Four musicians and one award-winning author joined the ranks of conjunto’s most influential artists Saturday in a ceremony honoring the music’s history and pioneers.
In a Saturday night ceremony, the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame in San Benito named its five new inductees, recognizing each for their contribution to the unique American genre.
“All of these men have touched conjunto music greatly either directly or indirectly,” said Rey Avila, founder of the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame. “They are all important in some way to conjunto music and where it’s come over the years.”
Robert Pulido, a Tejano star who pioneered Tex-Mex music, said he was honored to be inducted in Saturday night’s ceremony. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d one day be honored next to some of these greats,” Pulido said, adding that he’s proud to be part of conjunto’s development over the years.
Hector Barron, who performed at Saturday night’s ceremony with the legendary Los Fantasmas Del Valle, said he feels a responsibility to keep conjunto music alive. Barron, who was also inducted into the hall of fame Saturday night, said, “I’m so proud and thankful to God and my family.”
Gilberto Lopez, former accordionist for Los Dos Gilbertos, was also present Saturday night for his induction into the hall of fame. Conjunto music, Lopez said, “It’s our roots, it’s what we love to hear and play.” Though he is no longer part of Los Dos Gilbertos, Lopez said he still loves playing the accordion in church.
Inducted posthumously Saturday night was Ruben Naranjo, a prolific accordionist whose recordings drew fans from all over.
The organization also honored scholar and author Manuel Peña Saturday, a man who has long documented the development and progression of conjunto music.
Article taken from Valley Morning Star on August 12, 2010
