Pete Astudillo Embraces Tejano’s Next Chapter With Karol G Collaboration, Flaco Jiménez Tribute and New Music on the Way

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Four decades into his music career, Pete Astudillo continues to write, record and champion Tejano music.

During a Sept. 4 interview with Jonny Ramirez on Tejano 95.7 FM in San Antonio, Astudillo reflected on his unlikely journey from migrant farmworker and restaurant worker to one of Tejano music’s most respected songwriters. He also discussed his recent collaboration with Karol G, his tribute to Flaco Jiménez, new music on the way and his hopes for Tejano’s future.

🎙️ LISTEN: Pete Astudillo Talks Karol G, Flaco Jiménez, New Music & Tejano’s Future

From Laredo to Selena y Los Dinos

Astudillo grew up in Laredo, Texas, in a family he described as extremely poor. He recalled visiting his grandparents in Mexico, where their adobe home had dirt floors, no running water or electricity, and his grandmother cooked tortillas over an open fire.

He spent approximately 13 years working as a migrant farmworker with his family before moving into restaurant work.

“My dad didn’t have no education,” Astudillo recalled, “but he always wanted us to go to school.”

Eventually, his passion for music won out.

That decision led him to Selena y Los Dinos and a songwriting career that helped shape the sound of Tejano music in the 1990s.

Astudillo is credited as a co-writer on Selena classics including “Como la Flor,” “Amor Prohibido” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.” He later launched a successful solo career, beginning with his 1992 album Entregate a Mi.

A New Generation: Karol G

One of the most significant chapters in Astudillo’s recent career came through his collaboration with Colombian superstar Karol G. Astudillo co-wrote “Alguien Que Te Amaba,” featured on Karol G’s 2026 album No Me Arrepiento de Sentir Tanto, alongside Karol G and Édgar Barrera.

The experience became especially meaningful when Astudillo attended Karol G’s massive Alamodome concert in San Antonio and watched her perform the song he helped create.

“It was emotional,” Astudillo told Ramirez.

He praised Karol G’s connection to Tejano music and Selena, describing her as an artist who genuinely cares about her audience and the music she performs. Astudillo also emphasized that Selena’s legacy should inspire artists without being duplicated.

“There will never be another Selena,” he said, adding that artists should make their own mark rather than try to become someone else.

“Goodbye Texas Tornado” Honors Flaco Jiménez

Astudillo’s latest release, “Goodbye Texas Tornado,” pays tribute to conjunto legend Flaco Jiménez, who died July 31, 2025. The song features Chris Pérez, Louie TheSinger, Los Texmaniacs and trumpet player René Gasca. Astudillo said the song’s title came to him while he was dealing with the impending loss of his aunt around the same time as Flaco’s death.

“I said, ‘Goodbye, Texas Tornado. We will meet again,’” Astudillo recalled.

The phrase stayed with him and inspired the song, which he wrote before Flaco was buried.

For Astudillo, the tribute was about recognizing Flaco’s enormous influence on Tejano, conjunto, country and rock music.

“He was an unsung hero,” Astudillo said, calling Flaco a pioneer who “opened paths” for generations of musicians.

The recording was made at Blue Cat Studios, where Flaco recorded much of his music, while portions of the video were filmed throughout San Antonio.

Astudillo said the collaboration with Chris Pérez, Los Texmaniacs, Louie TheSinger and Gasca unintentionally created a combination reminiscent of the Texas Tornados, bringing together rock, conjunto, country and Tejano sounds.

Released in 2026, “Goodbye Texas Tornado” has received support from Tejano radio and stations in Mexico, while continuing to gain views online.

Reconnecting With David Lee Garza

Astudillo is also continuing to collaborate with longtime Tejano artists.

He wrote and performed on “Haces Falta Tú” with David Lee Garza Y Los Musicales, bringing his distinctive vocals and songwriting to the project.

The collaboration is another example of Astudillo connecting Tejano’s established artists with a new generation of listeners.

Pete Speaks on the Quintanilla Family Dispute

Astudillo was also asked about the ongoing public dispute involving A.B. Quintanilla and his sister, Suzette Quintanilla.

Astudillo made clear that he does not know all the details beyond what he has seen publicly on social media, but said his feelings toward the family remain unchanged.

“A.B. is a great man. He’s my brother,” Astudillo said, recalling that Quintanilla gave him an opportunity approximately 40 years ago.

Astudillo said he remains loyal to and loves the entire Quintanilla family and hopes they can resolve their differences.

“I pray for all of them,” he said, encouraging fans not to add negativity to the situation.

He also expressed hope that Selena’s music and legacy can remain separate from the family’s personal disagreements.

More New Music Is Coming

Astudillo said he already has more music ready, with two additional songs planned as he closes out 2026. He also hopes to continue songwriting collaborations with artists including Édgar Barrera and Ricky Vela.

For Astudillo, the goal is to keep creating while connecting Tejano’s rich history with its future.

“We Have to Support Each Other”

Astudillo believes Tejano music is experiencing another upswing.

“We got to support each other,” he told Ramirez.

He encouraged fans to support both younger artists bringing new energy to the genre and veterans who have carried the Tejano flag for decades.

Astudillo specifically emphasized the importance of recognizing artists who have spent 30 or 40 years building the genre while also giving new artists an opportunity to grow.

“We got to pick each other up,” he said.

For an artist whose career stretches from Selena y Los Dinos to a collaboration with one of Latin music’s biggest global stars, Astudillo sees the connection between generations as one of Tejano’s greatest strengths.

And he is not finished yet.

Astudillo encouraged fans to follow his music, support Tejano artists and watch for his upcoming releases.

“Your voice, your voice, and your voice is your vote,” he said.

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.

---

---