Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame Inducts 2025 Class in Alice, Texas

ALICE, TX — The Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame officially welcomed its 2025 induction class during a special ceremony held Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the County Fairgrounds in Alice, Texas. The annual event celebrated a wide-ranging group of honorees whose contributions span every corner of the Tejano music industry—from chart-topping performers and influential broadcasters to engineers, promoters, instrumentalists, and historic venues.

This year’s class reflects the depth and diversity of Tejano music’s legacy. Among the most notable inductees was Bobby Pulido, who was honored as Male Entertainer. A cornerstone artist of the modern Tejano era, Pulido took the stage to accept his honor ahead of a live performance, delivering an emotional and heartfelt speech that acknowledged his faith, family, band, and the pioneers who paved the way.

“Without God, it wouldn’t happen,” Pulido said, before thanking his parents, Roberto and Diana Pulido, for instilling humility and perseverance. He also expressed gratitude to his family for supporting him through the challenges of life on the road, and to his band for standing by him. Pulido went on to honor industry legends and pioneers, noting their role in opening doors for artists like himself.

During his remarks, Pulido also acknowledged the recent passing of Abraham Quintanilla, recognizing his lasting impact on the Tejano industry and his role in developing some of its biggest stars. He further highlighted the importance of songwriters, singling out Beto Ramón as, in his words, “the best Tejano songwriter alive today,” and reminding the audience that songs are the foundation of every artist’s success.

View this post on Instagram

The 2025 class also included several individuals closely connected to Tejano Nation. Vic Gonzalez, longtime Tejano Nation photographer, received a Special Recognition Award, while Monica Peña, a Tejano Nation contributor, was honored in the Broadcasting category.

One of the evening’s most poignant moments came with the presentation of the Javier “JV” Villanueva Lifetime Achievement Award, which was bestowed posthumously upon Chano Cadena, alongside Marcelo Tafoya Sr. and Rene Joslin, recognizing decades of dedication and influence within the genre. Cadena’s legacy was further honored through the debut of the newly established Chano Cadena Accordion Player Award, with Roel Roy Escobar named as its first-ever recipient.

In addition to individual honorees, the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame continued its tradition of recognizing historic venues vital to the culture’s survival. This year’s Historic Dance Hall designation went to VFW – Alice, Texas, a storied location that has hosted generations of Tejano musicians and fans.

Established in 2000 by the Remembering Our Own Tejano Stars (ROOTS) organization, the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame has now inducted more than 500 individuals and groups. Its mission remains steadfast: to preserve, honor, and promote the rich legacy and cultural significance of Tejano music for generations to come.

Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees

Broadcasting
Mel Rodriguez
Monica Peña
Jesus Guerra
Gregory Moncivais Rodriguez
Ray Olvera

Male Entertainer
Bobby Pulido

Javier “JV” Villanueva Lifetime Achievement Award
Marcelo Tafoya, Sr.
Chano Cadena
Rene Joslin

Pioneer Tejano Award
Joe P. Ramos
Richard P. Vega
Johnny Tijerina
Joe A. D. Martinez
Greg Paredez

Bajo Sexto Award
Raymond R. Narro, Jr.
Raul “Pops” Rodriguez

Sound Engineer
Theodore (Ted) Hernandez

Chano Cadena Accordion Player Award
Roel Roy Escobar

Special Recognition Award
Mike Fuentes
Joe Morales
Victor Gonzalez
Janie’s Record Shop
Million Dollar Band

Promoter
Nick Guerra, Jr.
Dora Luna

Keyboards
Floyd Hannah
Gregory J. Ramirez

Guitar
Henry “Kike” Esquivez
Roberto “Bobby” Castillo
Victor Tovar
Danny Escobedo
Joe Otero
Isaac Bazan

Drums
Jose Angel Peña, Sr.
Javier Torres
Jorge L. Medin
Ruben Fuentes Casares
Juan “JB” Hernandez
Leonel Alvarez
Jorge Arellano, Jr.
Ricardo Ruiz, Jr.

Bass Guitar
George Esquivel
Fernand Aguilar
Roy Paniagua
Guillermo “Memo” Rincon
Robert Hernandez

Trumpet
Jonas Flores
Guadalupe Vasquez, III
Luis Juarez
Ruben “Venada” Gutierrez

Saxophone
Danny Triano
Donnie Alvarado
Mike Mora
Humberto R. Gonzalez

Accordion
Gilbert Zamora
Ramon Ray Diaz De Leon, IV
Oziel Garza, Jr.

Vocalist
Leeroy Camarillo
Gilbert Garcia Cuevas
Alejandro C. Lopez, Jr.
Jesse Gomez
Christina Romo Olvera
Gonzalo Perez
Joe A. Gutierrez
Danny E. Martinez

Historic Dance Hall
VFW – Alice, Texas

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.

---

---