Former Tejano Broadcaster Jesse ‘Hollywood’ Rios Passes Away Unexpectedly at 56

EL PASO, TX — The Tejano music and radio broadcasting community is mourning the unexpected loss of Jesse “Hollywood” Rios, one of the most influential and charismatic radio personalities in Texas history. Born Jesus Carlos Arce, Rios passed away in his hometown of El Paso on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the age of 56 after a brief illness.

According to a statement from his daughters, Krystal and Megan, Jesse’s passing was sudden and came as a shock to family, friends, and fans alike. “He had a big personality and left a lasting impact on those around him,” they shared on a GoFundMe page launched to assist with funeral expenses. “His passing was sudden, and unfortunately, we were not prepared for the financial burden that comes with arranging a funeral and saying goodbye.”

Donations can be made through the GoFundMe page: Jesse “Hollywood” Rios on the 1s & 2s.

Jesse Rios began his legendary radio career at just 16 years old, working the overnight shift at XZOL Radio Sol 860 AM in El Paso while attending Eastwood High School. Juggling school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and night classes from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., he graduated in three years—a testament to his work ethic and passion for radio.

He quickly rose through the ranks, earning a coveted spot at Radio KAMA, then the #1 Spanish-language station in El Paso, hosting the high-profile afternoon drive show. From there, his career skyrocketed across major markets in San Antonio, Houston, Tucson, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.

In 1988, he joined TK Communications in San Antonio to program KXTN AM 1310 before launching KXTN FM on 107.5. Under his leadership, KXTN became the first Spanish-language station in the U.S. to reach #1 in its market across all demographics—holding that position for five consecutive years.

Rios’s groundbreaking influence didn’t stop there. He helped launch the first bilingual station in the U.S. (KOHT Hot 98 FM in Tucson), built the first Latin Hurban station for Clear Channel Communications (KLOL Mega 101 Houston), and introduced Club 95 in Phoenix. His roles spanned from DJ to General Manager, VP, and Executive Vice President, eventually shaping Hispanic radio networks and syndication efforts nationwide.

Fans and industry colleagues fondly remember Jesse not only for his booming voice and magnetic presence but also for his innovation and mentorship within the Tejano and Latin radio scenes. His last social media post, just two weeks before his death, mentioned two visits to the ER for neck spasms—an ominous sign of the health issues that would take his life far too soon.

Funeral services for Jesus Carlos Arce will be held in El Paso:

• Visitation: Friday, May 30, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Vigil/Rosary at 6:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Homes–East, 750 N. Carolina.
• Funeral Mass: Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 7712 S. Rosedale.
• Interment: 11:30 AM at Mount Carmel Cemetery, 401 S. Zaragoza.

Tejano Nation extends heartfelt condolences to the Rios family and all who were touched by Jesse’s talent, generosity, and unwavering love for Tejano music. His legacy will live on in the music, the memories, and the lives he influenced through the airwaves.

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.

---

---