Los Palominos Mark 35 Years of Tejano Music, Memories, and Family During Special ’Domingo Live’ Interview

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Two major milestones in South Texas television and Tejano music came together when Grammy-winning Tejano icons Los Palominos joined Rudy Treviño and Barbi Leo on Domingo Live to help celebrate Treviño’s 25th anniversary with the show while reflecting on the band’s own remarkable 35-year journey.

Front man James Arreola represented Los Palominos during the special appearance, sharing memories of the band’s early dreams, the dramatic changes in the music industry, the group’s enduring connection with fans and what’s next as Los Palominos continue their 35th anniversary celebration.

The appearance was especially fitting for Domingo Live, a long-running Sunday morning television program on KIII-TV in Corpus Christi that has played an important role in showcasing Tejano and Hispanic music and culture throughout the Coastal Bend. Treviño, a Texas Radio Hall of Famer and longtime host of the syndicated Tejano Gold Countdown, has hosted the program for 25 years.

“Welcome back to Domingo Live,” Barbi Leo said during the interview. “As promised, Grammy-winning Tejano icons, Los Palominos, are here with us this morning on Domingo Live, helping us celebrate Rudy Treviño’s 25 years, and they’re celebrating 35 years in the building.”

A 35-Year Journey Built on Family and Dreams

Treviño asked Arreola how Los Palominos had managed to maintain their unity as a family for 35 years despite the many challenges that come with a career in the music business.

Arreola acknowledged that the journey has included both good and difficult moments, but said the band’s foundation goes back to a childhood dream of becoming musicians.

“For sure, I mean, good things and bad things, but, you know, it was always our dream as kids to be musicians,” Arreola recalled.

He remembered watching television and seeing the Grammy Awards as a young musician and dreaming about one day becoming an artist who could perform on a major stage.

“We’ve been so blessed,” Arreola said. “We’ve done so many things, you know, and to be doing it today, 35 years later, you know, it’s amazing.”

That journey began in 1989 in Uvalde, Texas, where the Arreola brothers formed Los Palominos. Over the decades, the group developed a distinctive sound that blended traditional conjunto roots with contemporary Tejano production, norteño influences and romantic balladry. The band’s career has earned them one Grammy Award and three Latin Grammy Awards.

Arreola said the stories shared by fans over the years are among the most meaningful reminders of how far the group has come.

“The stories we hear from the fans,” he said. “I heard you back in 1990. It was like so long, so long ago.”

He jokingly described the 1990s as almost a blur because the band’s career was moving so quickly.

“Sometimes I tell people, I think the 90s were like a blur to us because things were happening so fast,” Arreola said.

The Music Industry Has Changed — But the Live Connection Remains

Leo asked Arreola about the biggest changes he has witnessed in the Tejano industry during the past 35 years.

For Arreola, one of the most significant changes has been the evolution of technology and how artists reach their audiences.

“When we started out, there was no platforms,” he explained. “There was no Facebook, you know, or social media.”

Today, artists can release music digitally and reach listeners around the world through social media and streaming platforms.

“Everything’s digital,” Arreola said. “Nobody buys CDs and stuff like that.”

But while the business surrounding music has changed dramatically, Arreola said the heart of Los Palominos has remained exactly the same.

“For us, it’s always been getting on stage and doing it live,” he said. “So it’s like, it’s the same thing that doesn’t change.”

That direct connection between the band and its audience, he added, remains one of the greatest rewards of a career that has now spanned three and a half decades.

“The connection that we make with the audience, you know, that’s the most amazing thing,” Arreola said. “And for us to be able to still do that 35 years later, you know, people still connect with our music. It really is an amazing thing.”

Celebrating Their Texas Roots

Los Palominos’ anniversary year has included celebrations throughout Texas, including their annual Palomino Fest, which Arreola said recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The band was also recognized by the state of Texas during the celebration, receiving a proclamation and a Texas flag that had been flown over the State Capitol.

“It’s stuff that we never even dreamed about,” Arreola said.

For a group that has always proudly represented its Texas roots, the recognition carried special meaning.

“We were born and raised here in Texas,” he said. “We’re fellow Texans. So it’s like we’re proud to be Texans.”

The band’s 35th anniversary has become a year-long celebration. Tejano Nation reported earlier this year that Los Palominos launched their 35th Arena & Theatre Tour, beginning June 20 in Edinburg, with a series of special performances celebrating the group’s music and legacy.

The anniversary plans were designed to give longtime fans an opportunity to revisit the band’s extensive catalog, including songs that may not have been performed live in years.

“Thirty-five years gives you a chance to record so much music,” Arreola said when the tour was announced. “Through the years, you forget about these songs. Now this gives us a chance to go back and bring some of this music back.”

New Music on the Way

Treviño also asked what Los Palominos are currently working on.

Arreola revealed that the band is working on new music that could be released in the coming months.

“We’re working on some music,” he said. “Hopefully it’ll be out in the next couple of months.”

He also discussed the group’s most recent album, El Orgullo de Uvalde, which features the band’s interpretations of classic songs.

“The album is called El Orgullo de Uvalde de los Palominos,” Arreola explained. “And it’s got a bunch of old classic songs, you know. Our versions of the song.”

The project reflects something Arreola believes has always been important to Los Palominos: connecting generations through music.

“I think they connect to the classics,” he said.

The group’s recent catalog has continued to draw from classic Regional Mexican material while putting its unmistakable Los Palominos sound on familiar songs. Highlighted releases including the group’s version of “No Le Digas A Nadie,” as well as “Y Por Esa Calle Vive” and “Entre Copa Y Copa.”

Los Palominos’ 2023 album El Orgullo de Uvalde was also nominated for Tejano Album of the Year at the 44th Annual Tejano Music Awards, while James Arreola was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year. Arreola also won Collaboration of the Year with Elida Reyna for “Es Contigo.”

Corpus Christi Celebration Set for September 26

For South Texas fans, the anniversary celebration continues in Corpus Christi.

During the Domingo Live interview, Arreola invited fans to join Los Palominos for their 35th anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Selena Auditorium at the Hilliard Center in Corpus Christi.

“We’re doing it here in Corpus on the 26th,” Arreola said. “September 26th we’ll be out there. So we want to invite everybody to come in and join us.”

Arreola promised a night filled with the music that helped define Los Palominos for generations of Tejano fans.

“A lot of music of Los Palominos,” he said. “Come back and really go back and remember some of these hits recorded back in the 90s and 2000s.”

“And of course, you know, come and enjoy a great night of music,” he added. “Let’s celebrate 35 years for sure.”

A Celebration of Two Enduring South Texas Institutions

The Domingo Live appearance brought together two legacies that have helped keep Tejano music visible and accessible to South Texas audiences.

For 35 years, Los Palominos have carried their music from Texas dance halls and stages to audiences around the world. Meanwhile, Treviño has spent decades using television and radio to spotlight Tejano artists and culture, including through his long-running Tejano Gold Countdown.

The significance of the moment was not lost on Arreola, who congratulated Treviño on reaching his own 25-year milestone.

“Thank you, thank you again for having us, Rudy, again, 25 years,” Arreola said.

As Los Palominos celebrate 35 years, the band continues to look forward while honoring the music and memories that built its legacy.

For Arreola, the secret to surviving three and a half decades is ultimately simple: remain connected to the audience.

After 35 years, that connection remains as strong as ever.

“It’s been an amazing ride,” Arreola said. “And we’re so blessed to be doing this for 35 years.”

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