Courtesy of Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame

Alice, TX – The Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame Museum, under the leadership of President and CEO Ruben Lopez and the Board of Directors, announces the Class of 2025 inductees. The official Induction Ceremony Awards will take place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the County Fairgrounds in Alice, Texas. Kicking off the celebration, the museum will host a Kickoff Dance on Friday, January 2, 2026, with details about the performance lineup and venue to be shared soon.

The 2025 class recognizes a broad spectrum of contributors to Tejano music, from performers and broadcasters to engineers, promoters, and instrumentalists. Notable inductees include:

Bobby Pulido, honored as Male Entertainer
Vic Gonzalez, Tejano Nation photographer, Special Recognition Award
Monica Peña, Tejano Nation contributor, recognized in Broadcasting
Chano Cadena, posthumously awarded the Javier “JV” Villanueva Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Marcelo Tafoya Sr. and Rene Joslin
Roel Roy Escobar, the first recipient of the newly established Chano Cadena Accordion Player Award

The full list of 2025 inductees encompasses a remarkable array of musicians and industry professionals across categories including Bass Guitar, Trumpet, Saxophone, Accordion, Guitar, Drums, Keyboards, Vocalist, Promoter, Sound Engineer, and Special Recognition. The Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame also honors historic venues, with this year’s designation going to VFW – Alice, TX.

Established in 2000 by the Remembering Our Own Tejano Stars (ROOTS) organization, the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame has inducted over 500 individuals and groups. Its mission remains to preserve and promote the rich legacy and culture of Tejano music for generations to come.

Fans and supporters are invited to join this special weekend celebration honoring the stars of Tejano music. More information on performances, schedules, and ticketing will be announced soon. For inquiries, contact Ruben Lopez at 361-765-3523.

Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees

Broadcasting

Mel Rodriguez
Monica Pena
Jesus Guerra
Gregory Moncivais Rodriguez
Ray Olvera

Male Entertainer

Bobby Pulido

Javier “JV” Villanueva Lifetime Achievement Award

Marcelo TaFoya, Sr.
Chano Cadena
Rene Joslin

Pioneer Tejano Award

Joe P. Ramos
Richard P. Vega
Johnny Tijerina
Joe A. D. Martinez
Greg Paredez

Bajo Sexto Award

Raymond R. Narro, Jr.
Raul “Pops” Rodriguez

Sound Engineer

Theodore (Ted) Hernandez

Chano Cadena Accordion Player Award

Roel Roy Escobar

Special Recognition Award

Mike Fuentes
Joe Morales
Victor Gonzalez
Janie’s Record Shop

Million Dollar Band

Promoter

Nick Guerra, Jr.
Dora Luna

Keyboards

Floyd Hannah
Gregory J. Ramirez

Guitar

Henry “Kike” Esquivez
Roberto “Bobby” Castillo
Victor Tovar
Danny Escobedo
Joe Otero
Isaac Bazan

Drums

Jose Angel Pena, Sr.
Javier Torres
Jorge L. Medin
Ruben Fuentes Casares
Juan “JB” Hernandez
Leonel Alvarez
Jorge Arellano, Jr.
Ricardo Ruiz, Jr.

Bass Guitar

George Esquivel
Fernand Aguilar
Roy Paniagua
Guillermo “Memo” Rincon
Robert Hernandez

Trumpet

Jonas Flores
Guadalupe Vasquez, III
Luis Juarez
Ruben “Venada” Gutierrez

Saxophone

Danny Triano
Donnie Alvarado
Mike Mora
Humberto R. Gonzalez

Accordion

Gilbert Zamora
Ramon Ray Diaz De Leon, IV
Oziel Garza, Jr.

Vocalist

Leeroy Camarillo
Gilbert Garcia Cuevas
Alejandro C. Lopez, Jr.
Jesse Gomez
Christina Romo Olvera
Gonzalo Perez
Joe A. Gutierrez
Danny E.f Martinez

Historic Dance Hall

VFW – Alice, Tx.

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