Rancho Alegre

Originally published in 2013.
In October 1998, Ruben Naranjo, the beloved legendary Conjunto accordionist and bandleader from Alice, Texas, passed away at age 53. For over 30 years, he traveled all over Texas and beyond with a simple but elegant brand of Conjunto that filled dancehalls and resonated with fans everywhere. 
For Rancho Alegre, this is a very special show. Not only is this the first of our Homenaje series, but it is special to us because we are also huge fans of Ruben Naranjo. Listening to the stories people told us about him offered a more intimate look at El Si Señor himself. 
The playlist below features the voices of 75 different Conjunto and Tejano artists, collected through our interviews all over the state since 2011.
You'll hear intimate stories from Conjunto pioneers like Gilberto Perez, Agapito Zuñiga and Chano Cadena; Tejano legends like Ruben Ramos, Little Joe, and Roberto Pulido; veterans like David Lee Garza, Linda Escobar, and Pio Treviño; and then up-and-coming performers like Mickey Mendoza, Crystal and Jose Garcia of Crystal N Crew, and many, many more. 
Complementing their stories are some of his greatest hits, as well as rare selections from deep within our catalog, many of which we have converted from vinyl, 8-track, and cassette. 
We hope you enjoy it, and many thanks to everyone who participated in this project. 
Here's what to expect: 
Introduction by Baldomero El Parrandero Cuellar - Tracks: Nora Melisa
Chano Cadena - Tracks: Cuatro o Cinco Farolasos (with Conjunto Cadena)
Ricky Naranjo - Tracks: Barquita de Madera (Ruben Naranjo y Su Conjunto), Es Amor (Ruben Naranjo y Su Conjunto), Dichos Juramentos (with Ruben Vela)
Mingo Saldivar, Edgar Vasquez, Julian Fernandez of Los Texas Wranglers, Pete Gonzales of Tierra Tejana - Tracks: Dos Amores, Aguila O Sol, Andan Diciendo
Johnny Arreola of Los Palominos, Mickey Mendoza of Mickey y Sus Carnalez, Rick De La Rosa of Los D-Boyz, Roberto Pulido - Tracks: Angel De Mis Anhelos, Corrido de Oliveira, Tengo Un Idea
Eddie Jimenez, Krazy Pimpz, Ricky Smith, La Movida, Randy Garcia of Conjunto Estrella - Tracks: En Las Puertas de La Carcel, Destino Ingrato, Bonito Huapango
Agapito Zuñiga, Ramon Ayala, Crystal Garcia of Crystal N Crew, Chente Barrera - Tracks: Ojos Querendones, Preguntale A Las Estrellas
Roman Martinez Sr of the Hometown Boys, Betty Barajas of Conjunto Baraja de Oro, Smiley Cuellar of Smiley y La Fuerza Musical - Tracks: El Carreton, Toma Mi Corazoncito, Un Presentimiento
Jesse Turner of Grupo Siggno, Ricky Ruiz of Los Escorpiones, Raphael and Paquito Rodriguez of Los A-T Boyz - Tracks: La Media Naranja, Quisiera Verte y No Verte, La Guia
Marcos Orozco, Navor Romo of Conjunto Romo, Ruben Rivera, formerly of Los Nobles and Los Gamblers, Jesse Gonzales of Tierra Tejana, Andy Saenz of Los Homies - Tracks: Tu Negra Suerte, Señorita Cantinera, San Juan Del Rio
Little Joe, Gilbert Alba of Super City Band, Ram Herrera - Tracks: Llorando Tu Olvido, Cuatro Caminos, Paso Del Norte
Wally Gonzalez, Rene Joslin, Juan Sifuentes Jr. - Tracks: Preso Sin Delito, Sin Condiciones, Ese Lunar
Jerry Peña of Los Arcos Hermanos Peña, Joel Guzman, Jimmy Gonzalez of Grupo Mazz - Tracks: La Barca De Oro (Bolero) (Ruben Naranjo y Su Conjunto), El Corrido de Jimmy Layson, Graciela
Genaro Aguilar of Los Aguilares, Johnny Degollado, David Lee Garza - Tracks: Caballo Alazan Lucero, Besos y Copas, Lola, Pajarillo Barranqueño
Mario Barajas of Conjunto Baraja de Oro, Joe Bravo, Mike Gonzales of Tierra Tejana, Gilberto Garcia of Los Dos Gilbertos - Tracks: Prenda Del Alma, Tu Buen Camino, Locos Disvarios, Ya No Llores
Jose Garcia of Crystal N Crew, Fito Olivares, Rodney Rodriguez of Los Fantasmas Del Valle - Tracks: Lejos Me Encuentro, El Ausente, La Morena Criminal
Noel Hernandez of the Big Cats, Jo-Ann Gonzales of Los Low Riders, Nikki Lopez, JD of Los Enmascarados - Tracks: Dos Caracoles, Mi Negra Suerte
Rick Fuentes of Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution, Anthony Diaz formerly of Crystal N Crew, Bernardo Martinez of Bernardo y Sus Compadres, Jose Quezada of Conjunto Senzzible - Tracks: Silencio Corazon, Indita Mia, Gorrioncillo Pecho Amarillo
Augustin Ramirez, Lupe Gonzales of Tierra Tejana, Linda Escobar - Tracks: Por Que Me Amargas La Vida, Mujer Mujer, La Mariana
Pio Treviño, Leonard Davila of Street People, Santiago Jimenez Jr. - Tracks: Felicidades, Por Bien De Los Dos, Depende De Ti
Ben DeLeon of Grupo Solido, Santiago Garza of La Naturaleza, Jaime DeAnda of Los Chamacos, Henry Zimmerle - Tracks: Mis Penas, El Mundo Es Mio
Nick Villarreal, Clip from El Show de Johnny Canales - Tracks: Por Esa Calle, Desprecio, Pero Maria
Joe Gonzales, Ruben Ramos, Michael Salgado - Tracks: Don Luis El Texano, Mujer Paseada, Te Voy a Comprar
Pico Ramirez - Tracks: Que Tristeza Me Acompaña, La Mujer, Shes About a Mover
Joe Ramirez, Freddie Martinez - Tracks: Mi Pueblito, Ando Perdido, Besos Callejeros (Live)
Gilberto Perez - Tracks: El Quelite, Ruben Naranjo Farewell Message

Recorded in 2013 in Dimmitt, Texas. Things have changed considerably since this interview (read to the end for the update).
In 2013, Rancho Alegre headed out to the Texas panhandle on business. While we were out there, we thought we would touch base with one of the region's most popular groups: Los Arcos Hermanos Peña. We had already been all over the Valley, Houston, and Central Texas, and we wanted to know more about the scene out in that area of the state, which is not traditionally known for Conjunto. We were not disappointed...
We spent a Saturday afternoon with brothers Jerry (accordion) Larry (saxophone), Gilbert (bass) and Fidencio Peña(drums) in their clubhouse in their hometown of Dimmitt. "Clubhouse" is kind of an understatement. It's more like a super-nice private club, complete with a pool table, televisions, a bar, and all manner of Arcos memorabilia on the walls.
Getting to know the guys, we learned all about their career as a very closely-knit family band that has been able to slide between Relampagos Del Norte-style Norteño and hardcore, foot-stomping Conjunto. Their first recording was in 1979 as Los Arcos Del Norte on Joey Records. At the time of this interview, they had recorded over 25 different albums, plus joint ventures with Toño Zamora, Crystal Tarango, and the late, great, legendary Cornelio Reyna.
After scoring major hits during the 1980s, including the classic slow jam, "El Borracho Del Año," tragedy struck the band in the early 1990s when drummer Juan Ramon Peña passed away after a very short bout with cancer. This shook the brothers to the core, and they took a hiatus for several years. They came roaring back in 1998 with the album, Sin Mi, and have continued to crank out studio albums and tour all over the United States. The band also includes big brother Luis Peña Jr. on bajo sexto, and vocalists Luis III and Oscar Peña. 
A LOT has happened since this interview was recorded. We have brought the band to Austin multiple times for the Rancho Alegre Conjunto Music Festival, including a live album at One-2-One Bar in Austin in 2018. 
But the biggest news is that the brothers parted ways in 2024, with Jerry continuing what he calls "La Tercera Epoca" of Los Arcos Hermanos Peña with his sons JJ and Fabian and nephews Adrian and OJ. The guys have been playing all over the country and beyond, winning awards, and releasing new music. The rest of the brothers formed Los Hermanos Peña shortly thereafter. They have also recorded and released new music, and traveled throughout the state as well. 
In 2024, Adan Peña produced a short film for Panhandle PBS titled "The West Texas Boys," which chronicles the rise of all six brothers from migrant workers to the musical powerhouses they became. The film has earned critical praise nationwide. 
We hope you enjoy listening to this moment in time with these four brothers. Here's what we played: 
Copas Llenas (Los Arcos Del Norte)
Dos Amores (Los Arcos Del Norte)
Te Eche Al Olvido
Una Carta y Un Clavel
Te Vengo A Declarar
Vuela Paloma
Llorar y Padecer
El Borracho Del Año
Jugando, Jugandito (with Toño Zamora)
Contrabando y Traicion (with Cornelio Reyna)
Olvidate (with Crystal)
Se Quiero Llorando
Pintor Pinta Mi Padre
A Quien Le Debo El Favor
Jinete De La Noche
 

Recorded in 2012 at Freddie Records Headquarters in Corpus Christi, Texas. 
Freddie Martinez, or simply Freddie, is one of the most influential men in Tejano music history. Since beginning his professional career in the 1950s, Martinez has seen both sides of the business. He built a record company from scratch in the 1970s, which became successful enough for him to retire from being a working musician. That company has managed to survive good times and bad, and has recorded many of the top artists in Conjunto and Tejano music, from Tony De La Rosa to Ramon Ayala to Siggno and Elida Reyna, racking up Grammys and Latin Grammys nearly every year.
As a trumpet player and bandleader, Freddie was one of the most popular orquesta performers of the 1960s and 70s. His signature sound is characterized by a dominant trumpet along with Freddie’s unique vocal style. Among his catalog of hits is “Te Traigo Estas Flores,” “Botoncito De Cariño,” “Mi Arbol y Yo,” and many more.
We were fortunate to spend some quality time with the man himself at his record company headquarters in Corpus Christi. Surrounded by portraits of legendary artists on his label, Martinez talked about his early life and family, his life as a musician, and ultimately his life as a record company executive.
Today, Freddie continues to helm his eponymous record label and performs occasionally.
Here's what we played: 
Te Traigo Estas Flores
Padre No Llores
Diana
Botoncito de Cariño
Tengo Penas
Las Llaves de Mi Alma (w/mariachi)
Mi Casita Amarilla
Mi Pueblito
Legends Popurri - Los Leyendas
Rinconcito En El Cielo
Oye Oye Oye (with Tony De La Rosa)
Que Casualidad
Perla Del Mar (with Grupo Mazz)
Son Mentiras (with Ramon Ayala)
Leyendas de Tejas Medley - Los Leyendas
Freddie Martinez Popurri

Recorded in 2012 at Palo Alto College in San Antonio. After we got kicked out of Whataburger because they didn't want us to record there - seriously.
Much has been made of the decline of Tejano, and more than a few groups that made it big back in the 80s and 90s have either broken up quietly, faded into obscurity, limited their activity, melted down publicly, or have struggled to remain on the radar in a post-terrestrial radio world.
One of the few that survived and continues to be as popular as ever, is David Lee Garza y Los Musicales. For over five decades, the band led by Poteet native and accordion master David Lee Garza has consistently cranked out hit after hit, playing to packed houses everywhere they go.
DLG and the guys have a sound firmly rooted in Conjunto, but with just enough extras (saxophone, keyboards) to mix things up. It could be argued that DLG uses lead vocals almost like an instrument to subtly change the flavor of his catalog too, given the ever-changing roster of talented lead singers that have shaped the sound over the last three decades. In fact, this legacy has given rise to the phenomenon some refer to as “DLG U,” with alumni like Ram Herrera, Emilio Navaira, Jay Perez, Oscar G, and Marcos Orozco going on to Tejano superstardom after their days as Musicales. At the time of this interview, Juaquin Cura was DLG's latest singer. Cezar Martinez joined the group the following year and is still with the band. 
We caught up with David on a beautiful day in San Antonio in 2012, and found him to be very down-to-earth and personable, yet professional. We think you’ll love hearing from one of the undisputed legends just as much as we did.
David Lee Garza y Los Musicales continue to perform all over the country and remain one of the most beloved bands in Tejano music history.
NOTE: Something we should point out is, well, DLG is a very prolific, hard-working musician, who is always in the studio. He has TONS of recordings, either with Los Musicales or as duets or cameos with other performers. Many of these were produced during the days of the big record companies and are just not available anymore. To produce a show worthy of his musical legacy, it was pretty rough getting so many hits by so many artists who worked with DLG and the guys. But somehow “El Parrandero” pulled it off. The song selection is unbelievable and even includes a couple extremely rare 45′s that we converted and cleaned up. Hardcore DLG fans, especially, will not be disappointed.
Here's what we played: 
Buenos Consejos (with Daniel Garcez)
Strawberry Jam (as DLG y Su Conjunto, Del Bravo Records)
Todavia No Me Muero (with Ram Herrera)
Ya Veras (with Emilio Navaira)
Que Tristeza (with Jay Perez)
Live Popurri: Cuando Me Vaya De Aqui (Ram); Tu Boca Roja (Marcos Orozco); Ojo De Vidrio (Oscar G); Sonambulo (Emilio)
Me Bastas (with David Marez)
Ahora Soy Feliz (with Joey Martinez)
El Que Mas Te Ha Querido (with Oscar G)
Ojala (with Little Joe)
Es La Misma Mujer (AJ Castillo with DLG and Mark Ledesma)
Quiero Volar (Jimmy Gonzalez with Elida Reyna and DLG)
Una Noche Mas (with Marcos Orozco)
Vamonos (with Jay Perez)
Si Todo Esta Bien (with Mark Ledesma)
El Senderito (with Johnny Rodriguez)
Flor Del Rio (with Joel Guzman and Sunny Sauceda)
Y Ahora Aqui (with Ben Ozuna)
No New Start in Old Mexico (with Billy O’Rourke)
La Barca (with Gary Hobbs)
Tonta (with Marcos Orozco)
Con El Tiempo (with Jay Perez)
Devuelveme El Corazon (with Emilio Navaira)
Anhelo (with Ram Herrera)
Ella Sabe (with Juaquin Cura)

Recorded in November 2012 at Cooter Brown's in San Antonio, Texas.
If you ask any Tejano music fan to list some of the most popular performers in the industry, Ram Herrera will be near the top of the list.
He hardly has to use his last name anymore, “Ram” is usually enough. He’s also known as the “Most Wanted Man” and the “Man of 1,000 Roses.”
After starting his career with David Lee Garza y Los Musicales over four decades ago, Herrera went on to an extraordinarily successful career as a solo performer. He has won multiple Tejano Music Awards, earned several Grammy nominations, and has sold millions of records all over the country. 
We caught up with Ram in November 2012, at the end of a day that included stops in Corpus Christi, Laredo, and San Antonio before heading home to Austin. It was well worth the wait and the trip to talk to a bona fide Tejano super star who has seen the industry rise and fall, and has more than a few scars of his own. We found him to be very honest, funny, and unafraid to speak his mind.
Since this interview, Ram has continued to record new music and perform all over the country to thousands of adoring fans.
In 2025, he announced that he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer and is keeping fans updated on his progress on his official social media accounts. 
Here's what we played: 
Amando En Silencio (with David Lee Garza y Los Musicales)
Ay Que Sentimiente Traigo (with DLG)
Amor Querido
Los Ojos De Isabel
Rosas Para Una Rosa
The Chair
I’ve Got a Neverending Love
Ahora Dile
Tu Pecado (with the Texas Revolution)
Esta Noche
Contigo
Cuando Me Vaya De Aqui, De Pena Muero (with DLG Live)
Como Olvidarme De Ti
Cuatro Caminos (with Los Desperadoz & Jay Perez)
La Mancha
Amor De Cantina
Que Sepan Todos
True Love Ways

Recorded in November 2012 at the Garcia home in Pasadena, Texas.
When we recorded this interview, Crystal N Crew was one of the youngest groups in conjunto.  With all members under the age of 17, the family band from Pasadena included Crystal Garcia on bajo sexto, Jose Garcia on accordion, and Lily Garcia on drums. They’ve had a couple of bass players, including Anthony Diaz (included in this interview) and current bassist Isaiah Tellez.
On one of our road trips, we stopped by the Garcia home to get to know the group and their family. We found that they not only have youth, but they also have heart and passion for the music. Crystal is a songwriter, and all the kids knew who Ruben Naranjo was. Pretty impressive, considering other kids their age only knew Justin Bieber or Bruno Mars at that time.
At that time, Conjunto was especially hot, with a lot of young groups with great energy bringing life to the genre. Masters and legends were welcoming them with open arms and marveling at their skill and dedication.
At the 2013 Rancho Alegre Conjunto Festival, we had several extremely talented young conjuntos including Los Morales Boyz, Los Conjunto Kidz, Randy Garcia y Conjunto Estrella, and of course Crystal N Crew. In what we consider a historic moment, Crystal N Crew were joined onstage by Pico Ramirez, longtime bajo sexto player and second voice and original member of Ruben Naranjo y Los Gamblers.
Since then, the group has grown up and started careers and families. They last performed as Crystal n Crew in 2024 and released a single that same year. 
We hope you enjoy getting to know just a few of the faces of the bright future of Conjunto.
Here's what we played: 
Ambicion
Te Voy A Amar
La Punta Polka
Te Ira Mejor Sin Mi
Loca
Libro Abierto
Llegaste Tu
Nunca Te Olvidare (Unreleased exclusive track)
Todo Para Mi
Voy Olvidarme De Ti
Ruben Naranjo Tribute
 
 

Recorded in 2012 at his home in East Austin.
For decades, Julian Limon Fernandez of Los Texas Wranglers has worked to keep Conjunto alive in Austin. Through various lineups, he and his band Los Texas Wranglers have played in all kinds of venues around Austin, rodeos, tardeadas, benefits, festivals, etc. 
A drummer and songwriter, Julian puts his heart and soul into his career as a musician and bandleader. Of the people we have interviewed, he might also be one of the biggest fans as well as a performer. He talks of great memories with a big grin on his face, showing how much he loves what he does.
Julian offered priceless insight, advice, and support as we planned the very first Rancho Alegre Conjunto Festival in 2012, and has continued to be one of our mentors as our organization has grown and changed. This kind of relationship is nothing new for him, as he is always offering his experience to help young artists develop as well.
We hope you enjoy this interview with someone with decades of history as a musician with some of the best in Tejano and Conjunto.
Here's what we played: 
De Austin Al Valle
Mi Tinajita
Flecha Envenenada
Could Have Been a Country Singer
Lucerito, Lucerito
La Puerta Negra
Otros Cielos
Ando Por La Playa
Mi Mundo Se Acaba
Lo Tengo Que Olvidar
Mi Gloria
That's Crazy

Recorded in 2012 when Siggno was in Seguin, Texas, for a benefit for the Enriquez family, and graciously made some time to talk with us aboard their tour bus. 
When we recorded this interview, Siggno was the the hottest band in Tejano music. They were riding high on Tejano Music Awards successes, a Latin Grammy win, and their first collaborations with Elida Reyna. 
Despite all of the success and popularity, we found them to be a hard-working group of guys who have paid their dues, love what they do, and have a great time making great music. It might seem that they came out of nowhere, but they’ve been at it for a very long time, with nine albums to their credit already. They jokingly refer to themselves as the “Motley Crue of Tejano music,” and defy traditional labels of Norteño, Tejano, and Conjunto by making (and writing and composing!) music from deep down in their souls.
It was a rowdy interview with lots of laughs, and we had a lot of fun getting to know the guys, and learn about their careers, and their past, present and future. 
Since then, their star hasn't faded and they continue to be incredibly popular with fans across the nation. 
However, frontman Jesse Turner has endured personal tragedies. In 2016, his son Jacob Turner (then the group's bass player) was in a near-fatal car crash that left him in a coma for four months and he has never fully recovered. In 2025, his beloved mother Narcisa Cortez Ruiz Turner, passed. Turner regularly featured his mother on social media, in song, and in live events back home in the valley, so she was well-known to longtime fans and colleagues. 
This interview is a snapshot in time and we hope you enjoy getting to know the guys. 
Ojitos Verdes
El Coco Rayado
Trate de Olividarte (with Johnny Arreola of Los Palominos)
Auxilio
Ya No Me Importa
Linda Morenita
Caminando
Esta Lloviendo
Piensa En MI
We'll See You When It's Time
Quisiera De Tenerte
Mi Ultima Carta
Yo Seguire (with Elida Reyna)

Recorded in 2012. 
As the traditional audience ages, everyone’s talking about how to get young people to listen to Conjunto and Tejano music. Kyle, Texas, has an answer with Conjunto Romo.
Meet Navor Romo…bassist, bandleader and vocalist. Together, he and his sons Cedrick (accordion/vocals), Noe (bajo sexto) and JJ (drums), are making their mark in Conjunto music. And, in the case of Noe and JJ, juggling high school at the same time.
In their short time in the business, the family has already overcome challenges and criticism, but has also won awards and have also become fan favorites. Through it all, they rely on each other and their loyal fan base for strength, always moving forward and keeping their eyes on the future.
Since this interview was recorded, the boys have become men. They have started families and careers, but they are still together and the band continues to gig all over the state. 
We hope you enjoy getting to know Conjunto Romo.
Here's what we played: 
No Me Digas Que No
Margarita
Gorrioncillo Pecho Amarillo
La Media Naranja
Ayer Sali De La Carcel
Paloma Negra
Mi Golondrina
Mujer
Que Me Lleve El Diablo
La Viuda Negra
Popurri Romo
La Diferencia
El Troquero
Little Rascals Popurri
 

Recorded in October 2011 at the Gilberto Perez ranch in Mercedes, Texas.
This is a special interview. Recorded on our first interview road trip in the fall of 2011, we sat down with beloved Conjunto icon Gilberto Perez Sr. 
Gilberto and his wife Amelia welcomed us into their home and we talked about his life, career, and his camaraderie with fellow Conjunto greats of the golden age. Then we went into the little museum behind their house that holds all of his records, awards, photos, and honors. We got a glimpse into the life of one of the best to ever do it.
We were honored to call him a friend, to bring him to Austin to perform several times, and to record his life story, which is being transcribed and put into a book. We celebrated his 60th anniversary in music at our 2019 festival and awarded him our first lifetime achievement award belt. 
We also remastered his catalog on his label, Nuevo Records, which is available at Del Bravo Record Shop or from the Perez family.
Sadly, Gilberto passed on February 3, 2021. His son and longtime "right-hand man" Gilberto Jr (aka Chore) carries on the legacy with pride. Joining him are his younger brother Javier Perez and Cande Aguilar Jr., who has returned to music, honoring his padrino Gilberto Sr.  
We hope you enjoy our interview with a remarkable man and great musician. 
Here's what we played: 
Madre Querida
Vida de Vago (with Ruben Vela & Ramon Medina)
La Noche Que Llore (with Ruben Vela & Ramon Medina)
Al Pie De Un Crucificio
El Burro Pardo
La Mesera
Cuando Estoy Contigo
El Quelite (with Ruben Naranjo)
Homenaje a Ruben Naranjo
Oye Amigo (with Little Joe)
Cuatro Copas (with Little Joe)
Long Tall Texan
Morena Morenita (with Los Dos Gilbertos)
Amigo Del Alma (with Mariachi Estrella)
La Rosa De Oro
Mis Parpados (Live)
Viva Seguin
Los Carnales
Con Cartitas
El Drogadicto
Mi Casa Nueva
La Carta De Iraq
El Dia De Tu Boda
Yo Y La Botella
Mi Ultimo Deseo