PHOTOS: Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame Celebrates 2024 Inductees

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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