MR. MUSIC MAN, My Biography.
By Gus Garza

February 18, 2007

Born in Beeville, TX, raised in Corpus Christi, TX and educated in Detroit, MI, I finally moving to Houston in 1962, a time when Tejano music was virtually non-existent, with the exception of the Pan American Night Club.

At that time, the Pan American was the only club in Houston where Chicano/Tejano artists of the Tex-Mex Genre performed live in concert regularly.
Ann Keherkher, owner of the Pan American, graciously accepted me into the club to work as band (M.C.- Master of Ceremonies and at the door.
Maintaining my day job and working nights and weekends at the club, I was feeding my love of music.
As singer for my brother-in-law's band, the Eddie Torres Band, in 1956, I had the fortunate experience of traveling throughout Texas before settling in Houston.

While with the band and upon leaving, I was able to meet big-name artists such as Balde Gonzalez, Beto Villa, Isidoro Lopez, Raph Galvan, Juan Colorado, and Wally Armendariz, just to name a few.
As my passion grew and with the opportunity offered by the encouragement of General Manager of KLVL, Joe Morales, in 1968, I became the first bilingual radio disc jockey in Houston.
Here was where my pen name, Mr. Music Man and "Bailando en Tejas" originated.
With sponsorships of a few Tejano recording labels including: Capri Records (Dallas), Bernal Records (McAllen), Key-Loc (San Antonio), Buena Suerte (Temple), I worked at KLVL from 1968 to '71, beginning with a one-hour show Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, where I played a variety of Tejano music.
It was my first experience on radio and within two weeks more than 50 letters of congratulations for the show came in.
During this time, Isidro Lopez and Chris Sandoval were at the height of their popularity in the Houston area. Little Joe and the Latinnaires and Sunny & The Sunliners were just entering into the scene. Following my time at the radio station, I worked evenings at the Pan America for several years. Through presenting the bands and later meeting with the members, I began working with La Mafia.
In 1981, I was the Public Relations Representative for La Mafia. I traveled throughout Texas with the band, promoting, and presenting them at shows. I also worked a period as road manager for FAMA.
Years passed and in the mid-90s, the opportunity was presented me to co-host, then host Bailando en Tejas at KPFT 90.1 FM.

It was my experiences at KLVL, the friendships and relationships throughout the years, and the love for the music genre that encouraged me to go forward making it my own.
Bailando en Tejas airs on KPFT on Saturdays, 7-9 pm.
I want Bailando en Tejas to educate the public over the history of Chicano/Tejano music of the Tex-Mex genre, including its origins, historically important musicians and singers, types of ensembles, and distinct community.

History is the educational purpose of the program. There is no better way to educate a people about their history, culture, values and social issues than through music. Some of this history will include the family backgrounds of prominent musicians, both living and dead, including the particular sound and contributions to the Tejano music experience.
We do this by playing varieties of Tejano music going back primarily between the 1940s and the mid-1980s. I play Tejano music that is ignored by commercial radio stations in the Houston radio market.
Bailando en Tejas translation Dancing in Texas, is aimed primarily to the Tejano and Latino people of all age groups.
However, it is hoped that individuals from a variety of racial and ethnic groups will listen and begin to appreciate the quality and feeling of this Texas grown music. In recent years here in Houston, Texas, other genres of Latin music have made their way onto Houston's airwaves and clubs, true Tejano music has been neglected by commercial mainstream radio and media.
Maintaining respect for Tejano music is my culture, my music and my labor of love. If you are a Tejano band seeking exposure for Radio Airplay on the "Bailando en Tejas (Dancing in Texas) Radio Show" with Mr. Music Man Gus Garza on Houston's KPFT 90.1 FM, feel free to mail your promo package attention to:
The Bailando En Tejas Radio Show
C/O Mr. Music Man "Gus Garza"
419 Lovett
Houston, TX 77006

Feel Free to email your music requests & dedications to: gusgarza@kpft.org
If you wish to email us your music in MP3 format please make sure that the file has been ripped & uses 86 MB per CD (192kbps) & you can email us is in .mp3 format to tejanomania@hotmail.com


On behalf of the Bailando En Tejas Radio Show, myself Mr. Music Man Gus Garza & volunteer staff, without your continuous & generous contributions to KPFT 90.1 FM, you the fans of this genre of music have made this show possible since July of 2002.
So from the bottom of my heart, I thank you infinitely. God Bless You all y como dice mi compadre el
BIGDAWG "Y Que Viva La Onda!!!"