Rancho Alegre Interview - Chano Cadena

Chano Cadena passed away yesterday, September 19, 2025 at age 87. This interview was recorded in October 2011. 

He was a Texas music legend, pure and simple. Recognized for his longevity and technical skill, he is admired by fans and colleagues alike. A hall of famer several times over, he played and toured with all of the legends, even a very young Ruben Naranjo back in the early 1960s.

Chano was the first interview on our famous tour of the Rio Grande Valley in October 2011. As he welcomed us to his home in Robstown, he gave us the tour of all his awards and framed newspaper articles celebrating his amazing career. He pointed to one trophy in particular, a 4-foot tall award given to him by the Senior Citizens of Concepción, Texas, honoring his 50th year in music.

When we were lining up talent for the Rancho Alegre Conjunto Festival in February 2012, Chano was one of the first people we called and we built the first festival around him and fellow Alice legend Rene Joslin. We also arranged an in-store performance at Antone’s Record Shop, where he delighted a crowd of music lovers of all ages and backgrounds.

Chano was a mainstay at our festival and always came to play when we asked. He continued playing until 2024, and his final public performance was at our festival at the Doris Miller Auditorium. Fellow Conjunto legend Mague Orosco of El Dueto Carta Blanca de George y Mague joined him on stage for a couple of songs, much to the delight of the crowd. 

We hope you enjoy this interview with one of Conjunto's best, along with selections from his catalog. 

Our hearts go out to la familia Cadena, and his many fans, friends, and fellow musicos who will miss his unique style of playing, birthday phone calls, and jokes. 

Here's what we played in addition to the interview: