San Antonio continues to play a pivotal role in the cultural landscape of conjunto and Tejano music, genres that have evolved significantly while retaining their roots. The city’s vibrant Mexican American heritage is evident not only in its visual arts but also in its rich musical traditions. According to Hector Saldaña, Texas Music curator at the Wittliff Collections of Texas State University, San Antonio has been instrumental in shaping these two distinct styles of music.
Conjunto music, a blend of Mexican American influences, draws heavily from German and Czech musical traditions. Characterized by the button accordion and the bajo sexto—an essential twelve-string guitar—conjunto often features polkas and waltzes, beginning as primarily instrumental music in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Saldaña notes that figures such as Santiago Jiménez, Sr., who is often hailed as a pioneer of this genre, played a vital role in its development alongside other notable musicians like Valerio Longoria and Narciso Martínez.
The legacy of conjunto is deeply intertwined with the late Flaco Jiménez, who passed away recently. Renowned as a six-time Grammy winner and a recipient of the Lifetime Grammy Award, Jiménez was pivotal in popularizing conjunto music, not only through his work with the Texas Tornados but also as a solo artist. Saldaña describes him as an exceptional musician, able to connect with the music instinctively, making his performances unforgettable.
The distinction between conjunto and Tejano music is significant. While conjunto is often likened to the earthy tones of blues, embodying a more traditional folk essence, Tejano music has evolved into a pop and dance-oriented genre. Tejano incorporates electronic elements and synthesizers, creating a more modern sound. Artists such as Emilio Navaira and the iconic Selena have become synonymous with Tejano, bringing it to broader audiences.
Saldaña reflects on the state of Tejano music in recent years, noting concerns about its visibility following Selena’s passing. The genre experienced a decline in radio airplay and the disappearance of dedicated music stores. However, Saldaña believes Tejano music remains beloved, with its presence still felt at community events, church fairs, and local festivals.
As he describes, the current landscape of Tejano music resembles that of Cajun and Zydeco music—regional and cherished, albeit less mainstream. “You’re more likely to find it at a festival on the River Walk or at a cultural event,” he explains, highlighting the role of organizations like the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center and the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in promoting these genres through festivals and performances.
While both conjunto and Tejano music have faced challenges, Saldaña emphasizes the importance of nurturing new talent to ensure their future. Musicians such as Raulito Navaira’s daughter, Destiny, are emerging, keeping the spirit of these genres alive. As Saldaña notes, “You have to have the talent here.”
The evolution of conjunto and Tejano music reflects broader cultural shifts while remaining rooted in San Antonio’s rich history. As these genres adapt to contemporary tastes, they continue to celebrate their Mexican American heritage, ensuring that their legacy endures for generations to come.