scene in Michigan was hungering for exactly the kind of music the boys were bringing to the table. Kin Faux shows rapidly made a name for themselves as high-energy, vastly entertaining events, and the band was regarded as “the band to see” in the area. It was time to bring this group out of “side project” status and into the forefront. 

About Sunny Sauceda: 
Sunny Sauceda is a Tejano music and Texas Country artist from San Antonio, Texas. Sauceda plays the accordion and sings. He is the recipient of three Grammy Awards. In 2005, Sauceda won a Grammy Award for best Tejano CD, for his part in Polkas, Gritos y Acordeones. Shortly after, he signed with Tejas Records and released a self-titled debut album in November 2005. He later started his label, Solstice Records, in 2009. 

Follow Tejano Nation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with everything Tejano. Listen to new Tejano music first with our Spotify playlists and iHeartRadio podcast.

---

---