Rancho Alegre Interview - Jesse y Beto Duran y Los Aguilillas

Recorded in 2011 and 2012.

Back in the 1980s, Jesse y Beto Duran y Los Aguilillas had a massive hit with El Soltero Apasionado, a waltz that took them all over Texas and was frequently requested (and graciously played) multiple times per show. With various rhythm sections, Jesse and Beto played together for 45 years before retiring in the mid-2000s due to health issues.

With Beto on bajo sexto and first voice, and Jesse on accordion and second voice, their smooth harmonic sound is reminiscent of Ramon Ayala. And to be perfectly honest, Soltero is probably one of the better drinking songs out there. Put it on repeat, open a Bud Light and dale shine!

This was our very first interview (April 2011), and then we caught up with the guys a couple weeks before our very first Rancho Alegre Conjunto Music Festival in 2012. 

They came out of retirement after seven years for one last special performance for the festival on February 4, 2012, and sounded great. The Moose Lodge was packed. It was a beautiful public sendoff for some local favorites.

Beto died in 2014 and Jesse passed in 2022. 

Here's what we played: