Jay Perez Honored with Exhibition Induction into Totally Tejano Hall of Fame & Museum

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The legacy of one of Tejano music’s most celebrated voices will be preserved for future generations after Jay Perez was honored Tuesday evening (Aug. 4) with a special exhibit induction at the Totally Tejano Hall of Fame & Museum.

Known affectionately by fans as “La Voz” (The Voice), Perez officially donated artifacts from his remarkable career to the museum’s permanent collection, including a signature black performance jacket worn by the Tejano icon. The exhibit celebrates more than four decades of musical excellence while ensuring that future generations can experience the story behind one of the genre’s most influential artists.

Standing before family, friends, fans, and members of the Tejano music community, Perez expressed both surprise and gratitude at being asked to become part of the museum’s growing collection.

“It’s an honor to be here tonight and I was honestly surprised when I got the call asking me to donate an artifact to this museum,” Perez said. “To be included in something that preserves Tejano music history is very, very special. Museums like this keep our music and our stories alive for the next generation.”

The induction represented another meaningful chapter in a career filled with accolades. Perez joked about his age before reflecting on the countless awards that have marked his journey.

“I told my wife one day, ‘I think I’m done winning awards,'” he said with a smile. “I’ve won so many awards already. I’m humbled. I’m very blessed.”

While his trophy case holds more than 40 honors, Perez explained that every award represents a different chapter of perseverance.

“Every award has a story,” he said. “Whether it be Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Group of the Year, Showman of the Year, Songwriter… every award has a story.”

He credited years of determination and fierce competition with helping him earn his place among Tejano’s elite.

“I had to work my ass off to get my name out there,” Perez told the audience. “I had to compete with the Joe Lopezes, the Ramiro Herreras, the Gary Hobbses, Little Joe, Sunny Ozuna, La Mafia—the list goes on.”

Rather than focusing solely on awards, Perez shared one of the lessons that has defined his career: encouraging young artists to find their own identity instead of trying to imitate someone else’s success.

Recalling a conversation with an aspiring singer who once asked how to sound like him, Perez said his response surprised the young fan.

“I told him, ‘You don’t want to sing like me. You want to be yourself. You want to create your own name. I want you to be creative—not created.'”

Perez said true success comes from believing in yourself long before anyone else believes in you.

“If you don’t have it here and here,” he said while pointing to his heart and mind, “the dedication that you put into your dream, you’ll never get where you want to be. Let the fans decide where you’re going to be, but first you’ve got to believe in yourself.”

Throughout his speech, Perez repeatedly thanked the people who have helped shape his career—from his wife, Roxy, and his family to the fans who have supported him since his solo debut in 1993.

“My fans have never, never, never let me down,” he said. “You’re going to have people who don’t like your music and people who love your music. You thank them all anyway.”

He also expressed appreciation to radio personalities, program directors, DJs, and music industry supporters who championed his music throughout the years.

“I’ve never known a family that’s gone out of their way to do something like this for an artist like myself,” Perez said. “Thank you to all the DJs from 1993 until now.”

Perez concluded with a heartfelt message centered on faith and the unifying power of music.

“This is not just about Tejano music, Chicano music, Conjunto music or Norteño music,” he said. “It’s about the universal language that we all speak as musicians and artists. The universal language is music.”

Closing his remarks, Perez thanked God for his blessings and encouraged everyone to continue supporting the genre he has proudly represented throughout his career.

“Thank you so very much. God bless you all. Keep La Onda Tejana alive.”

A Career That Helped Define Modern Tejano

Perez has long been regarded as one of Tejano music’s premier vocalists. His smooth multi-octave baritone and unmistakable delivery helped redefine the genre by blending traditional Tejano and conjunto with rhythm and blues, classic soul, and country influences.

He began his professional career in 1985 as a drummer and background vocalist with San Antonio-based Mysterio before earning frontman roles with The Latin Breed and later David Lee Garza y Los Musicales. Those performances established him as one of Tejano’s brightest stars before launching his solo career in 1993.

His debut album, Te Llevo en Mi, introduced fans to Perez as a solo artist and was followed by acclaimed releases including Steel Rain (1994) and The Voice (1995). Over the years, he delivered enduring hits such as “Ven A Mi” and “Lo Que Yo Tengo,” songs that continue to resonate on Tejano radio and dance floors across the country.

Perez’s accomplishments include eight Latin Grammy Award nominations and seven Tejano Music Awards for Male Vocalist of the Year between 2000 and 2008. In 2010, he earned another Male Vocalist of the Year honor while also receiving the prestigious Male Vocalist of the Decade award, recognizing his lasting impact on the genre.

With the addition of his personal artifacts to the Totally Tejano Hall of Fame & Museum, Perez’s story will now live beyond concert stages and recordings, offering future generations a tangible connection to one of Tejano music’s most beloved voices.

For fans who have followed “La Voz” throughout his career, the exhibit stands as both a celebration of his extraordinary accomplishments and a reminder of the message he continues to share with every aspiring artist: work hard, stay true to yourself, and let the music speak from the heart.

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