Tortilla Factory Revamps ‘El Papalote’ for New Era, Premieres Music Video

Tortilla Factory is revisiting their roots with a fresh take on their 1973 classic hit “El Papolote,” originally sung by the legendary Bobby Butler, also known as El Charro Negro. This time, the song is infused with the soulful vocals of the band’s newest member, Marcus Daniels, a.k.a. “The Midnight Mariachi,” adding a new dimension to the beloved anthem.

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Alfredo Antonio Guerrero, son of the late Tony “Ham” Guerrero and the driving force behind Tortilla Factory, spoke with Tejano Nation about the decision to revamp “El Papolote” and what it means for the band’s legacy.

“Marcus had always been following Tortilla Factory and was a big fan of Charro (Bobby Butler),” Alfredo shared. “He wanted to meet Charro, but unfortunately, Charro passed away right before we were supposed to meet him. Afterward, Marcus and I became friends, and he came and auditioned for the band. He did a great job, and we started performing together. We wanted to give him the opportunity to record ‘El Papolote,’ one of the band’s biggest hits. He nailed it, and we’re excited to share it with the world.”

The reimagined version of “El Papolote” comes with an official music video filmed and produced by Lupe Moya, giving both longtime fans and new listeners a vibrant visual companion to the track’s timeless sound.

Tortilla Factory ft. The Midnight Mariachi — El Papalote (Video)
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But that’s not all—Tortilla Factory is also putting the finishing touches on a brand-new album in honor of their 50th anniversary, which Alfredo says is set to drop later this year. The band is gearing up for a busy summer of live performances, including stops at the Vegas Tejano Takeover in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 11, and the Tejano Conjunto Festival in Sacramento, California, on August 31.

Adding to the excitement, the group recently welcomed trumpeter Ram Amaya, a former member of Abraham Quintanilla’s Los Dinos, to their lineup. With two-time Grammy winner “Wild Bill” Perkins serving as the band’s music director, Tortilla Factory continues to blend tradition with innovation, staying true to their Tejano roots while charting new territory for the next generation of fans.

Stay tuned to Tejano Nation for updates on the upcoming album release, tour dates, and more as Tortilla Factory celebrates their golden anniversary with the same passion and dedication that has made them a beloved fixture in Tejano music for decades.

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