Courtesy: Danny Ortiz
Tejano singer Danny Ortiz is taking fans on a nostalgic yet refreshing journey with his brand-new single, “Ayer y Hoy.” The song, originally made famous by Grupo Mazz, is reborn through Ortiz’s powerful vocals and lush orchestration, creating an emotional tribute to the late Jimmy Gonzalez, the legendary Mazz founder who once recognized Ortiz’s star potential.
You’ve heard ‘Ayer y Hoy’ before, but never like this. It’s the song that brings life and music full circle. With sweeping mariachi arrangements and a smooth romantic delivery, Ortiz breathes new life into the Luis Silva-penned classic — transforming it into a heartfelt homage to his musical roots.
From Brownsville to the Big Stage
Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, Ortiz was destined for a life in music. The son of a big band leader and the grandson of musicians, he grew up surrounded by rhythm and melody. Watching his father perform with The Ortiz Orchestra, a beloved act in the 1950s and ’60s, gave young Danny a deep appreciation for musicianship and showmanship.
His early passion for music led him to study trombone in high school before falling in love with drums, inspired by rock legends like Neil Peart of Rush. But fate had other plans — his powerful singing voice eventually stole the spotlight.
The Golden Boy of Grupo Mazz
Ortiz’s journey into professional music began modestly as a roadie for his brother’s rock band, Kick-Start. His vocal talent was soon discovered by Mark Del Castillo, leading to his emergence as a frontman. But it was his connection with Jimmy Gonzalez that changed everything.
Gonzalez, impressed by Ortiz’s vocal power and stage presence, invited him to join Grupo Mazz as lead vocalist in the early 2000s. There was no hesitation, no doubt, just joy. Gonzalez affectionately nicknamed him “The Golden Boy.”
During his time with Mazz, Ortiz recorded on the Latin Grammy-winning album Si Me Faltas Tú, performing lead vocals on tracks like “Hay Otra En Tu Lugar” and “I Can’t Fight This Feeling.” Sharing the stage with Tejano icons such as Intocable and Ramón Ayala, Ortiz became part of the fabric of modern Tejano music.
A Voice That Endures
After his tenure with Mazz, Ortiz continued to evolve as an artist. In 2012, he joined forces once again with the Del Castillo brothers, blending Tejano, rock, and Latin influences in a new musical chapter.
Now, in 2025, Ortiz reconnects with his past through “Ayer y Hoy” — a song he and Jimmy Gonzalez once dreamed of reimagining with a rich orchestral sound. That dream is finally realized.
“I can feel every word I’m singing,” Ortiz said. “This version captures everything I learned from Jimmy and everything I’ve become as an artist.”
With “Ayer y Hoy,” Danny Ortiz proves that great songs never fade — they simply evolve. And in his hands, this timeless Tejano classic shines brighter than ever.
Danny Ortiz — Ayer Y Hoy
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