Shelly Lares honored with exhibit induction at Totally Tejano Hall of Fame & Museum

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — One of Tejano music’s most influential and beloved entertainers received another well-deserved honor this week as Shelly Lares was officially inducted into the exhibit collection at the Totally Tejano Hall of Fame & Museum during a special ceremony on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Held at the museum, located at 1414 Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio, the evening celebrated the extraordinary career of the San Antonio native whose music, mentorship, and influence have helped shape generations of Tejano artists and fans.

Lares’ permanent exhibit features personal memorabilia, stage artifacts, awards, photographs, performance attire, and treasured keepsakes spanning more than four decades in music. The collection preserves her remarkable contributions to Tejano music while giving visitors an intimate look at one of the genre’s most accomplished and respected careers.

Affectionately known as “Little Miss Dynamite,” Lares has become synonymous with excellence in Tejano music through her powerful vocals, energetic performances, and heartfelt connection with audiences. Launching her professional career as a child before stepping into the spotlight full-time as a teenager, she quickly established herself as one of the genre’s brightest stars.

Over the course of her career, Lares has released numerous acclaimed albums and timeless fan favorites, including classics such as “Soy Tu Amor,” “Ganas de Besarte,” “No Quiero Saber,” and many others that continue to receive airplay and fill dance floors throughout Texas and beyond.

Her accomplishments have earned her multiple Tejano Music Awards, making her one of the most decorated female artists in the organization’s history with honors recognizing Female Vocalist, Entertainer, Album of the Year, collaborations, and more.

A career built on faith, family, and sacrifice

During an emotional acceptance speech, Lares first directed the moment away from herself and toward her faith.

“First of all, and before anything else, all of the honor and glory to God.”

She also thanked the overflowing crowd of family, friends, fellow musicians, media members, and supporters who packed the museum for the celebration.

Reflecting on her remarkable 43-year journey in Tejano music, Lares acknowledged the sacrifices made not only by herself but by every performing artist.

“Forty-three years is a long time that I’ve dedicated my life to this genre. We as artists sacrifice quite a bit… mostly our family time. Missing holidays, birthdays, graduations, baptisms. But I would never take it back. I’m very grateful that I’ve been able to do what I love.”

She paid heartfelt tribute to her parents, especially her late father, noting that July 23 marks the 10th anniversary of his passing.

Lares recalled how her parents closed their business when she was 17 years old so the family could pursue her music career full-time after legendary producer Manny Guerra encouraged them to take the leap.

“We went into a music industry we knew nothing about,” she recalled. “But we did it as a team.”

She also remembered her early years performing with Orquesta Hot Tamales beginning at age 10, crediting the group with exposing her to many of Tejano’s greatest musicians while helping shape the performer she would become.

Honoring mentors and opening doors

One of the evening’s most touching moments came as Lares recognized her longtime mentor, Dr. Patsy Torres, who helped nurture her confidence as a young performer.

She shared stories of Torres inviting her onstage as a child before stepping away and allowing the young singer to perform in front of packed audiences on her own.

“I learned very early what it was to be around a humble, confident woman,” Lares said while thanking Torres for her guidance.

Lares also reflected on entering a music industry where only a handful of women were performing professionally.

“Being one of the very first women in Tejano music is always something I will be very, very proud of. There were only seven women in the industry when I started. For us to take it to another level and open the doors for the next generation of women was very important to me.”

Music as a gift, not just a career

While celebrating her career accomplishments, Lares emphasized that music has become much more than a profession.

Quoting scripture and reflecting on her faith, she explained that her purpose extends beyond performing.

“Being a musician is not God’s will for my life. But to act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly… It’s about His presence in me while I do what I do.”

She described realizing the true power of music at just 10 years old while performing at a quinceañera in San Antonio.

Rather than feeling like a star, she said she experienced something much deeper.

“Music is the connection. That’s why I take mentorship so seriously. I want my artists to understand the gift.”

Building the next generation

Although Lares remains one of Tejano’s most recognizable performers, she admitted that her greatest passion today lies behind the scenes.

Through Shellshock Records 3, producing, songwriting, and mentoring young artists, she now focuses on preparing the next generation for long-term success.

“I like it better not being in the spotlight,” she said. “I enjoy helping these artists understand their gift and helping them get to the next level.”

She also highlighted her work as Artist-in-Residence at UTSA, where she teaches Tejano music to college students.

“Believe me,” she said with a smile, “they love Tejano. Don’t believe that it’s dead.”

Lares said she also found renewed purpose through her volunteer work performing for hospice patients, calling those intimate performances the most meaningful experiences of her career.

“When I am singing for a person that’s about to transition into the next life… there is nothing like it,” she said. “That’s when you understand that we are here to love people well.”

A legacy preserved

Lares concluded by thanking the museum, her fans, media members, fellow artists, and especially her wife, family, and longtime supporters who have stood beside her throughout her journey.

She reminded everyone that true success isn’t measured by fame or material things, but by the lives touched through kindness, service, and music.

“This is a celebration for me and for my parents,” she said. “Thank you all for this amazing honor. I’m so grateful to each and every one of you.”

With her exhibit now permanently housed inside the Totally Tejano Hall of Fame & Museum, Shelly Lares’ legacy will continue inspiring future generations who walk through its doors. More than a showcase of awards and memorabilia, the collection tells the story of a young San Antonio girl who became one of Tejano music’s greatest ambassadors—while never losing sight of the faith, family, and humility that guided every step of her remarkable journey.

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