Joaquin Castro Unveils Texas & Latino Nominations for National Recording Registry, Spotlighting Tejano Legends

SAN ANTONIO, TX — Congressman Joaquin Castro has revealed his latest nominations for the prestigious National Recording Registry, placing a strong spotlight on Texas and Latino artists—including several influential Tejano pioneers whose music helped define a genre and culture.

Now in its fourth year of highlighting Latino artists—and for the first time incorporating a public call for Texas music—Castro’s initiative received more than 400 submissions. His curated list reflects a diverse musical legacy, but for Tejano fans, the nominations carry special significance.

“Latino and Texas artists have played an important role in contributing to our country’s musical canon,” Castro said. “Beloved artists like Selena and Luis Miguel remind us of the power of Latino stories told through song and the importance of recognizing and preserving our voices.”

My office received more than 400 songs and albums to be considered for the prestigious National Recording Registry. I am excited to announce the Latino titles I am officially nominating. These songs represent a range of genres and the rich talent of musicians in our… pic.twitter.com/Nli1wBQJ43

— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) April 24, 2026

Tejano Icons Take Center Stage

Among the most notable inclusions is Selena’s landmark album Amor Prohibido (1994), widely regarded as one of the most influential Latin albums of all time. Often credited with bringing Tejano music to a global audience, Selena’s nomination underscores her enduring legacy decades after her passing.

Also recognized is Little Joe y La Familia for their 1972 anthem “Las Nubes,”a cornerstone of Tejano music that blended traditional conjunto with soul, R&B, and political consciousness.

Trailblazing female artist Shelly Lares earned a nomination for her album Quiero Ser Tu Amante (2003), highlighting her role in elevating women in a male-dominated genre.

The influential supergroup Texas Tornados received recognition for their crossover hit “(Hey Baby) Que Paso” (1990), a track that helped bridge Tejano, rock, and country audiences.

Other Tejano and Tex-Mex standouts include Sunny and The Sunglows with “Caminos Chuecos” (1963), Latin Breed for “Don Luis El Tejano” (1991), Bobby Pulido’s Desvelado (1995), and Mazz with No Te Olvidaré (1989)—each representing different eras and evolutions of the Tejano sound.

A Broader Texas & Latino Musical Legacy

Castro’s nominations span genres and generations, from country legend George Strait and R&B icon Beyoncé to Latin global superstar Luis Miguel and regional Mexican greats like Pedro Infante.

The effort aims to address a longstanding disparity in representation. Since its establishment by Congress in 2000, the National Recording Registry has inducted 675 titles. Yet, as of 2025, only about 4% of those recordings are attributed to Texas artists and less than 5% to Latino artists.

Building Momentum for Inclusion

Since 2022, Castro has pushed to increase Latino representation in the registry. His past nominations have already led to the induction of seven recordings, including classics like “Amor Eterno” by Juan Gabriel and “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee.

This year, he’s doubling down—advocating not only for Latino voices but also for Texas music giants, including Tejano trailblazers whose cultural impact continues to resonate.

For the Tejano community, the nominations represent more than recognition—they’re a step toward preserving a musical heritage that has long shaped the identity of South Texas and beyond.

As Castro continues his push, fans and advocates alike will be watching closely to see which of these iconic recordings earn a permanent place in the nation’s audio history.

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.

---

---