Tejano Music: Has It Evolved or Stayed The Same?

If you grew up in Texas or the surrounding States you may have heard the likes of Little Joe, Grupo Mazz, Pio Trevino, Laura Canales and recognize them as some of the founding members of Tejano music. Now there are more that founded the genre but that isn't what I am disputing, I would like to know if the genre has evolved or has it stayed the same? I remember growing up in a house that supported this music because one of our own was professionally providing for himself by playing on many stages throughout Texas. The love for the music grew strong and throughout the 80's and 90's it was catching on like wildfire. Many were seeing success through this genre and it grew to not only a musical category but a culture. There were artists who wanted to be a part of this Texas born genre in their home states and it was "cool" to be known as a Tejano Artist. There was a pivotal time in Tejano music that caused for the genre to spiral downward and in the eyes of many to completely die off. Many blame the death of a superstar icon, which has a lot of truth behind it, but others blame the lack of talent and standards within the once very picky genre.

There are still a lot of new musicians that come up in this genre and the Tejano organizers still get a lot of people to their big events held in and around Texas, but why has Tejano not being recognized on the national or international stage? Why do most show lineups include the major headliners? Why have bands that once called Tejano home now claim to be a Norteno or Mexican Regional artist? Why have the cost of artist gone down? These are some questions that have been left unanswered and for some they are questions that most do not want to answer due to not wanting to face the reality of a genre struggling. Should there be a change at the head of the table or should we just be open to a different view?

Here is a question I have asked myself as I see the constant line ups that include the major headliners at our local venues. Why do we not have any local acts opening up for these artist? If we do have supporting acts I have noticed that these too are major players in the Tejano genre, not your local bands who are wanting to reach that level. As most other genre do why do we not give our local bands the opportunity to open up for major acts? I do understand that these venues are a business and need to draw the crowds, but if the local band can add another 50-100 people why do we not give them an opportunity to play for the 500 fans that the major headliner can open them up to? Why do they have to beg to be on every festival line up or be told that they can be added but for exposure?

There is a struggle of power that needs to help the genre evolve. There are many great bands that will choose to find their own audience and not play the politics that does not allow for them to be creative within a genre that wants what it wants. Let's be open minded and allow for the youngsters in the Tejano genre to carry it to higher levels.