Jimmy Gonzalez Named to Texas Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Jimmy “JD” Gonzalez, also widely recognized by listeners as “Bo Leo” Gonzalez, has officially been announced as an inductee into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026, marking a significant milestone in a broadcasting career that spans more than 40 years.

From a Teenage Radio Talent to a Texas Broadcasting Leader

Gonzalez’s journey in radio began in 1982, when he was just 16 years old and attending Flour Bluff High School in Corpus Christi.

A chance encounter with radio personality Andy Andersen during a high school career day sparked his interest in broadcasting and opened the door to a career that would eventually influence radio programming across the country.

He landed his first radio job at KRYS AM 1360 while still in high school. By age 18, he had already moved into morning radio at KITE before returning to KRYS as its program director, becoming one of the youngest programming executives in the market. He also helped launch Corpus Christi’s K99.

His early accomplishments were a preview of the impact he would make in several major Texas radio markets.

Record-Breaking Ratings and the Rise of Tejano Radio

During the 1980s and 1990s, Gonzalez established himself as a programming force, delivering major audience ratings and helping stations build strong identities.

While programming KZFM Z95 in Corpus Christi, he achieved a remarkable 19.1 audience share, described as the highest rating in the market’s history.

In 1993, Gonzalez moved to San Antonio to join KXTN 107.5, known as Tejano 107. There, he hosted the evening show and took on programming responsibilities, producing an impressive 20-share in nighttime ratings.

His leadership helped strengthen KXTN’s position as one of the most influential Tejano radio stations in the country, giving the genre a powerful platform and connecting artists with audiences throughout South Texas and beyond.

Gonzalez also helped establish a lasting tradition of community involvement through radio. During his time at KXTN, he launched the first Spanish-language radiothon benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an initiative that eventually expanded nationally and raised millions of dollars for children battling cancer.

In 1999, Gonzalez launched KBBT 98.5, known as The Beat, in San Antonio. The rhythmic contemporary station climbed to No. 1 in the market within three months of its debut and maintained its strong position for more than a decade.

National Executive Leadership and Expanding Hispanic Radio

Gonzalez’s accomplishments in Texas opened the door to major leadership opportunities in the national broadcasting industry.

In 2001, he was promoted to regional vice president for Univision Radio, overseeing Spanish-language stations in markets including San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Austin and the Rio Grande Valley.

He later became station manager for Univision Radio’s Houston cluster before being elevated to vice president of programming in 2006.

In that role, Gonzalez oversaw programming for 69 radio stations across 16 of the nation’s largest Hispanic markets, reaching more than 11 million listeners throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

In 2012, he joined CBS Radio to lead its Hispanic radio strategy, helping launch La Grande 107.5 in Dallas-Fort Worth while overseeing major Spanish-language broadcasting operations.

His career has included industry recognition, including multiple Radio Ink honors for Best Program Director in America, Radio Ink‘s 2024 Marketer of the Year recognition and the prestigious Medalla De Cortez.

Beyond his executive responsibilities, Gonzalez has also contributed to the industry through advisory work with the National Association of Broadcasters and community organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Neighborhoods Inc. Houston.

Keeping Tejano Music on the Airwaves with FIERRO HD Puro Tejano

Despite his success in mainstream Hispanic radio and national broadcasting leadership, Gonzalez has maintained a strong commitment to Tejano music and the artists who represent the genre.

In 2016, he launched FIERRO HD Puro Tejano, creating a dedicated broadcast platform for Tejano music and helping bring the genre to new audiences through digital radio and streaming.

The station initially launched on KMVK 107.5 HD2 in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, making it the first dedicated 24-hour Tejano radio station in the area in many years.

On November 13, 2019, FIERRO HD expanded into Houston with its launch on KLOL 101.1 HD2, extending its reach into another major Texas market.

The station continues under the Audacy umbrella, providing listeners in Texas and around the world access to Tejano music through its broadcast and streaming platforms.

Gonzalez has also remained involved with the Texas Talent Musicians Association (TTMA), hosting the nationally syndicated Tejano Music Awards Radio Show and supporting the continued visibility of Tejano artists and music.

His work with FIERRO HD reflects a career-long commitment to ensuring Tejano music maintains a presence in an evolving radio landscape.

A Legacy of Broadcasting, Community and Tejano Culture

Throughout his career, Gonzalez has worked across multiple formats and broadcasting platforms, building radio brands, developing talent and helping expand opportunities for Hispanic broadcasters and Tejano artists.

Portrait of a bearded man wearing a white cowboy hat, white shirt, and black blazer — Jimmy “JD” Gonzalez has been named to the Texas Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026, honoring more than four decades of leadership in Spanish-language broadcasting and his lasting impact on Tejano radio. *(Courtesy Photo)*

His influence extends beyond ratings and programming accomplishments. Through his work with charitable organizations, industry associations and music organizations, he has helped connect radio with the communities it serves.

His induction into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame recognizes not only his success in major Texas markets but also his contributions to the evolution of Spanish-language broadcasting and the continued promotion of Tejano music.

For Gonzalez, the Class of 2026 honor adds another milestone to a career that began with a teenager’s opportunity at a Corpus Christi radio station and grew into a nationally recognized broadcasting legacy.

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 includes 20 radio professionals, with five additional broadcasters being posthumously recognized as Lone Star Legacies. Gonzalez joins fellow inductees from across Texas who have helped shape the state’s broadcasting history.

The annual induction ceremony will take place November 7 at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore. Additional information about the inductees, induction weekend and tickets is available at the Texas Radio Hall of Fame website.

For Tejano music and its listeners, Gonzalez’s induction is also a celebration of the broadcasters and industry leaders who have helped keep the music alive on the airwaves for generations.

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