Tex-Mex / Tejano

Description

Tex-Mex, also known as Tejano, is a vibrant and energetic genre that blends Mexican folk and traditional music with American rock, country, and blues influences. It typically features accordion, bajo sexto, and electric guitars, with a rhythmic foundation that encourages dancing.

History

The genre originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in southern Texas, where Mexican and American cultures intersected. It began as a fusion of Mexican ranchera music with elements of polka and waltz introduced by German and Czech immigrants. By the mid-20th century, artists like Lydia Mendoza and later, Selena, helped popularize the genre, bringing it to wider audiences and incorporating more contemporary sounds.