|
 Ruben
Vela was born
May 10, 1937. Although he was born in San Antonio, he spent most of his youth
in the Rio Grande Valley, growing up in cities like Relampago and Mercedes. While
he and his family were living in Mercedes, Ruben's mother presented 11year-old
Ruben with his first accordion - a brand new two row Hohner. Even though the $70
she spent was a lot of money for that time, she soon realized, it was money well
spent. Ruben was so delighted that he could now play with his 9 brothers and 1
sister, all musicians, he practiced non-stop. And at the tender age of 12, Ruben
decided he was ready for his first public performance.
Ruben
had such talent and his music was so well received, that by 1956, he became a
regular on the KGBT Martin Rosales radio show in the Valley. Rosales was so impressed
with young Ruben that he introduced him to the owner of Discos Falcon in McAllen.
There, Ruben recorded his first song, and instrumental called "Adolorido,"
a compilation, based on two old traditional Mexican songs, "Adolorido"
and "El Abandonado." It became an instant hit.
 So,
in 1959, with his first hit in hand, Ruben decided it was time to start touring.
Since then, he has recorded many other memorable hits, including, "Te Regalo
El Corazon," "Mire Amigo," and "El Oso Negro." Ruben
also recorded the beloved, "El Pajuelazo" and "El Tiroteo."
Throughout the years, Ruben has recorded on such labels as, Bego, Freddie, Dina,
Joey, and Hacienda, and most recently, Crown.
Throughout
the years, Ruben Vela's music has touched the hearts and souls of Tejano fans
around the world. In 1983 he was honored for these outstanding contributions to
the world of Conjunto music and inducted into the Conjunto Hall of Fame at the
world famous Conjunto Festival in San Antonio.
But
who would have guessed that things would only get better? After forty years of
entertaining audiences, Ruben Vela and his Conjunto had their biggest hit of all,
a power cumbia called "El Coco Rayado ñ Powermix." Not only did
"El Coco Rayado" get heavy rotation throughout the Valley, it received
impressive play in tough northern markets, as well. But the real surprise came
in 1997, when the follow-up "La Papaya" earned Ruben a nomination for
three Tejano Music Awards. This super-charged cumbia, not only earned Ruben a
nomination for Song of the Year, but for  Album
of the year, as well. So, at an age when most people are contemplating retirement,
Ruben dealt with a hectic touring schedule, the likes of which he had never before
seen. Ruben
Vela and his Conjunto are looking forward to continuing their legacy of success
with Crown Records, with whom they recently signed. Although no one knows what
the future holds for this Tejano superstar, all that is certain is that he isn't
finished yet! |
