People
Whatever Happened to Óscar Martínez?
Óscar “El Gallo Copeton” Martínez is a singer, musician, songwriter, painter and author whose love for music dates back to 1940 when wanted to play a musical instrument so bad that he would pretend to play drums by beating a galvanized bucket, “una tina,” as he says, with a stick.
As a songwriter, Martínez is best known for composing “El Tejano Enamorado,” a tune that has been recorded by Isidro López, Little Joe, Sunny Ozuna, Jimmy Edward, Joe Bravo, Rudy Tee González of the Reno Bops, Gilbert Rodríguez and the Blue Notes, Carlos Guzmán, Snowball, Ram Herrera, Ramón Ayala, Jay Pérez plus at least two dozen other bands and vocalists.
It is also the tune considered by many to be the “Tejano National Anthem.” And one fact does hold true, it was recorded during la onda Chicana’s music era and it is the first tune to contain the word “Tejano” in its lyrics.
That is what he is best known for and now, here’s his story: This living legend was born to Pedro and Eloisa Martínez in Loma Rosa, a tiny barrio situated next to la Mantequera and Rose Hill Cemetery, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
When he was eleven and before they had child labor laws, he saved $29 from his earning as a ‘linen boy’ at the Driscoll Hotel where his mother also worked, to buy an old cornet, which smaller in size to a trumpet produces a sweeter and more mellow sound.
“In 1948, I joined the Driscoll Junior High School Band and I wanted to play trumpet, but instead, they handed me a tuba,” Martínez recalled. “Unfortunately, I was stuck playing tuba all the way through the Roy Miller Buccaneers High School Band, where one of my band mates was Lito Martínez, Freddie’s brother.”
This however, did not stop Martínez from honing his skill on the coronet and he was seventeen when Henry Cuesta’s father, Mike; and Eddie Olivares’ father, Chalele, had a combo that would play at Ybarra’s Place plus other cantinas and car hop restaurants on Port Avenue allowed him to join them as they went from place to place in a 1947 Chevy.
In 1952, both Martínez and Isidro “El Indio” López, on alto saxophone, were paying their dues and honing their skills with The Jessie Falcón Band, which featured Juan Pérez on vocals and the band leader on upright bass. Other members were Bobbie García on piano, Vicente Serna, guitar; Rudy Alvarado, alto saxophone; and Cucu Casares on drums.
El Indio next joined the Juan Colorado and Balde Gonzales orchestras and the latter turned his orchestra over to López in October 1954. Then he brought in Martínez and Lezandro “Lito” Martínez as his trumpet players.
A year later, the then twenty-one musician married the former Eduvina Pérez in a union that produced his ‘number one fan,” Iris, Javier, Jaimé and Imelda. All was well, but in 1956, the added responsibility of being a husband and father forced Martínez to quit and join the regular work force delivering auto parts as a truck driver.
“Isidro was recording with Genaro Támez’s Torrero label and the popularity of his orchestra had skyrocketed to the point where they had too many gigs and I could only join him on Saturday and Sunday; and that’s why I quit.
Still, Martínez kept on writing songs and a year later, López recorded “Tu Sabes Que Te Quiero,” the first song he ever wrote plus El Gallo’s “Mala Cara” and Martínez’s signature tune.
In 1958, this living legend formed the Óscar Martínez Orchestra featuring Juan Pérez on vocals. Gonzalo Lizcano, piano, Joe Guajardo, guitar; José Morris, trumpet; David Reyes, tenor saxophone; and Tony Ornelas on drums; made up the seven-piece band.
Within six months Reyes and the bandleader were the only original musicians left as the band grew with José “Pepe” Cavazos as a lead vocalist. Rubén Galván, guitar; Domingo García and Johnny Peña on bass; Óscar’s brother Víctor Martínez on trumpet; Rudy “Yopo” Alvarado and Félix Trejo on alto saxophone; Jessie “El Cadillo” García, trombone and Eleazar “Chale” Mendiola on drums. Almost overnight, the five horns made them Corpus Christi’s most brass heavy orchestra.
A major landmark or turning point in Martínez’s career occurred in 1964 when Cavazos, his lead singer was unable to make a gig in Víctoria, Texas and it wasn’t a question of just finding another singer, but one that knew their repertoire. Undaunted, Martínez was always one step ahead because always carried the lyrics to all the songs they performed on index cards and decided that he would save the night by stepping up to the microphone and make his vocal debut.
“After our first recording was released, we started performing all over Texas,” the 1999 Tejano Music Award Hall of Fame inductee said.
As for his personal influences, Martínez said, “Johnny Herrera was my maestro, my idol and my friend. He had a B.A. in music from North State University and he was one of the best songwriters around.”
El Gallo Copeton was referring to his youth, when he felt it was very important to write the music score for every tune in his repertoire and he was mentored by Herrera.
It was circa 1963 when the 78-year-old music pioneer wrote what is probably considered the most recorded song in the history of Tejano music. “And I used ‘Tejano’ before anyone had every thought of tagging our genre as Tejano music,” he clarified. “The downside is that we didn’t know anything about BMI and royalties, so I did not receive royalties for twenty years.
“As for our recording career, José Morante went to hear us at a Mexican club in San Antonio and shortly thereafter, he produced our first album.”
A follow up album, “Las Chicanas,” was such a hot seller that to keep up with the demand, Martínez would fold a flat piece of thin cardboard, insert the record, staple it and sell as many as 300 home-made LPs at each gig.
“In addition, I started selling my LPs to filling stations, an idea that Chano Elizondo of Vince Cantú and the Rockin’ Dominos and later of the Sunliner Band, also picked up on.”
Always one to give credit and pay respect, Martínez says he tips his hat off to Ruco Villarreal, who at one time had 14 musicians, also to Steve Jordan because as he says, “they were only four guys with two accordions and they sounded like an orchestra.”
As is the case of musical chairs with most groups, other band members included George “El Control” Rodríguez, trumpet; Gilbert “La Estrella” Ita, tenor saxophone; “Little” Rudy “Brown” Martínez, tenor saxophone and vocals; Pepe Reyes, guitar; Joe Mejía bass; plus Raúl Ornelas, trumpet; Richard Ornelas, Danny Garza and John Almaraz Alejos on drums. Johnny Rodríguez, Louie “Luey” Sifuentes; and Jessie Rivera would also fill-in as needed.
The face of la onda Chicana underwent a drastic change in the early 1980s as musicians took our music into a different direction and it became Tejano music. Keyboards, synthesizers, pyrotechnics, elaborate sound systems and new show bands emerged. So in 1983, the bandleader with the trademark large-frame tinted glasses officially retired. However, he never put his trumpet away.
In 1996, Martínez started to write a book on Tejano music history. His book, “Tejano Music Talk,” is illustrated with photographs, how own sketches and paintings; and best of all Martínez wrote out the sheet music to many historic compositions.
His book was published in 1999 and in 2003; Martínez was inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame.
As for his drawings and paintings, Martínez says, “I began doodling when I was in elementary school and I never gave them any importance until they started selling. Now my daughter, Iris, sells 11 X 17 prints on her website and the sales are really snowballing. Now the University of Texas in Austin wants to do a book.”
Did Martínez state he had retired? In 2008, he released a 16-song compact disc and a few months ago he released a two-song CD featuring “Kiss Me Again Tonight” and “The Corpus Christi Rose,” so don’t be surprised if the latter is adopted as the official theme song by the Sparkling City by the Sea’s chamber of commerce. And don’t forget that he also wrote “Mi Corpus Christi.”
You can take him out of his element, but you can’t take the music out of Martínez, the result is that he continues to perform in restaurants and for special occasions. What is new in the way of his live performances is that as a gimmick, Martínez now plays a pocket trumpet and man does it sound fantastic. Now 78, this living legend has not lost his touch.
For bookings, e-mail him at iris-simmons@hotmail.com and to buy his artwork, which is owned and marketed by Iris, his book or CDs, go to www.soiris.com and click on “Music & Art by Oscar Martínez.” And if one is ever in Corpus Christi on a Sunday, one can listen to El Gallo Copeton from 1 to 2 p.m. on Majic 104.9.
Luis Manuel is Determined to Succeed
Luis Manuel experienced the sadness of losing his father less than seven months ago, add to that, losing his best friend, mentor and role model all rolled into one.
“Image being eleven years old and spending Thanksgiving and Christmas without your dad,” internet radio station owner Margo Morones said. “This is what little Luis Manuel Longoria is going through right now. However, he vowed to continue his mariachi singing in honor of his dad and we (Morones and Jorge Flores) are going to underwrite his first compact disc.”
“I was four when my father, Luis Longoria Sr., taught me everything I know,” Luis said. “My father, who had a wonderful voice when he sang ballads and mariachi ranchera songs and my mother, Erma, played guitar at home so they were my first musical influence.”
Besides being blessed with a good voice, the first thing his parents noted is that he also had natural vibrato and by the time he was eight, Luis was warbling his own rendition of “El Rey” at Market Square.
“I also learned to play trumpet at the Wesley Community Center and sang at a Mariachi Vargas workshop. And it was there that I learned how to stay in tune and the use of the diaphragm. I also took voice lessons from my teacher, Mario Prado, and I’m still learning,” Luis said with a touch of modesty.
The Highland Hills Elementary School student was nine when Morones first heard him sing “Que Te Vaya Bonito” and “Hermoso Cariño” among other tunes, but it was enough to open the doors for the young lad to become a fixture at the Farmer’s Market indoor stage. This exposure landed Luis his first paid gig. It was a wedding following by numerous birthday parties where he sings an average of nine songs with pistas (tracks).
So what is it that impresses everyone? “Maybe it’s because I sing from my heart,” Luis guessed. “Or that I sing each song a little different. I don’t know?”
His parents were supportive and life was beautiful, but it seemed to crumble when his 57-year-old father passed on, on May 20 of this year.
“I was unable to sing because it was too hard,” Luis said as his voice choked with emotion.
Luis was now “El Gallito” (“The Little Rooster”), as his father had nicknamed him and he had to be strong.
“My mom told me to keep going,” the 4-feet-8-inch tall mariachito continued. “He used to sing, so I wanted to continue singing to carry on his genes (legacy). He was also a songwriter and before he died he wrote a song for my mom and he passed it on for me to sing. So ‘Los Recuerdos’ (‘The Memories’) is going to be one of the songs on my CD.”
A second tune is a work-in-progress and Luis’ first attempt as a songwriter. “I don’t have a title for it yet, but it’s a slow song about my father and how we did stuff together,” Luis revealed of what sounds will be a real tearjerker. “I actually started kind of working on this song before my dad died and what’s taking me long is still getting the feel of talking Spanish.”
With the loss of his father, his mother has her hands full with Luis’ two siblings, his seventeen-year-old brother Joseph and sister Amri; and incidentally, they both play guitar.
Scholastically, Luis is making straight “A’s” in math, but that doesn’t pay the bills. He owns two mariachi outfits, but has outgrown his first suit. Therefore Luis is very grateful to the “Brothers in Christ” motorcycle club, who are providing him with a new outfit. His official photographer is his Uncle Roger López and his mother, who is currently taking psychology courses at San Antonio College, is his personal manager and booking agent.
That’s why Jorge Flores is donating the studio photography, art and graphics and Morones is also funding his vocal coaching under the tutelage of Pancho Rodríguez. However, these are not acts of pity, but due to their intense respect and admiration of Luis’ God given vocal talent, his determination plus his poise, confidence and tenacity.
In closing, please don’t confuse Luis with Portuguese singer Luis Manuel or internationally known Christian-gospel singer Luis Manuel from Santo Domingo. Our Luis is the one that recently received a note personally signed by each member of Mariachi Vargas and can be seen running through the neighborhood with “Eight Ball” and “Skip,” his pet boxer and Doberman dogs.
“Sometimes they get in the way and knock me down,” Luis said with a laugh.
As for his long-term goal, Luis said, “My goal in life to be a great singer like Vicente Fernández and make my father proud. I thank God for my dad because he was the greatest man there could ever be in the world. I also appreciate the people that have pictures of me in their homes. Thank you for being there for me and supporting me and God bless Margo Morones for all he has done for me.”
To see Luis in action, go to www.youtube.com/luismanuellongoria and for booking call (210) 531-8964.
Whatever happened to Ralph Galván?
Ralph Galván Jr. is among the few remaining band leaders of the many orchestras that thrived in Corpus Christi during the 1940s, ‘50s, through the 60s and into the ‘70s.
With the exception of Óscar Martínez from the Sparkling City by the Sea, Óscar Ramos, Juan Colorado, Balde Gonzalez, Johnny Herrera, Isidro López, Beto Vásquez; and Ralph’s brothers Sammy and Eddie Galván all passed on.
The Galván family’s musical dynasty began in the early 1930s when Rafael Galván Sr. hired music teacher Bernabe Alvarado, to pick up his children at George Evans Elementary School, walk them home and give them three hours of music lessons which started with the music diction method of solfeo in which one sings the music notes.
“There were so many of us little ones that my father worried we kids would get into trouble and that music would keep us at bay and safe at home,” Ralph Galván said during an interview arranged by his daughter Edythe “Vicki” Virginia Hoeltzel and conducted at the Trisun Care Center in San Antonio.
As this writer walked up to greet the living-legend, the first thing one noted is that he looked so sprite and handsome. And as he reminisced, his mind was sharp as a tack as he recalled exact times, dates and names, even spelling them out.
The insight he provided on his father, Ralph Sr., is that he was a bail bondsman, owned a lot of properties, was the impresario of the Galván Ballroom, owned a late-model car, that they lived in a two-story house and that he was a stern, strict, but protective, caring father. He was not a musician. However, his mother Virginia did play piano.
“The result of our classical music lessons is that I played violin and the rest of my siblings played violin, viola, cellos, banjo, piano or guitar. So it was only natural that we called ourselves Los Hermanos Galván – Ralph, Sammy, Eddie, Bobby, Patti, Mamie and Virginia — began to perform at all the civic clubs. Their two oldest sisters, Beatrice and Rosa, who had beautiful voices, were the featured singers.
“When I entered Corpus Christi High School (CCHS), now Roy Miller High, I played violin with the orchestra, which was mostly strings, but I was mesmerized with the brass in the band, so I borrowed a friend’s trumpet and learned the scales. When I felt I was ready, I asked to be allowed to join the band,” the 88-year-young legend said.
With all odds stacked against him, he had to challenge and beat a trumpet player for a spot in the band. Galván succeeded and became the ‘first Hispanic in the CCHS Band.’
“I perceived they just didn’t want any Hispanics in the band and that motivated me to practice more, but I had an edge in that I knew how to solfiar (sing the notes). Eventually I worked my way up to ‘first chair’ and paved the way for my brothers.”
By the time, he reached ‘first chair,’ Galván, by playing along with jazz tunes on the radio, was already playing jazz. He was so good that his instructor featured him to do a solo during a school football game half-time and Galván wowed the crowd with his rendition of Harry James’ “Ciribiribin.”
After he graduated from CCHS in 1941, he continued to perform with his sibling until he was drafted in early 1942. As fate would have it, the band leader at the Army induction center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas happened to be one of the early creators of the boogie woogie. Galván wound up earning a spot in the U.S. Army Band.
“My father had to put my trumpet on bus in order for me to try out and I think this is the time, he finally accepted my choice of instrument.
“I was also stationed with Jack Teagarden’s son. Then I got shipped to Germany and Austria as a member of the 42nd Infantry Division Rainbow Unit under Maj. General “Hollywood” Harry J. Collins.”
Galván became a War II hero when the unit captured Donauwörth on the Danube on April 25, 1945. Four days later, the division, along with the 45th Infantry Division liberated circa 30,000 prisoners at Dachau, a Nazi concentration camp. And yes, before it was all over, Galván did get to dance a waltz in Vienna.
Even overseas, Galván continued to play with the U.S. Army Band, but his repertoire now consisted of military marches, Christmas carols plus good ole American music for war orphans to enjoy. Then, as his military stint came to an end, his father made it known that he wanted Ralph back home; and age did not make any difference to him because his word was the law.
“I was discharged during March of 1946, came back and started playing as a sideman with Hank Henry, Óscar Ramos and Jake Stephens.”
Eventually a pay cut by Stephens made Ralph and Eddie rebel and quit. Then, as reluctant as they were, they told their father, who surprisingly supported their decision. He knew the day would come when they had to form their own orchestra. To help them and to keep his son’s together, he bought them everything they needed from sheet music to music stands and other related items.
The fifteen piece Ralph Galván y Su Orquesta, the largest in the bay area made their debut at the Corpus Christi Civic Center on January 27, 1947. However, this didn’t stop Ralph from furthering his education as he continued to study music.
“I always told myself that I wanted to marry a blonde with brown eyes and there she was, sitting two rows in front of me in Del Mar College. She had been playing with the Houston Symphony since she was 14 and had moved to play with the Corpus Christi Symphony,” Galván said as his bluish eyes seemed to dance with joy at the recollection.
On July 11, 1948, he and Edythe Jeanne Stowers exchanged marriage vows at Sacred Heart Catholic where his entire band members served as groomsmen. This union produced two children, Ralph III and Edythe Virginia.
Before their first anniversary, Ralph and his orchestra recorded their first 78 rpm vinyl record, “Los Tres Pelonas” featuring “Amor Y Mysterio” on the flipside. Later, when they Americanized their name, they recorded “With A Song In My Heart” with “Avalon” on the B side on the Melhart label.
A year later, their Ralph Sr., who now owned rental properties, a store, restaurant, a drug store and a movie theater, decided to build a permanent venue for his musical offspring. By now, the popular orchestra had performed in Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, Houston and Dallas; therefore the ballroom would keep them home and close their families.
The Galván Ballroom was built from the ground up and it was “a dream come true” when it opened on March 2, 1950. The official grand opening, featuring the nationally known Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, was held twenty-six days later and hundreds of people had to be turned away.
Aside from the fact that it was the classiest venue in Corpus Christi, it was owned and operated by Mexican Americans and there was no segregation since Americans of Mexican descent and Anglo Saxon couples danced side by side. In addition, the Galván brother shared their love of African American-influenced culture and Big Apple-nightlife to their hometown at a difficult and tumultuous time when racism and discrimination was widespread throughout this nation. However, racial attitudes did not change overnight and it took time for Anglos to accept jazz, boogie woogie and hard as it may seem to believe, even rock and roll.
Ralph Sr. led by example and he wasn’t afraid to go against the tide when he hired Edward “Duke” Ellington. But regardless of culture, the premiere dancehall brought everyone together and this was proven with the Duke’s sold out performance to a mixed audience on February 13, 1952. The only sag is that segregation rules still applied and Blacks were not able to attend the Duke’s performance.
That’s veering off the subject of this article, who we now know why only Corpus Christians were privy to his immense talent for although his orchestra featured two vocalists, Buddy Blair and Wanda Gregory, Ralph, besides wowing audiences with his trumpet solos of “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White” and other hits, he would also step up to the microphone to sing “Hey Bubbarina,” “Charlie Brown” and other novelty tunes.
Those were the golden days when women would wear hats, gloves and evening wear to his weekly Sunday dances.
Three little known facts are that Ralph once took music lessons from Henry Cuesta’s father. Cuesta, as some may recall, played clarinet on the “Lawrence Welk Show.” The other fact is that Freddie Martínez, who would sit in as a substitute with the orchestra from 1956 to 1957, was his nephew since Freddie’s mother, Rosa (who married Lee Sr.), is Ralph’s sister. A year later, in 1958, Freddie formed his own orchestra.
May 9, 1968 marked the turning point in Ralph’s musical career when his son, Ralph III, drowned while trying to save a 14-year-old girl. He was later awarded the Carnegie Medal of Honor for heroism, but Ralph was so broken-hearted, he could not continue and placed his trumpet in his son’s casket. Eddie temporarily took over Ralph’s orchestra hoping his brother would change his mind, but he never did and it became the Eddie Galván Orchestra.
A recent discovery is that the paternal grandmother of Mark Ballas — a professional dancer of Mexican, Spanish and Greek descent who is seen each week on “Dancing With the Stars” – used to be a featured dancer with the Ralph Galván Orchestra. Her name was María Luisa Marulanda. In 952, she married George C. Ballas Sr. in Laredo and then moved to Houston.
Many musicians in the orchestra went on to become high school band directors or excelled in public service and other professional areas.
As for the Galván brothers, Sam and Eddie passed on and his baby brother plus former clarinet and saxophone player, Bobby, now 82, manages Galván Music, the store he and Eddie founded on the first floor of the ballroom at the corner of Agnes and 14th streets.
Last year, Hoeltzel brought her mother to San Antonio to undergo intensive physical therapy and Ralph would spend every other week in the Alamo City until he moved here in June. Shortly thereafter, Ralph lost the love of his life.
Today his heart is working at 20 percent of its capacity and he is receiving special medical attention. However, he has not lost his zest for life. His eyes twinkle and his smile lights up any room, thus the windows to his soul indicate he is happy and at peace with the world.
In closing, as has been the on-going case for many of our musical pioneer trail blazers, Ralph had yet to be recognized or inducted into any hall of fame. Yet thirty-something and forty-plus year old Tejano performers are called legends and continue to reap many awards and although they are forty and fifty years younger than genuine music pioneers, they are being inducted into institutions such as the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame.
When it comes to having music roots, one needs to look at true living legends, such as Ralph, Jesse Alemán, 91-year-old Lorenzo Caballero plus several others while they can still smell the roses, enough said.
Celebrity Fathers
We see local, regional, national and internationally famous singers on stage, on magazine covers and newspaper articles, but the average person never stops to think that they too are parents, fathers and grandfathers. Therefore River City Attractions is proud to pay tribute to celebrity fathers we all know with this exclusive photo layout. Happy Father’s Day!
- Salvador with his internationally famous father Carlos Santana.
- Abraham Quintanilla Jr. with his son A.B., daughter Suzette and grandson Savani.
- Arturo Castillo with sons Sergio and A.J. Castillo
- David, Leonardo Jr., Flaco Jiménez and daughter Becky.
- Albert Zamora with his talented children, A.J. and Lyric
- Tejano crooner Carlos Guzmán with his son Jorge.
- Emilio III, Emilio Navaira Jr. and Diego Navaira, two of Emilio’s sons.
- Estella with father Rudy Guerra, founder of Latin Breed and brother Isai.
- County Commissioner Paul Elizondo is not only a father, but grandfather to Sofia, Marisa and Adelina.
- Stefani Montiel with her father Dwight Sullivan and mother Betty
- Ram Herrera with daughters Lisa, Marlena and Katherine
- John, Freddie Martínez Sr., Marc and Freddie Jr. make up the Freddie Records dynasty.
- José Luis Ayala of Los Bravos del Norte with son José Luis Jr.
- Steven Ray and Ramiro Carlos proudly look at their father Ramiro “Ram” Herrera
- Recently departed Tony “Ham” Guerrero passed the torch to his son, Alfredo Antonio.
- Gary Lee Hobbs Jr. and his father Gary Hobbs, also known as El Borrado.”
- Pedro Rivera was famous long before his son, Lupillo Rivera became a household name.
- Eric Lee and his father, Lee Villarreal of Desperadoz.
- Armando “Mando” Hinojosa of Los Fabulosos 4 with handsome son Ariel.
- David Lee Jr., now 29 and the father of David Lee II with his father David Lee Garza.
- Cleto Escobedo III, band leader for the Jimmy Kimmel Live nightly television talk show and his father his father Cleto Jr., Gibby Escobedo’s brother and formerly with Los Blues also plays saxophone in his son’s television band.
Nick Villarreal and his beautiful, sexy daughter Nanci. - Javier Galvan and family
- Last but not least, We’ve had the Lords Prayer and now we have the Lords Singer in Javier Galvan with his beautiful wife Norma, daugther Bella, and son little Javi. I hope this is not the time when he called me for directions to Helotes! cause it looks like he made it to the Rocky Mountains!!!!!!!!
Hollywood Comes to the Alamo City
The Greater San Antonio Film Council is on a mission and that’s to bring Hollywood’s big bucks to the Alamo City.
In 1927, a silent movie about World War I was filmed in San Antonio and it went on to become the first film to win the Academy Award for “Best Picture.” Furthermore, “Wings,” also won a second Academy Award for “Engineering Effects.”
Since then, numerous other movies have been produced in the River City, but not as many as Austin. The state’s Capitol City boosts a total of four film organizations and this accounts why Austin gets so many of Tinseltown’s productions.
“All that is about to change because we have a great film community,” Al Frakes said during an interview at the Lion and Rose pub. Frakes is the chairman of the board of the S.A. Film Council. Minerva Nadler, vice president of Nadler’s Bakery and Delicatessen, plus also a member of the council’s board of director echoed his remark.
“We have actors, directors, producers, entertainment attorneys, film editors and scriptwriters,” Frakes continues.
“Minerva owns a bakery, but the bottom line is that everyone is part of the film industry because crews have to eat, dress, sleep and drive. This means they spend for restaurants, hotels, car rentals and gas. This is why the film industry is so important to San Antonio.
“Mayor Julian Castro is a strong supporter. Furthermore, his brother Joaquin and Councilman John Clamp serve on our board. The reason is because there’s money to be made.” Tejano singing superstar Rubén Ramos is another board member.
In fact, some of the celebrities present at the Northside pub were songbird Patsy Torres, Rita Verreos (“Survivor Fiji”), Brandy López (“General Hospital”) and Ricardo Lentini. The Italian actor was once Roberto DeNiro’s bodyguard and also appeared in “The Untouchables,” “Crime Stories” and “Good Fellas.” Now a local resident, he and Joel Sauceda are the co-owners of two New Forces Fitness Juice Bars.
Frakes and Nadler — who were once part of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau over six and a half years and oversaw the film commission — decided the film-makers community needed a civilian side because the S.A. Film Commission was so limited.
“It is only allowed so much because of their budget,” Frakes continued. “So in a way, their hands are tied. Meanwhile we have strong connections in Los Angeles.”
The result of these connections is that their first venture, “From Mexico With Love” starring Kuno Becker, Steven Bauer, Bruce McGill plus others will hold its Texas premiere here on September 29th.
“Therefore our priority is to bring more movie productions, to get more work for our city and that translates to more money for the city,” Frakes stated.
The S.A. Film Council’s motto is “Bringing the passion of filming back to San Antonio, Texas.” A tag line on their Web site also reads: “Remember when making movies was fun? Then come to San Antonio and find that magic again.”
For more information, or if you’re looking for the perfect location for those exterior shots, check out www.safstudiosinc.com.
A.B. Quintanilla’s All Starz Hypnotize with “Hipnótika”
A.B. Quintanilla’s All Starz is no understatement because an all-star ensemble participated in “La Vida De Un Genio,” his latest musical production.
His own All Starz are vocalists Jason “DJ Kane” Cano and Lee “JR” Gómez, Chris Pérez, guitar; Gilbert “Gipper El Animal” Nieto, accordion; Robert “Bobbo” Gómez, keyboards; Nick Banda, keyboards; Liz, congas; and Joey Jiménez, drums.
However the list of Class-A international all-stars which recorded on different tunes in his most recent compact disc are José Feliciano, Jon Secada, Gilbert Santa Rosa, Marciano Cantero of Enanitos Verdes, Shaila Dúrcal, Julio Ramos, artistically known as Voltio, Jorge Celedón, Alex Lora of El Tri, Albita, Luis Enrique, Reyli Barba plus other surprise artists.
This coup d’état was made possible by Luigi Gilrado, the groups musical arranger. Last but not least are the remaining Dinos, Suzette Michelle Quintanilla, Pete Astudillo, Ricky Vela and Joe Ojeda, who are recording and performing together for the first time since 1995.
The All Starz arrived in San Antonio straight from Chiapas, Mexico and before that they had put on shows in Bogota, Boliva and Medallin, Colombia. But jet-lagged as they must have felt during their sound check at Sea World, they were energetic and in great spirits.
Backstage, AB, who wrote the entire contents in this compact disc, said, “I dedicated this CD (“The Life of a Genius”) to my dad because my father is a genius and at the beginning, we sometimes experienced hunger, but he pulled us through this and many other obstacles by pushing us to the limit. And I’m glad Ricky (Vela) was able to pull everyone together for this project.”
When they appeared on the Cristina Show on Monday, May 10th, Cristina looked over at his father and said, “Abraham, it’s hard to see if you are happy or proud because you always have the same stern face.” But off camera, around family and close friends, Abraham smiles, laughs and his face glows with love and pride for his kids and grandchildren.
AB’s pride in his family and his love for his late sister, Selena is overt because it is tattooed all over his body. His right forearm alone bears a beautiful tattoo of Selena surrounded by roses and the song title, “Cómo La Flor.” The latter actually preceded the image and roses. On his wrist is “Marcella,” his mother’s name. Skipping the thumb, four fingers bear his birth year on his right hand and the word “Loco” on his left hand. And that’s just the beginning. Enough said this article is on the CD and not the tattoos.
From the opening notes, “Hipnótika” mesmerizes the listener with a James Bond theme-like intro followed by a creative mix of vocals by DJ Kane and Marciano plus Voltio’s rap. During live performances, AB and JR fill in for the two guest artists.
The same applies to “Naci Para Sufrir,” a haunting international ballad with a taste of mariachi featuring Feliciano and Astudillo. Again, JR fills for Feliciano at each gig.
While the Capitol Latin CD is being described in concept as like Santana’s “Supernatural” album because of the number of guest artists, A.B. told Billboard’s Ayala Ben-Yehuda, “It’s cumbia villera but on steroids.” By this he was referring to a mid tempo, synth-heavy street style with a nearly reggae beat.
“I was able to take what they’re doing with scratchy, raw loops and put electrónica on top of it and layer that with tropical brass and the A.B. Quintanilla flavor. And just went to town on the singers alone . . . it’s eclectic, weird, down to Jorge Celedón singing with El Tri on ‘Dia de Los Muertos’ with the harmonica playing on a cumbia — it’s the weirdest, coolest thing you’ll ever hear.”
The album is scheduled to go on sale, here and in Mexico, on Tuesday, May 18th. However, fans were privy to hearing a preview of some tunes during the All Starz’ Sea World concert. Then AB stayed at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in the Alamo City until Monday in order to do an exclusive early morning interview with Jonny Ramírez at KXTN, Tejano 107. That same night everyone appeared on the Cristina Show.
Following the initial release, Capitol Latin is considering an August release in Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Spain and even Japan. Meanwhile the record label will have AB on an extensive grueling promotional tour of radio stations, television programs, meet-and-greets plus even doing acoustic sets at Wal Marts all over the United States.
As for this writer, I thank Abraham for inviting me and Jesse García of Los Agues to accompany him to Sea World and afterwards giving me a flashback to the past when after the show, we pulled into a Whataburger parking lot and he gave me an audio sneak preview into his latest musical discoveries – Elissa and Olinda Cordova — more on these two talented young songbirds in a future article.
For more information, check out www.myspace.com/abquintanilla and www.q-productions.com.
Open Letter to StreetTalk Magazine re: Joe Lopez
In response to your blurb on whether Joe López is innocent or guilty? I can no longer remain quiet and allow people to continue taking pot shots at the former lead singer of Mazz.
There is no doubt Joe López is innocent and the ‘Justice for Joe López’ organization has the proof.
Joe did not have to go to prison because he was initially offered four months in jail followed by probation. The result is that he fired his lawyers for even fathoming the thought of such a deal. Instead, López adamantly professed his innocence.
“Imagine that. If I had indeed done that and was offered only four months, I would have said damn, let me kiss your feet and hugged them outside, right? But I didn’t do anything. So why should I admit to a crime I didn’t commit in exchange for a light sentence?
“Ni lo mande Dios (God forbid),”López said during a prison interview as he shook his head in disbelief.”
Joe refused the plea bargain because that would be admitting guilt and he repeatedly stuck to his guns in regard to his innocence.
On Tuesday, October 31, 2006, Joe was sentenced to 32.5 years in prison. This was a pretty stiff sentence when one considers that the punishment for third degree murder is thirty years.
“It was a hanging trial and we (the family) are now all in prison,” his oldest brother, Raúl López Jr., stated.
To help out Joe, Tejano living legend Gilbert Rodríguez is asking performers to donate their talent for three fund-raising concerts – one in San Antonio, Houston and Dallas — to cover the legal costs of attorneys Roger Z. Guevara and Art Vega in San Antonio plus Philip T. Cowen in Brownsville to file a Writ of Habeas Corpus.
“Now, just as O.J. Simpson, I have several attorneys . . . and the support of Jaimé P. Martánez behind me,” Joe said in his most recent letter to Gilbert Rodríguez.
To date, every single Appeal has been denied and the only thing left is the Writ of Habeas Corpus, but attorneys don’t work for free. According to Lorenzo and Judy López, the deadline to file is March 30. Therefore, he needs all the help he can get. Otherwise Joe, now 60, will not have the freedom we all take for granted until he is 88.
Any band and vocalist wishing to participate may contact Gilbert Rodríguez at (210) 673-2990.
To acquiant Street Talk’s readers with what really transpired, I was allowed to share the following few tidbits of information – including copies of actual medical records.
First of all, let me introduce the main character being the alleged then 13-year-old rape victim. Her name is Krystal Benita López, daughter of Joe’s brother and his then wife Blanca Estela Chávez. Therefore Krystal is Joe’s niece.
The courtroom figures were District Attorney Armando Roberto Alexandre Reyes Villalobos, Judge Leonel Alejandro, who presided over the 357th state District Court.
Joe’s defense attorneys were Micheal (pronounced Michael) Pete Trejo and Michael Lee Young.”
Chapter One of the book I was commissioned to write starts out as follows:
As will be outlined and practically proven, Joe was wrongfully accused, was charged on four counts based on a downright, outright lie and had to stand trial due to a fabricated story of an alleged rape. And it didn’t help when a few people perjured themselves on the witness stand.
Moreover, lack of time for new defense attorneys to properly prepare for his case and ineffective counsel lead to his wrongful conviction.
The facts contained between these two covers will prove that Joe was innocent because he was not guilty of the charges brought upon him.
The facts that would have saved Joe from being convicted was all the alleged victim’s medical records, correctional center’s papers and other documents deemed inadmissible in court because the alleged victim was a minor at the time of the trial.
Furthermore, Joe’s defense attorneys advised him not to take the witness stand and the reason for this gross error will unfold within these pages. In the process, this book will also give some insight to the corrupt so-called justice system we live in.
It is his family’s prayer that this book will exonerate Joe as you the reader will be made privy to all the facts, what really happened, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth
PIECING THE PUZZLE TOGETHER
A written reenactment of many events outlined in chronological order and in story form is based on numerous interviews and the sworn testimony of this case’s witnesses when they were asked to take the stand. So what transpired has been a careful, timely process of piecing together all the witnesses’ statements and answers to both the State and Defense according to the reporter’s record transcript.
It was like putting together a difficult jigsaw puzzle. This process helped cut down pages of repetitious, redundant questions and answers. Otherwise, the reader would have 775 pages of tiresome, boring transcript which would put one to sleep.
From this point on and through coverage of the trial, the entire scenario will be explicitly detailed, word per word and will adhere to the time-line and time-frames stated by the many witnesses that testified.
For utmost accuracy, all quotes are verbatim as they appear in six volumes of court transcripts. While there was the temptation to edit and make many corrections due to fragmented sentences, wrong word usage, grammatical errors and other mistakes, they were left intact, ‘as were transcribed’ by court reporter, Cynthia L. Garza, CSR, RMR.
Therefore, some of the dialogue may not make sense due to the improper use of the English language by a few witnesses.
What really transpired will definitely open up more questions than those it will answer, and this questions and their answers is what could have proved Joe’s innocence and set him free.
This is not a book about Mazz, or the musical story of Mazz, but about an innocent man – and about any Joe that is behind bars for a crime he did not commit.
THE FACTS
Most of the information is extremely touchy and cannot be divulged until Joe is granted a re-trial so I will have to tip toe through some important points. But it is a fact she lost her hymen at 12 and by 14 was a sexually active teenager.
In 2004, Joe was performing with excruciating pain due to a hip injury and his time on stage was minimal. After this, Joe was unable to take one single step without a walker, and he was prescribed even stronger medication. After falling off the stage in Dallas, he spent the next few months more drugged up than a junkie.
By April 2004, Joe was still unable to walk without the aid of a cane and he was under so much pain . . . his wife Tina made sure he was not without a bottle of Chivas Regal for his pain and a bottle of pills to put him to sleep in what became his new lifestyle. His brother Lorenzo also said that Joe had to sleep on a recliner because he was unable to climb on top of the bed without physical help.
There were days that Joe couldn’t walk, much less even move; and on weekends, he was on cocaine and heavy medication to take the pain away in order to perform. Once onstage, he grabbed the microphone stand and held on to it for support without making his condition obviously to the audience.
As a man, the pain medication killed his urge, his longing, his sexual appetite, his passion, lust or whatever one wants to call it. Therefore he was unable to have an intimate relationship with his wife because the hunger and yearning was not there. He couldn’t climb up on his bed on his own and there was no feeling in his groin, except that of numbness.
But when it came time to testify on Joe’s behalf, his attorney made her change her tune.
During a one-on-one interview with the Grammy Award winner at the Ramsey Unit in Rosharon, Texas on April 28, 2009, Joe said, “You know what my attorney told my wife to do, to state that she had given me sex in the bathroom, in the bed, in the living room. And I told Tina, ‘why are you lying like that?’
That statement drove in the last nail on Joe’s coffin because it made him come across as being capable of having sex.
During the trial, there were numerous times Krystal’s testimony, as well as that of others could easily constitute reasonable doubt, but they were never questioned. In fact Krystal and her mother’s statements raised more questions, but no one bothered to clarify any conflicting and contradicting statements. Not one witness was pressed for more information to fill in the missing blanks.
Therefore the jury was left to decide in whom to believe – an adult, a responsible mother and wife, or a teenager with a history of being a troubled child?
For example in just one sentence, Krystal was “unsure” about three different things as she answered, “I’m not sure,” “I think” and “I don’t remember.”
Some testimonies were 180 degrees opposite of each other. And in some case, there were three different versions of what happened. Yet there was no further search for the truth. How could any attorney overlook these inconsistencies?
FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2004
According to the transcript, after the alleged rape, Joe went to sleep and Krystal was not restrained. She was completely free to run out the door and in less than a minute reach the Rancho Viejo Police Department to report the alleged rape.
Furthermore, the police department was then at 3461 Carmen Avenue, cater-corner, across the street and less than a two minute walk from Joe and Tina’s condo.
As Tina testified on the third day of the trial when asked about the location of the police station in relation to the condo, she stated, “It’s like catty-corner, right there … It’s just across the street. Like … maybe a hundred (feet), I’m not sure.”
When Young asked how long it would take one to walk from the condo to the police station, Tina stated, “A minute, two minutes, not even.”
The question an average person would ask is, “Why would a rape victim ‘walk,” wouldn’t one assume they would run? And why didn’t Krystal immediately dart out the door and run across the street to the police station?
Instead of running out for help, she got a Coke from the refrigerator and sat back down in the living room. Then she picked up the telephone and called her boyfriend.
Moving along the court trial, when Villalobos asked Krystal if she had showered after the alleged rape with “wouldn’t you want to be clean?” she stated, “Yeah, but I didn’t take a shower.”
“You weren’t thinking to yourself this whole time, ‘gosh, I can’t wait to get this off of me. I can’t wait to clean up. You never said anything about feeling like that, did you?
Looking the district attorney straight in the eye, she said, “no.”
To top it off, that same night, Joe, Tina and Krystal went out to eat at his sister Alma Trevino’s house. And later that same evening Krystal went fishing with her father, Joe and Omar Rodríguez, a family friend who says she seemed to be having a good time.
Based on what he has seen while working in his current position at a juvenile detention center, during a one-to-one interview, Omar, who knows most of the signs and body language exhibited by someone who has been raped, said, “She wasn’t distance, withdrawn or appeared to want to seclude herself.”
CONTINUATION OF LETTER
I could go on and one, but it would be hard to condense a 36 chapter book. However, I will leave your readers with some food for thought. Her Rape Kit test turned up ‘negative.” We initially had the permission of Christina Hernández, founder of Justice for Joe López, to publish two pages from Krystal’s medical records from the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department Medical Department.
In the “Drug History” section, readers would have seen black and white proof that Krystal smoked, drank hard liquor and test positive for marijuana, PCP, ecstasy and downers plus had a few serious ailments.
The second page revealed she tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease and if Joe had slept with her, he would have contracted Chiamydia trachoactis.
To have published those medical records would have violated the patient/doctor confidentiality, therefore they were pulled at the last minute.
All evidence against Krystal was inadmissible in court because she was a minor. Instead the DA painted a virginal picture of Krystal. In addition, police officers that had stopped Joe for suspicion of marijuana use in the previous decade were brought in to testify in a case that had nothing to do with drugs. The purpose of course was to damage his character.
Another giant flaw is that the court allowed Leticia Cisneros García, a woman whom Joe’s brother Lorenzo had dated twenty years prior, not only to serve, but was also named ‘jury foreman.” Furthermore, after she got married, her husband Robert Sierra and Joe had a falling out in 2002.
Many other rules were broken and they are all detailed in the book. In summary, all the cards were stacked up against Joe. To know the truth and the injustice that has been done to Joe would turn anyone’s stomach.
There were numerous instances of more than ‘reasonable doubt and times when Joe’s attorney objected or asked for a mistrial. And each time the judge sustained and overruled all his objections and his motions were each time denied.
Again, I remind the reader that attorneys have until the end of this month to file a Habeas Corpus. Not one of us is a saint. There is no exception so let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Call Gilbert Rodríguez and find out how you can help him raise the money to pay Roger Guevara file the Habeas Corpus.
Very respectfully, Ramón Hernández
Tejano Super Show and Low Low Car Show
By Ally Gutierrez
River City Attractions was very excited to be covering this event that showcased numerous works of art on 4 wheels, fantastic sounds from Tejano and Hip-Hop artist.
Yours truly and two other staff members were immediately introduced to Fade Dog!!! He is a new and rising hip-hop artist from SA. His new album entitled “2 Gangsta 4 Radio” can be heard on 98.5 the Beat or check him out at Noche Caliente.
At the Hip Hop corner fans ran and crowded the area that Paul Wall, Slim Thug and Kyle Lee arrived at and security tried their best to control the crowd. When they performed on stage the place was jumping!!!! Great job guys! Captured up close and personal pic’s of the artist and me.
On the Tejano stage we anxiously awaited the performances of Ruben Ramos, Michael Salgado and Los Desperadoz. Fans waited patiently and when the artist got on stage the crowd went wild, sang to their favorite tunes and danced in whatever space was available.
This musical event lent itself to young and old alike but let’s not forget about the low low works of art. A local favorite at the show was the “Creepy Crawler”, the car is a 96 Honda and has 150 nitro’s, it took the owner 2 years to restore the car and at a price of $5,000.
An eye catching vibrant green Chevy Truck was loaded with Lamborghini doors and 36 inch rims. Check out the awesome interior in the picture.
“Damn Fool” is a ’87 Chevy Monte Carlo SS. The car was assembled in under a month and the designers painted it what I call a black red candy apple color. The hood of this car had a black and white checkerboard….different but awesome!
“Blue and White Beauty” without a doubt is another local favorite. This gorgeous ’02 Cadillac Sedan with a V8 engine has a pearl white paint job with blue glitter tint that makes the car sparkle. This car has 22 inch rims and has a picture of Jordan on it but Jordan isn’t holding a basketball he is holding a wire wisk.
“Rollerz Only” limited addition ’65 Chevy Impala is owned by Bobby who serves in the US Army. He bought this car 3 years ago as a project car from another army buddy for a few thousand dollars and after restoration this car has tripled in price.
It was a great day…..after many interviews and snapping many photo’s we called it a day. Until next time see you in pictures!!!!!! See photo’s below…..
A Major Kudo’s to RedLine Entertainment as another one of their great events brought San Antonians in droves. We’ll see ya’ll again at the next show!
Stay tuned for the next event here at www.rivercityattractions.com “the hotest fasting growing website for San Antonio and and the southwest
Photo’s by Ally Gutierez, Crista Garcia and Michael Gutierrez
Steve Jordan’s Memorial Service
By Roberto Álvarez
Steve’s body was cremated and a memorial service was held on Thursday, August 19.
According to Héctor Saldaña, Steve’s children: Steve II, Steve III, Richard, Anita and Mary Ann Jordan plus siblings Bonificio (Boni), Ramón and Guadalupe (Lupe) plus the Grammy Awards winner’s longtime companion Azeneth Domínguez left Steve’s house on South San Joaquin Street heading a parade of people that resembled a New Orleans funeral procession. They walked south to Castroville Road where they turned right and walked one block to Dahlgreen Avenue where they turned left and proceeded until they reached San Martínez de Porras Catholic Church.
The church was filled with family, an assorted of friends, fans and countless music industry peeps from vocalists, band leaders, musicians, songwriters, recording engineers, television and radio personalities, community leaders, college and university professors, poets, booking agents, promoters and a film maker.
Among them was Johnny Canales, Charlie Hettrick, who played bass with Rio Jordan during the 1980s and ‘90s; Ray “Quick” García, Steve’s former booking agent; Beto Salinas, Beto Ramón, Clay Shorkey of UTA, Juan Tejeda, Gus Garza of KPFT in Houston, Alberto “Alegre” Calvo of Norteño 720, Manny “El Picante” García if B-Net Radio, Rodolfo López of Conjunto Taller and poet Neftali De León.
Musicians and singers included Juanito Castillo, Mingo Saldivar, Sunny Sauceda, Arturo “Sauce” González, Jorge Alejandro, Larry Lange, Little Henry, Gilbert Escobedo, Randy Caballero plus engineers who record them Gibby Velásquez, Tony González and Moses Olivo. And that’s only the handful of VIPs that were spotted leaving the church as many left immediately after the service and did not stay for the post-reception in the church hall.
On Saturday, the squeezebox wizard’s three sons celebrated their famous father’s life with a tribute concert at Saluté. The North St. Marys Street venue was filled to capacity. Fans stood all the way into the rear room and a few even opted to seat in the outdoor patio.
Castillo wowed the crowd as he demonstrated why he was handpicked by the master accordionist to succeed him as Steve II of “That’s My Boy” fame and his two younger brothers sang many of Steve’s songs to the ultra receptive crowd.
Next, Steve II says, they plan to turn the show into a “Despedida (Farewell) Tour.” The only disappointment is that no one was allowed to take pictures and as Steve III said, “It worked for my father and that will remain to be our policy.”
Joe López Turns 60 in Prison
Joe López turns 60 on Saturday, August 28th. Bandmate Jimmy González also celebrates his sixth decade birthday on the same date.
After almost four years of imprisonment and since he lost his appeal before the 13th Court of Criminal Appeals, the former Mazz lead vocalist is still looking at a 2038 release.
Last year, he was finally allowed to talk and our interview took place at a facility south of Rosharon, Texas. This two-part interview can be read in its entirety at www.ramiroburr.com. Part 1 is titled “Joe Lopez Breaks His Silence” and Part 2 is “Solitude, Forgiveness and Reflection.”
The sad part is that the Latin music megastar was innocent of the alleged rape of a minor. However, all the evidence – Harris County Juvenile Probation Department Medical Department records, her facebook.com images and other damaging information — against the alleged victim was inadmissible because she was than a minor.
Those still fighting to prove López’s innocence with a Habeas Corpus are his immediate family, Lorenzo and Judy López plus Christina Hernández, who created the Justice 4 Joe organization.
However legal fees have eaten up all their assets and drained their finances. Therefore, they are asking that donations be deposited at IBC Bank, routing number 11911580 and account number 6002666222.
Fans wanting to wish López a happy birthday can do so by sending their cards to José Manuel López, 1399866, Ramsey Unit 1, 1100 FM 544, Rosharon, TX 77583 and underneath, write W-1-6.
It is prohibited to send money by mail, so fans desiring to do so should go to www.jpay.com and type in his ID: 1399866.
A controversal book on the Grammy Awarding vocalist with all the facts has already been written and the only thing holding back its release is a publisher. It will not free López, but it will exonerate him.