Pio Treviño Reflects on Freddie Martinez Legacy Ahead of Freddie Records Artist Showcase

For more than four decades, Pio Treviño has been one of Tejano music’s most recognizable voices, and on Tuesday (Aug. 4), the legendary vocalist gave fans a heartfelt look back at his career while looking ahead to one of the summer’s biggest celebrations.

During an appearance on The Bo Corona Show, Treviño discussed the upcoming Freddie Records Artist Showcase, an all-star concert honoring Freddie Martinez Sr. on Friday, Aug. 14, at Texas Rodeo Saloon in Katy, Texas.

The showcase will feature an impressive lineup of Freddie Records artists, including Gary Hobbs, Jay Perez, David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, Pio Treviño y Magic, Mike Gonzalez & The Iconiczz, and La Fiebre.

Before discussing the showcase, host Bo Corona asked Treviño about his health after the singer experienced heart-related issues that concerned fans.

“That’s the secret,” Treviño said when asked how he has remained so positive. “I have such a great family and friends. We just help each other. My band is the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I just feel great.”

The interview also offered a glimpse into Treviño’s longevity in the industry. He recalled launching his band in 1981 and credited the musicians who have helped shape Magic over the years.

“I’ve had different musicians since then… they’ve all been great,” he said. “The ones that I have right now, I’ve had them for 20 years.”

Corona praised the chemistry of the current lineup, noting the seamless performances that have become a trademark of Pio Treviño y Magic.

The conversation then shifted to some of Treviño’s longtime friends in Tejano music, who are scheduled to be a part of the Freddie Records Artist Showcase. He described Gary Hobbs, Jay Perez, and David Lee Garza as close friends and shared memories of first meeting Jimmy Gonzalez and later Mike Gonzalez when the Bel-Airs opened for his former group, La Conexion Mexicana.

Treviño called the late Jimmy Gonzalez “one of the best producers and musicians” he had ever known, adding that Mike Gonzalez has successfully followed in his father’s footsteps.

One of the interview’s more surprising revelations came when Bo Corona mentioned La Fiebre.

Treviño laughed as he shared a story he says the band once told him.

“They also told me one day that they got the name La Fiebre from an album that I recorded, Magic Fever.”

A lifelong connection with Freddie Martinez

Treviño’s relationship with Freddie Martinez stretches back to the Onda Chicana era, long before he officially joined Freddie Records.

He recalled performing alongside Martinez while playing with Los Exitos and later La Conexion Mexicana, sharing stages throughout the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.

“I’ve known Freddie for a long, long time,” Treviño said.

He also remembered a time when Freddie Records representatives would visit clubs where his band was performing to promote the label’s newest releases.

“I felt honored for them doing that,” he said.

When asked what made Martinez such a successful record executive, Treviño credited his unwavering belief in artists.

“I think that the fact that he believed in success… and helping bands out,” he said. “Because he’s done a lot for a lot of bands.”

Treviño also revealed that he officially signed with Freddie Records on the same day legendary producer Jimmy Gonzalez passed away, a date he remembered vividly.

Invitation to Tejano fans

Closing the interview, Treviño personally invited fans across Texas to attend the Freddie Records Artist Showcase.

“De parte de un servidor, Pio Treviño, y todo mi grupo Magic, I would like to invite everybody to the Freddie Martinez Showcase honoring Freddie Martinez,” he said. “It’s going to be on August the 14th, so don’t miss it… come check us out because, like I always say, the magic is in the music of Pio Treviño and Magic.”

The special celebration takes place Friday, Aug. 14, at Texas Rodeo Saloon in Katy, Texas, bringing together an all-star lineup of Freddie Records recording artists for an unforgettable evening honoring the man whose label helped define generations of Tejano music.

Fans can enjoy performances by Gary Hobbs, Jay Perez, David Lee Garza y Los Musicales, Pio Treviño y Magic, Mike Gonzalez & The Iconiczz, and La Fiebre – The Pride of Pasadena.

The showcase celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Freddie Martinez Sr., whose vision transformed Freddie Records into one of the world’s most respected independent Latin music labels. Over the decades, Martinez has helped launch and develop countless Tejano artists while producing chart-topping hits that continue to shape the genre today.

Doors open at 6 p.m. at Texas Rodeo Saloon, 531 S. Mason Road in Katy. The event is open to guests 21 and older and will feature live music, dancing, food, and a celebration of one of Tejano music’s most influential pioneers.

Tickets and reserved tables are available now, and fans are encouraged to secure their seats early for what is expected to be one of the biggest Freddie Records events of the year. VIP information is available by calling (346) 482-8999.

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.

---

---