In the vibrant tapestry of American music, Tejano music stands as a unique and cherished genre, blending German polka influences with Latin rhythms and sung in both Spanish and English. At the heart of this dynamic musical tradition lies the Tejano Music Awards (TMA), an accolade that has been shining a spotlight on outstanding performers and recordings in the Tejano music genre since 1980.
The Tejano Music Awards owe their existence to the vision of Rudy Trevino, a former art teacher and accomplished musician. Recognizing the need to celebrate and honor the talent within the Tejano music community, Trevino created this prestigious awards ceremony, which has since become an integral part of the Tejano music calendar.
San Antonio, Texas, serves as the annual backdrop for this celebration of Tejano music excellence. However, the awards have also ventured to other cities, including the vibrant Eagle Pass, Texas, in the past, highlighting the genre’s geographical diversity and reach.
The first Tejano Music Awards took place in 1980, acknowledging the achievements of Tejano musicians and recordings from that year. With 11 categories, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year, the awards aimed to recognize the diverse talents within the genre.
The 1990s marked a significant era for Tejano music, often referred to as its first renaissance. This period witnessed a surge in the genre’s popularity, owing much of its success to the iconic American singer Selena, lovingly hailed as the “Queen of Tejano music.” Selena dominated the female-only awards, while American singer Emilio Navaira earned the title of the “King of Tejano music.”
In 1995, the Tejano Music Awards celebrated its “quinceaƱera” year, expanding to honor Tejano musicians in 14 categories, reflecting the growing diversity and talent within the genre.
However, tragedy struck in 1995 when Selena was tragically shot and killed, leaving a void in Tejano music. The genre’s popularity waned, and it faced new challenges.
To recognize the lasting impact of Tejano artists, the Lifetime Achievement Award was introduced in 1999, honoring those who made significant contributions to the genre.
In 2005, the Tejano Music Awards marked their “silver anniversary,” celebrating 25 years of excellence in Tejano music. This milestone saw the presentation of awards in 14 categories, echoing the glory days of the genre.
The 30th annual Tejano Music Awards in 2010 introduced a unique decade-ballot category, allowing artists to be recognized for their contributions during specific periods: the 1980s, 1990s, and the 2000s.
Today, the Tejano Music Awards continue to celebrate the genre’s rich heritage and ongoing evolution. The upcoming 36th annual event, scheduled for 2016, will recognize excellence in 12 categories.
Beyond the awards ceremony itself, the Tejano music community comes together for the annual Fan Fair, a vibrant celebration that takes place weeks before the Tejano Music Awards. This prelude allows fans and artists to connect, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the Tejano music family.
In a world of ever-changing musical trends and genres, the Tejano Music Awards remain a steadfast celebration of a genre that holds a special place in the hearts of countless music lovers. As they continue to honor the legacy of Tejano music and its talented artists, the Tejano Music Awards ensure that this unique musical tradition lives on for generations to come.