Customer Reviews

Billboard Guide to Tejano and Regional Mexican Music

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Mr. Ramiro Burr, First of all, I would like to thank you for having taken the time to write such a book. It never ceases to amaze me with the facts I find about my favorite artists. As a Tejano DJ for a station here in Nampa, Idaho it has really helped me add a little bit of history to the show. I look forward to additional volumes and would like to know when I can expect the next one. You mentioned in the book that you encouraged any comments and I would like to add a few. I know that you want to ensure that the book is as accurate as possible and I may have found a few inaccuracies. On page 56, your definition of "banda" includes an example of the instruments used in traditional bands. You mention that some bands also use clarinet implying that Banda El Recodo does not. However, the band does use clarinets and has for many, many years. In the description of El Recodo on page 60, the name of the song mentioned at the bottom of the page is "Sies Pies Abajo," it is listed as "Si Es Pies Abajo." Lastly, the Banda Machos hits Entrega Total" and "Esclavo y Amo" are on the Gracias Mujer CD, not the Machos Tambien Lloran CD. I just wanted to bring the above to your attention and hope that the additional volumes find their way to Idaho shortly. Once again, I thank you for your efforts.

I find the content of this book very enlightening and hopefully Ramiro will help the American people find the joy in the music that I have. I have listened to Mexican/Tejano music for the past 10 years and have never enjoyed music like I have since "discovering" this music. A lot of American people have no understanding behind the music or the lyrics. Ramiro writes about all of that in a way that explains how an American such as myself can come to love music that is not in their native language. He is passionate about the subject and was quoted in an excellent piece in March 2000 issue of Hispanic magazine regarding Mexican/Tejano music. Keep up the good work.

This is the book we have all been waiting for! If you are a fan of Tejano and Regional Mexican music, this book is a must! The biographies are insightful and informative. The musicians included in this comprehensive book include all the memorable performers I listened to while growing up in south Texas - memorable singers and groups such as Isidro Lopez, Beto Villa, Sunny and the Sunliners, Freddy Fender, Lola Beltran, Mingo Saldivar, Flaco Jimenez, and so many, many more! I also thoroughly enjoyed reading about and getting more in-depth information about my current favorite musicians, such as Nydia Rojas, The Texas Tornados, Mariachi Sol de Mexico, Los Super Seven, and Little Joe Y La Familia, to name just a few.

I recommended this book to my sister, who appreciates Mexican music as much as I do, and she asked if her favorite songwriters, Agustin Lara, Cuco Sanchez, and Jose Alfredo Jimenez, were included. To her delight, I answered that they were. Ramiro Burr has not left out anybody!

I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy Tejano and Regional Mexican music or want to learn more about this type of music, than this is the book you need as there is no other book like it available; it is an essential guide, well-researched and entertaining.

Ramiro Burr, thanks for writing this marvelous book!

I bought several copies of this book to give to friends and associates, all of whom have thanked me over and over again for such a wonderful gift.

It is a "must-have" for any music aficionado, regardless of one's own personal music preferences. I found myself pouring over this book, feverishly turning pages and mouthing the beautiful Spanish names along with the author. It is an amazing resource, full of information and interesting facts. I commend you, Ramiro, on your diligence and dedication to such a fine piece of work. I know it will always be appreciated by those who can remember the names, and those like me who now will never forget them.

It was long overdue and is a timeless tribute to the rich musical traditon and history of Texas and Mexico.

Yvonne Modrick

This book is not only a highly valued informational tool for me but an educational source for generations to come. Mr. Burr's thoroughness in his research should be commended. Those of us who love this music will find it invaluble as a reference guide. Thank you, Mr. Burr, for this gem. Your hard work and dedication to this project provide us with an insight for which we are so very grateful. It's about time!

If you want to find information about stars such as Lola Beltran, Pedro Infante and Jose Alfredo Jimenez this is the book! I have looked far and wide for a comprehensive book containing accurate information about mariachi and mexican music for my web page - "Fiesta Del Mariachi". I think this book is the first of its kind. Thank you Ramiro for giving this music the recognition it deserves!

"Tejano and Regional Mexican Music" by Ramiro Burr represents progress toward filling an information gap in Tejano Music. The book measures up in terms of providing authoritative information about a subject that's near and dear to many Tejanos, but that has not been adequately documented. It's a fascinating look at Tejano Music by a contemporary writer who is connected to the musicians themselves, their handlers, promoters and to the members of the media who cover the subject on a daily basis. As a writer for the San Antonio Express News, Ramiro is uniquely placed to gather and then spread current information on the subject, and he did exactly that in his book. But he also provides a historical perspective. The book is a real source for today's generation and for those who follow. Thanks Ramiro.

It's great to see that "Tejano And Regional Mexican Music" is available on Amazon.com and that it can be easily accessed by the thousands of Tejanos all over the world who are hungry for this type of information.

RAMIRO BURR deserves all the good he gets from this book.It is so informative and educational for everyone to read.TEJANO AND REGIONAL MEXICAN MUSIC book brings back memories from the days i was growing up in the valley.It will be a pleasure to have this book in my home to read over and over.To whoever is thinking about buying this book go for it you will not regret it. ROGELIO LUNA Freeport,Texas

The Billboard guide to Tejano Music has clearly something very important and is what a true listener always needs to know, The Tejano Music roots. Excellent on the brief and well written biographies and facts of the artists. From the past to the present. From Isidro Lopez to Bobby Pulido, from Lydia Mendoza to Shelly Lares.I may suggest for future references and editions to include a sort of mention or why not a number of works along with biographies of those who have created the music itself such as Humberto Ramon, Richard Allen Chente Barrera,Carmen Ravenna. They all deserve special credit. Great work, Ramiro.

Always wondered about the lives of such artists as Javier Solis, Pedro Infante, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, but never found any material to read up, until this wonderful informative book, which gives a riveting account of their lives, how they started in music. For those unfamiliar with other players in mariachi, norteno, trio or any border music, the book is a wealth of detailed information on the artists and groups, their best songs and albums. It even has artists my mother used to sing to like Lola Beltran, Trio Los Panchos, and Agustin Lara. Really enjoyable read. We need more such books!