Freddie Martinez, Joe Jama, and Josh Baca among Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame 2024 Inductees

ALICE, Texas — The Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame has revealed its list of inductees for the class of 2024, honoring the contributions and achievements of over 70 artists, musicians, broadcasters, and promoters in the Tejano music industry.

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Among the notable inductees are vocalists Freddie Martinez, Sr., Joe “Jama” Perales, Ben Miranda of Latin Breed, Miguel Hernandez, Hilda Lamas, 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 will be honored with the Javier “J.V.” Villanueva Lifetime Achievement Award, and Anselmo “El Chemo” Martinez will be one of the recipients of the Pioneer Tejano Award.

The class of 2023 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 more. These instrumentalists 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 will be celebrated during Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame weekend on January 3-4, 2025, in Alice, Texas. The event will feature a banquet, a concert, and a ceremony to honor the new members of the Hall of Fame. Tickets and more information will be available soon on the Tejano ROOTS website.

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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