New Mexico music
New Mexico music is an American folk genre of music which originated in the U.S. State of New Mexico.[1] It is typified by the heavy use of guitars, trumpets, steel guitars, accordians, and violins, and, like its root styles of traditional New Mexico folk music, classic Rock music, and Country-Western music, with a steady rhythm section like that of Native American music, and lyrics typically in New Mexican Spanish and sometimes New Mexican English. Traditional New Mexico folk music was existed since the 16th century, the first songs in the genre were recorded by Smithsonian Folkways in the 40s and 50s, and in the mid-1950s Norman Petty's studio in Clovis recorded New Mexico music by Al Hurricane, Tiny Morrie, Baby Gaby, Roberto Griego, and the country and rock musicians Hank Williams Jr. and Buddy Holly. And, since the late-1960's, Albuquerque has been prominent in producing New Mexico music performers, which was described as "the Chicano Nashville" in the 1980s. However, other cities such as Santa Fe, Farmington, and Las Cruces have also played important roles in its progression. It has been most successful in New Mexico and Southern Colorado, as well as throughout the American Southwest, West Texas, and Northern Mexico.
A currently developing sub-genre, which contains elements of New Mexico music merged with Americana music and modern folk music, is being referred to as New Mexicana.[2]
Several organizations present awards to outstanding New Mexico music performers including the New Mexico Music Awards and New Mexico Hispano Music Association.[3][4] There is also the annual Los 15 Grandes De Nuevo Mexico Music Award, which has both a concert and music album.[5]
Contents
Foundations of New Mexico music
Many New Mexico music songs share similar lyical themes of other American folk genres. Those simlar themes are God and the Christian religion, family, Momma, love, the struggles of the common man, Alcohol, and supporting and promoting the love and defense of America and its values. Unique themes to New Mexico music include, but are not limited to; ranching lifestyle, dancing, and celebrating the traditions of the New Mexico from the Nuevomexicanos, Pueblo, the Wild West, Navajo, Route 66, and Apache.
Artists
Some New Mexico music performers include:
- Lorenzo Antonio
- Antonia Apodaca
- El Gringo
- Erika
- Freddie Brown
- Sharon Burch
- Donna Christine
- Darren Cordova
- Micky Cruz
- Jerry Dean
- Matt Duran
- Roberto Griego
- Norio Hayakawa
- Al Hurricane
- Al Hurricane, Jr.
- Jerry Jaramillo
- Los Garrapatas
- Los Traviesos
- Jon Maez
- Robert Mirabal
- A. Paul Ortega
- Anthony Rosas
- Jason Soto
- Miguel Timoteo
New Mexicana music performers include:
Bands
Although Country is mainly a solo artist dominated field, there are quite a few bands that have enjoyed success. Some of these include:
New Mexicana music performers
Famous Families of New Mexico Music
- The Sanchez Family - Bennie Sanchez, Al Hurricane, Tiny Morrie, and Baby Gaby.
- Al Hurricane's children and grandchildren - Al Hurricane, Jr., Jerry Dean, Erika, and Christian Sanchez.
- Tiny Morrie's children - Sparx and Lorenzo Antonio.
