David Lee Garza

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David Lee Garza (born February 15, 1957) is an American Tejano musician and bandleader. [1] Garza was born and raised in Poteet, Texas.

Garza and his band have been responsible for jumpstarting the careers of numerous Tejano vocalists by way of collaboration, including Ramiro “Ram” Herrera, Emilio Navaira, Oscar G., Jay Perez, Marcos Orozco, Mark Ledesma and Ben Ozuna. The current vocalist for the group is Cezar Martinez. [2]

Garza's album Just Friends won the 2013 Latin Grammy for Best Tejano Album. [3]

In March 2022, Garza announced a collaboration with Tejano guitarist, Chris Pérez. The two shared images from the recording studio, teasing the upcoming release. [4]

David Lee Garza remains a pivotal figure in the music industry, sustaining a devoted fan base through his innovative blend of progressive Conjunto and unique Tejano music styles.

With a career spanning over three decades, David Lee Garza y Los Musicales have consistently delivered hits characterized by rhythmic, dance-friendly melodies and a fusion of Country, Tex-Mex, and pure Tejano sounds.

Garza's distinctive accordion playing is instantly recognizable, paving the way for collaborations with a plethora of Grammy Award-winning Tejano artists such as Selena, Little Joe y La Familia, Jimmy Gonzales, and La Firma, as well as crossover work with Americana artists like Kevin Fowler and Johnny Bush.

The band has seen a steady rise to prominence, earning acclaim across the Tex-Mex, Americana, and Tejano music scenes. Their success on the demanding dance and festival circuit over the past decades is reflected in chart-topping singles like “Con El Tiempo” and “Te Quiero Te Amo,” cementing their status in the industry.

Garza's strategy of rotating lead vocalists has not only made his band a staple in Tejano music but has also enabled them to continuously rejuvenate their sound for fans of all ages.

At a time when authenticity in music roots is highly valued, David Lee Garza y Los Musicales' genuine connection to traditional Texas sounds was a key factor in their signing with Capitol/EMI Latin and later with Sony Discos in the early 2000s. In 2005, Garza established DLG Records, broadening his involvement in the music production landscape.

Despite their fame, the group remains down-to-earth and accessible to their audience, a quality that has contributed to their enduring popularity. Their partnerships with brands like Wrangler and Cavenders Boot City underscore their status as contemporary icons of Tejano music.

Hailing from Poteet, Texas, David Lee started his musical journey with his father Tony Garza (R.I.P. Pops) and brothers, forming David Lee y Su Conjunto. Today, Los Musicales is a family affair with members including his brothers Adam and Richard, as well as Billy O'Rourke, Daniel Fernandez, John Cruz, Rick Rios, and lead vocalist Cezar Martinez.

With a vast discography of over 30 albums, the band's legendary status is solidified. They've continued to push boundaries, evidenced by their independent label, DLG Records, and the Latin Grammy-winning album "Just Friends," a collaboration with 10 vocalists.

The band has also been instrumental in launching the careers of several influential Tejano vocalists. Their newest member, Cezar Martinez, adds a fresh and vibrant dimension to their sound.

Los Musicales have weathered the ebbs and flows of the industry, touring extensively from Hawaii to northern Mexico, and continue to evolve their sound and spirit in their unique way.

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References

  1. ↑ Guadalupe San Miguel. Tejano Proud: Tex-Mex Music in the Twentieth Century . 1585441880 - 2002 Page 79 "Garza, born in 1957 in Jourdanton, Texas, began playing the accordion at the age of eight. By eleven he was playing with his father in the band Margarito Hernandez y Su Conjunto. In 1968 the band changed its name to David Lee Garza y Su Conjunto. During the mid-1970s, he added saxophones to his group and began to expand his Tejano repertoire.."
  2. ↑ https://davidleegarza.com/biography.html
  3. ↑ https://davidleegarza.com/biography.html
  4. ↑ Medina, John Henry (March 30, 2022). "Chris Perez has a collaboration with David Lee Garza on the way". Tejano Nation. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
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