José Hernández: The Mariachi Master and a Lifetime of Innovation. Ep. 150

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring Mariachi trumpet performer and recording artist José Hernández, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"José Hernández trumpet interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

 

Few people have had a greater impact on Mariachi music over the past 50 years than José Hernández, and today José joins us to share his musical upbringing, his influences and education, his passion for education and some very interesting insights on balancing a professional music career with business ventures, such as his restaurants.

 

José is a composer, arranger, performer and recording artist, including being a key musical coordinator on Linda Ronstadt's landmark 1987 Spanish album, Canciones de Mi Padre, where he helped guide her pronunciation and the Mariachi direction of the music.

 

Plus, he continues to inspire younger generations through his educational programs, and founding two world-famous ensembles: Mariachi Sol de México®, and Reyna de Los Ángeles®, America’s first all-female professional mariachi ensemble.

 

José is, relatively speaking, just down the road from us here at Bob Reeves Brass in Valencia, CA, so if you're in LA make sure to drop by both our shop and the Casa del Sol Cocina down in Irvine, for amazing food and entertainment! On Saturdays, the master could be there himself!

About José Hernández:

José Hernández is an internationally renowned Mariachi musician, composer, educator and cultural ambassador. He is the founder and musical force behind Mariachi Sol de México, the trailblazing Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, the Mariachi Heritage Society and the Mariachi Rams, in partnership with the Los Angeles Rams.

 

Born on August 27, 1958, in Mexicali, Baja California, José comes from a proud lineage of mariachis and musicians, with family musical roots tracing back to the 1700s. He was named after his grandfather, José Hernández, a musician born in 1901 in Jalisco, Mexico, who helped lay the musical foundation that would inspire future generations.

 

In 1981, José founded Mariachi Sol de México® with a bold vision: to expand the boundaries of mariachi music and elevate the genre beyond its traditional roots in ranchera and golden-age Mexican cinema. Under his leadership, the ensemble has become a global ambassador for Mariachi, known for its musical excellence and genre-blending innovation.

 

Throughout his illustrious career, José has been nominated for four American Grammy Awards and nine Latin Grammys. He has collaborated with a remarkable roster of artists, including Vicente and Alejandro Fernández, Luis Miguel, Marco Antonio Solís, Lola Beltrán, Celia Cruz, Selena, Vikki Carr, Linda Ronstadt, Arturo Sandoval, José Feliciano, the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and The Beach Boys.

 

Today, José Hernández continues to perform, compose, and educate while working on his highly anticipated autobiography, which will reflect on his 50-year career and the profound impact of mariachi music on American culture and the global stage.

Episode Links:

• Website: mariachisoldemexico.com
• Restaurant: casadelsoloc.com
• Instagram @mariachisoldemexicodejosehdz
• Instagram @jh_maestro_sol
• Facebook @mariachisoldemexicodejosehernandez
• Rhapsody for Mariachi
• La Voz de Mi Trompeta
• Doc Severinsen & Jose Hernandez - Concierto de Aranjuez
• Linda Ronstadt album, Canciones de Mi Padre

 

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

• Texas Music Educators Association Conference, Feb. 11-14, San Antonio, Texas
  https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/tmea-valve-alignment-special
• Dillon Music, Feb. 26-28, Woodbridge, New Jersey
  [e-mail]
• National Trumpet Festival, March 20-22, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
  https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/national-trumpet-competition-valve-alignment-special
• Metropolitan Music, April 10-11, Seattle, WA
  https://metropolitan-music.com
• Arkansas Trumpet Day, April 18th, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR

 

Podcast Credits:

• “A Room with a View“ - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Cover Photo Credit - José Hernández
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg