Rancho Alegre Interview - Gilberto Perez Sr

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: