Latin music is ascending in the U.S. today. It’s the fastest-growing genre in the nation, and last year one of its biggest stars, Peso Pluma, drew more YouTube views than Taylor Swift. In some surprising ways, much of the story behind this musical trend begins in Texas.
In Texas thirty years ago, tejano and regional Mexican music were on the rise, and Johnny Canales’s musical variety show—most often recorded in Corpus Christi—was reaching audiences across the Western Hemisphere.
On Viva Tejano, host J. B. Sauceda talks with legendary tejano artists and well-known tejano music fans about how the music has shaped their lives. Sauceda, who recently took over as host of Texas Country Reporter, will take listeners on a nostalgic journey that takes a closer look at the influences behind some of today’s biggest acts in música Mexicana.
The series begins Tuesday, November 12. Texas Monthly audio subscribers get exclusive access to episodes one week early, plus bonus interviews and audio related to the show.
Look for Viva Tejano on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
