Tejano Legends Houston Chapter Board Member Connie Ramirez watches honoree Elsa Garcia sign guitar. | Credit: Mike Ramirez Jr / Tejano Legends Houston Chapter
HOUSTON, TX — The Tejano Legends Houston Chapter hosted a memorable and heartwarming evening at KC Hall in Houston, Texas, on February 16, as it honored some of the most iconic women in Tejano music during the Women in Music event. The celebration recognized the incredible contributions of Latinas whose enduring impact on the Tejano music industry continues to resonate across generations.
Among the honorees were Elsa Garcia, along her mother, Hermelinda Escamilla, known as Linda La Norteña, Irene D. Lares, Michelle Chel, Rita Bernal, Jackie Gomez, and Maria Luisa G. Ramirez. These exceptional women have left an indelible mark on Tejano music through their artistry, dedication, and passion for preserving and advancing the genre.
The event featured a powerful musical lineup, with performances from the legendary Beto Ramon y Luna Llena, Daniel Lopez y Aventura, and a dynamic roster of artists including Rita Bernal, Jackie Gomez, Annette Saldana, Nancy Saenz, Michelle Chel, and Madison Pulido. Their captivating performances highlighted the vibrant talent within the Tejano community, further amplifying the event’s significance.
Performer Madison Pulido with honorees and performers Rita Bernal, Jackie Gomez, and Nancy Saenz. | Credit: Mike Ramirez Jr. / Tejano Legends Houston Chapter
Elsa Garcia, one of the honorees, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am truly honored to be recognized at the Tejano Legends 2025 Women in Music Awards Ceremony, a night dedicated to celebrating the remarkable women who have shaped Tejano music. Being part of this legacy is a blessing.” Reflecting on the event, Elsa shared a heartfelt message to her fans and community: “A special thank you to the Houston Tejano Legends, I am deeply honored by this recognition. Reflecting on Sunday’s event, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my family, whose love and support have been my guiding light, my devoted fans, who have always been there for me, and to the incredible musicians of the Tejano community who continue to inspire and uplift our rich cultural heritage. As we celebrate the achievements of so many exceptional women, including my dear mother, Linda La Norteña, I am reminded that our collective strength lies in our sisterhood. Congratulations to all the wonderful honorees! Together, we will continue to celebrate and expand the reach of Tejano music.”
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Shelly Lares, a Tejano icon whose mother, Irene D. Lares, was also honored, shared her deep emotional connection to the evening. She said, “Words can’t describe how happy I am for my little mama!! Yesterday, she was honored as a songwriter/lyricist at the Tejano Legends Houston and will forever be archived at the University of Houston! Mama wrote the lyrics to all of my hits! Es que estoy enamorada, Soy tu amor, Siempre lo Esperare, and No quiero saber, to name a few! My family and I are eternally grateful to the committee for acknowledging mom and other queens in the Tejano music industry!”
Honoree Irene D Lares with daughter Shelly Lares | Credit: Mike Ramirez Jr / Texas Legends Houston Chapter
Honoree Michelle Chel also expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Words can’t express how happy, honored, and thankful I am to be recognized at the Tejano Legends Women in Music Awards Ceremony 2025, honoring exceptional women who have significantly impacted Tejano music. As a recording artist and as the owner of Hacienda International HIP Music Records label, I have been blessed with over 40 years in the music entertainment industry. My passion and love for our music and our culture are stronger than ever.”
Honoree Michelle Chel | Credit: Mike Ramirez Jr / Tejano Legends Houston Chapter
The Tejano Legends Chapters were created and established by various cities in the state of Texas and beyond. Their primary mission is to promote, honor, recognize, and preserve the rich culture embedded in Tejano music, which has its origins dating back to the 1920s. The main objective is to bring together musicians who have collaborated and contributed throughout the years to the legacy of the Tejano music genre.
The Women in Music 2025 event was a resounding success, not only honoring the exceptional women of Tejano music but also reaffirming the collective power of sisterhood, legacy, and the enduring impact of Tejano music on generations to come.
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