Monthly Archives: January 2018
Little Joe Continues to Outdo Himself
Little Joe Continues to Outdo Himself
Story and photos by Ramón Hernández
Actor-singer-songwriter-bandleader, guitar player, record label owner and producer, Little Joe celebrated his 77th year of life on October 17th,2017, yet he shows no signs of slowing down.
It was in late 1954 that four 14-year-old teenagers, David Coronado, José María de León, Tony Matamoros and Cino Moreno, got together and set out to – with a slight change in arrangement -turn standard Mexican rancheras into funky dance tunes.
Now, 63 years later, four Grammy awards and one Latin Grammy award later, this musical trail blazer says that despite his numerous achievements, his most monumental, major accomplishment is about to come to fruition.
As a national spokesperson, Little Joe was chosen to promote Schlitz beer in the 1980s, Coca Cola, GMC trucks, Tony Lama boots, Quaker Oats in the 1990s and most recently Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
It was in the early 1990s that Coca Cola built a float for this five-time Grammy award winner’s participation in San Antonio Battle of Flowers parade. And, he served as Grand Marshall for the Texas Cavaliers River Parade in 2011.
In 2015, Little Joe shared the honor of being San Antonio’s Fiesta Flambeau Parade Grand Marshall with John Quiñones. Last year, Little Joe released “San Antonio,” a song which he dedicated to the City and all its ‘fun loving’ residents. Now, he has been selected to help kick off the Alamo City’s Tricentennial New Year’s Eve celebration.
“I have a crushed velvet green coat that I was to wear; but, it’s going to be so damn cold that I’m thinking of wearing a big top coat or whatever. it’s looking like last year when it was going to be 28 degrees on Valentine’s Day in Valentine, Texas and it was down to10 degrees by the time we finished the set. It was the coldest gig I ever recall performing in and we wore double pants, shirts, sweaters, jackets and I was still cold, but la gente loca stayed; and it was a great party,” Little Joe said.
“I was so honored that Mayor (Ron) Nirenberg asked me to do the Tricentennial kick off on New Year’s Eve because he and his wife, Erika, are such ‘good people.’
Watching Little Joe and the mayor’s rapport backstage, it was evident they had such great chemistry (see color photo montage in this issue).
Needless to say, Little Joe put on a kick-butt show as he and La Familia alternated from an English-language tune, to Spanish, and back to English.
Mayor Nirenberg and San Antonio’s First Lady danced a few numbers behind the bandstand. And, out among the thousands of well-bundled die-hard fans, one could spot some couples dancing to keep warm.
Onstage, KSAT-12 TV had two cameramen and a remote operated camera on a crane. Backstage, KENS- 5 TV and a second television crew roped off an area where they interviewed Little Joe following his set.
It was here, where Little Joe summarized this memorable occasion in three words he slowly stretched out, “It – was – fa-bu-lous.”
Then he jokingly added, “To celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial is special to me because I won’t be here for the next centennial celebration,” meaning in 3017.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
When this writer asked the Tejano star who had a line of GMC pickup trucks named after him in 1992; and who in 2015 added a ‘Star’ on the Palms Springs Walk of Stars to his many Platinum and Gold records, trophies, plaques, certificates, letters from presidents, governors and numerous other accolades what “he considered” to be his greatest accomplishment, the Tejano Music and Tejano Roots Hall of Fame inductee took a long pause as he played back hundreds of awards shows in his mind.
“You know, I really can’t pinpoint any one particular accomplishment, musical or otherwise. I guess I would say, staying healthy as well as I have because you know, when you get to my age, you must deal with and you may have to confront with high blood pressure, diabetics, high cholesterol and other ailments that come with age. I’m able to control my numbers because I approach everything in moderation. Then I enjoy hearing the doctor give me the good results.
Having said this, some fans have shared a concern about his liver since the see him drink many shots of tequila during his shows.
Little Joe seemed grateful for their concern. Then, he responded, “Contrary to what people may think, I do drink beer in my show. I drink tequila, but I don’t drink it here at home. I don’t go to bars, so the intake is not as much as people might think it is. And every three or four months, I do get a complete checkup.”
Little Joe’s mental wheels were still spinning until he obviously decided to let this writer be the first to know about his next major undertaking.
LITTLE JOE REACHES AGREEMENT WITH HARRAH’S HOTEL AND CASINOS
Ivan Hernández, Little Joe’s son, manager and booking agent said, “It all started about five years ago when Joe Ripoll, the president of Hispanic marketing in Las Vegas, began looking for a casino where dad could perform five or six nights a week.”
That move would have Little Joe joining the likes of Elvis Presley, Wayne Newton, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand and others as a resident performer in a big-name casino.
“I love Vegas because of the punctuality and the way things move forward. But, I really didn’t want to do five or six nights a week in one place. You know how I like to perform then move on. So, I kind of forgot about it,” Little Joe added.
“But the people in Vegas kept insisting and requested we do this. But instead of Vegas, we decided to do this in Laughlin, where I can say that I’ve performed in Laughlin many times and I’ve sold out every time.”
“We wanted to do this in a place that was not too big and not too small with an average capacity of 1,200,” Ivan continued.
Long story short, Little Joe recently signed an agreement with John Buschman, vice president of multi-cultural marketing for the Harrah’s Hotel and Casino family.
“I really look forward to working all the great events that the Harrah’s Hotel Casino people have for me. And as I’ve said before, they never really stopped pushing it. These guys don’t do anything without researching and getting their numbers together,” the legendary Tejano icon said.
“I’m excited about it, as you can tell. They want the Chicano crowd. That’s what they told us they want to do and there’s no one that can make it as easy for them. That’s the plan.
“They are really focusing on the Southwest and they also intend in doing the same in their casinos in Chicago, New Orleans, Kansas City and Atlanta City as ‘Little Joe Weekends.’”
“Kansas City and Chicago, that’s Little Joe territory,” Ivan gushed.
To kick it all off, Little Joe is performing in Laughlin on Mother’s Day Weekend, May 11 and 12 and they may add a day to that.
“In addition, dad will also be performing at the Harrah’s casinos in Kansas City in June, and Reno in July,” Ivan added.
“Furthermore, Laughlin is also proclaiming ‘Little Joe Month’ in October when they will name a showroom there, the ‘Little Joe Showroom’ with the focus being to cater to the Mexican American because they want the Chicano cliental.
“That’s where they will eventually begin to bring in groups such as Los Lobos, El Chicano, Tierra, Malo, plus other Chicano groups.”
“Harrah’s Casinos! That’s world-wide man,” exclaimed Little Joe. “Next to my health, that’s my most important achievement.
“Yes, I was initially intimidated, but you know what? What the hell, they have given me the opportunity to finish my showbiz career in some great spots. That’s an accomplishment.”
ON LITTLE JOE IS GOING TO CUBA
Little Joe was breathless with excitement as he spoke about upcoming trip to Caribbean island of Cuba.
“I’ve been wanting to go to Cuba for way over 40 years y nunca se me ha consedido (it’s never come to pass). So, when the opportunity came up and I was asked, ‘would you like to do a cruise going to Cuba?’ I said, ‘I’ve got my bags pack.’
The Cuban culture has always been real fascinating to me. When I had my Buena Suerte Records office in Los Angeles; and I was there over two years, I was in the middle of all the Latin major labels.
“And, when I was working with CBS Columbia before it was Sony, one of the record promoters that would take me to do all the interviews at radio stations, newspaper and TV was Cuban, Jesus Godoy and I loved him because he was always a gentleman. As we drove around Los Angeles, I had some wonderful conversations with him and the more I spoke to him about Cuba, the more learned about their cultura, about their food and the whole thing about Cuba,
“The more I got intrigued, the more I knew I really wanted to go; and I want to go before it changes, before it gets westernized because eventually it will.
“Para empezar con la música Cubana (To start with the Cuban music industry), I have great admiration for those people because of their tenacity and their drive. When (former Cuban President Fidel) Castro ousted them, they moved in. They came in (through Florida) and they quickly took over the entertainment field … They quickly became positioned in the record industry.
“Jesus Godoy, as I said before, was such an incredible amazing gentleman. So, I was always fascinated with Cuba. It’s a beautiful island from what I’ve seen in pictures and of course on TV. That’s why I’m so excited about going and I’m really, really, happy that I have this opportunity. That’s another reason I want to stay healthy, so I can enjoy the trip there.
“I look forward to seeing all the classic vintage cars and interacting with la gente cubana in their home environment; plus of course the cuisine.
“This quaresma will mark 29 years of being a vegetarian; but I’m not truly a vegetarian because I eat dairy products. I love cheese, and eggs.
“What I am is a pescatarian. Therefore, I’m looking forward to a great Cuban variety of pescado Cubano, marisco Cubano (Cuban fish dishes). That’s it, that’s it.”
Along with Little Joe going on this historic, voyage to Cuba, plus the Bahamas, is Rubén Ramos and Roberto Pulido as Los Tres Amigos.
In addition to the nightly performances from a lineup of amazing artists and exotic ports of call, your vacation will be filled with non-stop entertainment and fun with an exciting schedule of onboard events!
By now you’re probably saying, “Wow, wow, wow, tell me more.” For starters, block off November 5th to the 9th in 2018.
This is an all-inclusive cruise. Raza, this means the price of the cruise includes taxes, gratuities and all the alcohol you can drink. Is visiting the country that gave us the bolero, mambo and salsa music on your bucket list?
This trip will sell out quickly!!! So, don’t wait!!! Space for this cruise is limited and once it’s sold out, it’s gone.
A passport, and in some cases a visa, is required for this once in a lifetime golden opportunity. For more information and/or to sign up for this adventure of a lifetime, call (210) 318-5671 or go to www.tejanocubacruise.com.
This terminates PART 1 of a two-part interview with the ‘King of the Brown Sound.’ Be sure to read how Little Joe plans to turn Texas blue again, plus his upcoming new image here on River City Attractions; plus his take on the “Tribute to José Alfredo Jiménez” compact disc. In addition, he also answers all the questions on the assumptions and/or rumors of his retirement.
It’s a revealing, yet delightful, insight into what this living legend has up his sleeve for la raza.
Meet Little Joe’s Baby Brother
Meet Little Joe’s Baby Brother
Articles and all photos by Ramón Hernández
Every reader has heard of Little Joe, Johnny, Rocky y La Familia, right? Depending on your age, you may also remember Tony “Top” Hernández or Jimmy “La Avispa” Hernández? Then there is their youngest brother, Miguel Gilberto aka Gilbert Hernández and a recording artist in his own right.
Problem is, hardly anyone has heard of him because he has always been under the shadow of the band leader or lead vocalist of the bands for which he has played tenor saxophone. With that in mind, River City Attractions would like to introduce you to el más chavalito de los famosos Hermanos Hernández (the youngest of the famous Hernández Brothers).
His story begins on January 20, 1953 when as Little Joe said, “I remember coming home from school; and there he was, another baby brother.”
Shortly after he was born, Gilbert contracted polio, a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease, and he was unable to walk or talk.
“I don’t really remember those early years, but as I’m told, Jimmy took me out every day. And that he taught me how to talk, as well as walk.”
“For a long time, no one thought he was going to walk,” Rocky said, “But he did.”
That’s how Jimmy helped Gilbert overcame polio. By 1961, Little Joe and the Latinaires were a sort of house band during the Sunday 4 to 6 p.m. matinees at the Tropicana in Temple, Texas. And, to give his younger brothers a taste of performing, his brother, Jesse, would pick up a then seven-year old Gilbert and put him on the stage to sing “Ramona.”
Rocky, who is older, said, “Gilbert started singing before I did and when I looked up and saw people throw nickels and quarters on the stage, I got jealous and wanted to do the same thing,” Rocky recalled.
So, Jesse than gave the microphone to Rocky, he sang “Put Your Arms Around Me,” then filled his pockets with coins.
“Most of the week, until my parents came home on weekends, we would go to the Silver Dollar, the Drop Inn, Little Chicago, and the Red Ram, a black bar on 8th Street because that’s where the happening was.
“Then, there also was the Tampico, Charro and the Acapulco, all Mexican bars, also on 8th Street. And it was at the Acapulco where Little Joe started in 1958,” Rocky added.
In 1968, in an effort to make a musician out of Rocky, Little Joe bought him a guitar, but turned around and gave it to his brother-in-law, David “Spooky” Esparza, who a decade later became the guitar player for Los Fantasticos.
Next, Little Joe gave Rocky a tenor saxophone and Rocky later gave it to Gilbert.
“I was 15 and a member of the Travis Junior High School Choir, so I was very interested in music and quickly learned to play that saxophone,” Gilbert said.
By 1970, Gilbert and John Alexander, would get on a bus to go see Little Joe perform in Austin and Dallas. In July, he sat in with Rocky and the Little Giants when they went to open for Hank Williams Jr. in Amarillo, Texas.
“Then, before the year was over, I joined the David Gutiérrez Orchestra with whom I recorded two 45 rpm singles,” Gilbert said. “And a year later, I went on tour and recorded with Roy Montelongo plus Shorty and the Corvettes.
“The turning point in my musical career occurred when going home from a gig in Houston, the band left me behind in Somerville, but instead of taking a bus home to Temple, I went to Houston and there, I stayed with my cousin, Clara Salcido for about one year”
It was there that Gilbert joined Los Pares (The Pairs).
“Our manager, Larry Rick Barajas Sr., was a gambler that gave the group that name because there were two Richards, two Joes and two Mikes in the original band. He also bought us a PA system and provided us with rehearsal space by building an air-conditioned music room in his garage,” said Lonny Lalanne.
This band, which was from Manchester, on the southeast side and near the channel also included some musicians from Magnolia and Houston’s 2nd Ward, styled itself after Chicago. They were Albert Mogil, lead vocals; Tom Cruz, guitar; Larry Rick Barajas Jr., bass; John “Pan” Gonzales, keyboards, Gilbert, tenor sax; Lalanne on trumpet and Mike Rosas on drums.
“Back then, it was like a gang because we were bandmates and hung out together as the closest of friend,” Lalanne added.
“Within three years of playing at the Golden Fleece, the Latin Club, Latin World, the Stardust and the Pan American ballrooms plus upstairs on The Square, we became the ‘number one band in our age group.’ We were by far, such a well-known, band, that we began packing them in at the Lovejoy Center and the Albert Thomas Convention Center.”
As Gilbert and Lalanne explained, they became a very successful kid band because they looked, acted and hung out with older people. Then, as icing on the cake, they backed Neto Pérez on two 45 rpm singles and Rocky Gil on one single.
Their good three-year run ended when Gilbert started freelancing with other bands and Lalanne began to play with Fat Emma, the top Chicano music group in Houston. After Lalanne graduated from high school in May 1973, he flew out to Lubbock, Texas to do his first gig with Neto Perez’s band, which at the time included Tom Cruz.
The worst of fates fell on the band when Neto and two other of his musicians died in a car accident on their way back from a gig at 3 a.m. The accident occurred in Elgin, Texas and it was Neto’s body that took the impact.
The other musicians were Alfredo Ponce. This San Angelo-based trumpet player joined Neto when Gilbert De Anda broke up Coyote to join Tortilla Factory. The other was David Castillo, a great jazz saxophone player. Both were new band members.
“In short, everybody but me died in the car wreck,” Lalanne said with a hint of sadness and disbelief. I saw one die and two other dying; and I was the only survivor. So, I was the one that was left to speak to their families.
“Neto was the driving force and after he died the group sort of disbanded.”
A year later, Gilbert moved to North Hollywood and began playing with Tierra shortly after this band was formed by Steve and Rudy Salas in 1973. He also got to perform at the Hollywood Palladium with both rock and Chicano bands.
However, he missed Texas and early in 1979, Gilbert went back to Austin, where he joined the Paco Rodríguez Orchestra.
“That’s when I started singing lead vocals with a band,” Gilbert said with pride. I began by doing backup vocals, but he would coax me by saying, ‘Mijo started singing.’ But it was actually my brother Rocky that taught me how to sing at 15.”
On Easter Sunday of April 1979, Gilbert and his father Salvador Santiago Hernández, best known as “La Cotorra,” had been out partying in Austin since Good Friday, which happened to fall on Friday the 13th.
“Dad had brought me along as the designated driver. However, he insisted on driving his car back to Temple. So, I got into the car and knocked out. That was my last recollection,” Gilbert said.
They were headed north on Interstate 35 and Gilbert was asleep when Cotorra crashed his 1960 Chevy Sports Coupe in a head-on collision with an 18-wheeler. The car went under the semi-truck. The semi shaved off the top of the car and they were lucky they were not decapitated.
What saved them from this terrible fate is that Gilbert was passed out in a prone position and Cotorra immediately leaned over his body to prevent him getting killed. When he escaped with just a few scratches and five broken bones, Cotorra was hospitalized and kept in intensive care two weeks. He died Sunday, November 4, as a result of those injuries.
The following year, Gilbert moved to San Antonio where he says, “I freelanced with chingos de pura raza groups. If I wasn’t playing, when Little Joe came to town, I would go to his gigs, but I did not get up and sing with him because I had gotten into drugs and I was kind of like in the low side of life.
It was in the Alamo City where he met and wed Linda Martínez and their union was blessed with the birth of Santiago Salvador. Married and now a father, Gilbert began to clean up his act. So, each time Little Joe and Johnny were in town, they would call him up and he would go to their gig, get up on stage and sing “Margarita” with his two older brothers.
“But as hard as I tried, my marriage didn’t work out. We separated when my son was two and a half years old and in late 1984, I went back to Houston where I played and recorded with different orchestras and bands such as Avizo plus Rocky Gil, who died shortly thereafter,” Gilbert continued.
“I would play at the Phase 3 and La Bastio Club in the Market Square area with Roland Kirk. Roland has the distinction of being able to play three saxophones at the same time. However, the highlight of my career is when I sat in with Miles Davis.
“Then I recorded a compact disc and toured New Mexico, Arizona, California, Denver and Chicago with Sangre Viva, whose bandleader and lead vocalist was Rio Grande Valley native Gilbert González.
Gilbert, who is quiet and low-key, continued freelancing without any fanfare as one of the hundred
Fast forwarding to 2007, this is the year when Gilbert and Lonny Lalanne put together the Texas Studio All-Star Orchestra and recorded “Simplemente Mi Sueño.” The title tune in this CD was “Juan Piedra, a song his father, La Cotorra, had written in the 1950s. Not only did the tune become a big hit, but it was also nominated for a Grammy Award.
“I recorded the CD at Gilbert Velásquez’s studio with Lonny and Vic Nash plus twenty musicians from San Antonio,” Gilbert stated.
After that, Gilbert, who will turn 65 this month, continued freelancing until 2015.
“I went back into the studio, but no one wanted to help me,” he continued. “Then, halfway through the recording, I got real sick. I went to the medical center and found out I was dying of liver cancer. Since then, I have gone through more than $80,000 of medications.
“It was really bad, but I kept on recording until I finish my most recent CD in 2016.”
A look at the list of over a dozen musicians who recorded on this production is like reading off a roster of San Antonio’s crème de la crème.
To top it off, Little Joe recorded “Nuestra Canción” with his carnalito. He also supported his little brother’s “Canta Conmigo” CD by releasing it on his Tejano Discos Internacional label (TDI Records 139).
Vic Nash Espinoza wrote “Nuestra Canción” and Dr. Pete A. Sánchez, who manufactures Little Joe’s salsa, penned four more original tunes. If you haven’t heard Gilbert make his tenor sax sing, just catch one of Wild Bill Perkins’ Calle Seis performances.
Furthermore, this month everyone sailing on Chicano Cruise II will see and hear Little Joe and Gilbert sing in duet in what will truly be a rare, memorable performance.
Unfortunately, this cruise is completely booked and you will have to wait for the next cruise, meanwhile keep checking at www.chicanocruise.com or call (702) 9540-0298.