Freddy Fender:

He was a three-time award winning country musician, best known for his country hit, Before the Next Teardrop Falls.  He was born Baldemar Huerta, but he became famous as Freddy Fender the Tex-Mex singer who blended country, rock and roll and Tejano Music.  Freddy Fender had three successful careers already-as a Hispanic/pop star in the late 50’s, a country pop star in the 70’s, and a member of the Grammy award-winning Texas Tornadoes in the 90’s.  

He was from South Texas in the small town of San Benito, and at the age of 10 he made his debut radio performance on Harlingen, Texas, radio station KGBT, singing a then-hit “Paloma Querida”.  In 1999, Fender received his own Hollywood Walk of Fame star after being personally recommended for the honor by then -Texas governor George W Bush.  Freddy Fender died at the age of 69 from inoperable cancer on October 14, 2006.

Carlos Santana: 

Is a Mexican-born American musician whose popular music combined rock, jazz, blues, and Afro-Cuban rhythms with a Latin sound.  He was born July 20, 1947, Autlán de Navarro, Mexico (age 77).  Santana began playing the violin at age five; by age eight, however, he had switched to the guitar. As a teenager, he played in bands in Tijuana, Mexico, where he was exposed not only to the local norteño music but to blues, especially to guitarists T-Bone Walker and B.B. King.

His top-10 hit “Evil Ways,” peaked at number four on the album charts in 1969. Abraxas, with the hits “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” reached number one the next year. Santana III (1971) and Caravanserai (1972) followed.

He has received numerous awards and honors:  Kennedy Center Honors (2013), Grammy Award 2003, Grammy Award 2000, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum 1998, Grammy Award 1998.

Selena Quintanilla:

Known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena was a beloved singer, songwriter, and fashion icon. Her music transcended borders and brought Tejano music into the mainstream. Her tragic death at a young age only solidified her status as a cultural icon and brought fame and recognition to Jennifer Lopez another talented singer, dancer and actress.  (more on Jennifer Lopez later).

Lin-Manuel Miranda:

The genius behind the hit musicals “Hamilton” and “In the Heights,” Lin-Manuel Miranda has reshaped Broadway and popular culture. His work celebrates Hispanic heritage and tells stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

Remember that this list is just a glimpse—there are countless other Hispanic Americans who have made significant contributions in music.  Their stories deserve recognition and celebration throughout the year, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month. –

-Pat Trevino