Marlissa Vela Honors Her Father’s Legacy With New Single ‘Me Voy Al Amanecer’

Marlissa Vela is continuing to honor the legacy of her late father, Conjunto music legend Ruben Vela, with the release of “Me Voy Al Amanecer,” the fourth single from her long-awaited tribute album dedicated to the influential accordionist and his enduring contributions to Conjunto music.

For Marlissa, the latest release represents another important milestone in a project that has been four years in the making. Through a series of classics made famous by her father, she is preserving his musical legacy while bringing her own vocal style and personality to the songs that helped define his career.

“It has been such a huge milestone for me and it has been four years in the making,” Marlissa shared. “This will be the fourth song off the Tribute Album in honor of my Father Ruben Vela. Thank you so much for your support and stay tuned for alot more to come!”

With its energetic rhythm and polished production, “Me Voy Al Amanecer” offers another preview of the forthcoming album, which has become a deeply personal undertaking for the singer-songwriter.

A Tribute Four Years in the Making

What began as a passion project to celebrate Ruben Vela’s musical contributions evolved into an emotional journey that tested Marlissa’s determination and strengthened her commitment to completing the album.

Throughout the process, she faced personal struggles, production delays and the heartbreaking loss of one of her own bandmates. The challenges at times made finishing the project seem uncertain, but the support of family, friends and fans helped her persevere.

“There were times I didn’t think I’d finish,” Marlissa shared. “Life threw more than a few setbacks my way—personal struggles, delays in production, and the heartbreaking loss of one of my own bandmates. He was so young. That kind of blow just takes the wind out of you.”

Despite those hardships, the memory of her father and the impact his music continues to have on listeners gave her the motivation to move forward.

“Every time I wanted to give up, I thought of my dad and the joy his music brought people. That’s what gave me the strength to keep moving forward.”

Now, with the album nearing completion, Marlissa is preparing to share more of the music that connects her to her father and the generations of fans who have kept his legacy alive.

Carrying the Ruben Vela Legacy Forward

An American Tejano and Conjunto singer-songwriter known for her powerhouse vocals, Marlissa has been surrounded by music since birth. While her father’s influence remains central to her musical journey, she has developed her own identity through a combination of heartfelt tributes and original compositions.

Her first surprise appearance onstage came in 1997, when she opened for her father in Santa Rosa, Texas. Her talent caught the attention of Rick Garcia, producer and CEO of CHR Records, who recognized her potential early in her career.

Marlissa has since built a résumé that includes multiple albums, singles and music videos, along with television hosting and modeling appearances in national magazines.

Her performances have included the Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio, the Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair and the Vegas Tejano Takeover. She has also appeared on influential regional television programs, including The Johnny Canales Show.

Her vocal ability and distinctive style have earned industry recognition, including nominations for Upcoming Female Vocalist and Female Vocalist at the Texas Talent Musicians Association awards.

Although she continues to honor her father through music, Marlissa approaches each recording with her own artistic perspective, bringing fresh energy and individuality to the classics associated with Ruben Vela.

A Partnership Built on Music and Tradition

Signed to CHR Records since 2018, Marlissa has worked closely with Garcia, her longtime producer and the label’s CEO, on the tribute project.

Their collaboration has helped shape an album that respects the traditional sound and spirit of Ruben Vela’s music while allowing Marlissa’s own interpretation to shine through.

For the singer, the project represents far more than a collection of recordings. It is an opportunity to celebrate her father’s influence, connect with longtime Conjunto fans and introduce his music to listeners who may be discovering his legacy for the first time.

“This album is more than just music to me,” she said. “It’s a tribute, it’s healing, and it’s a way to say thank you—to my dad, to the fans, and to everyone who’s believed in me. I can’t wait for the world to hear it.”

With “Me Voy Al Amanecer” marking the fourth release from the forthcoming album, Marlissa Vela is bringing the project closer to completion while keeping the music and memory of her father at its heart.

For the singer-songwriter, every new release is another step in a personal journey of remembrance, resilience and gratitude—ensuring that Ruben Vela’s enduring contribution to Conjunto music continues to resonate with longtime admirers and future generations.

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