Cruz Control with AC Cruz Behind the Mic

Shelly Lares retires, after 40 long years of singing/songwriting, recording and touring as Shelly puts it "I'm not on the road as an artist anymore." She accomplished a longtime goal as the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Famer signs the first artists to her Shellshock Records 3 label. First up from Conroe Texas 12-year-old singing sensation Allie with her catchy single "Mi Fascinacion,"  then all the way from  Pico Rivera, California singer-songwriter El Gallo Dez with his debut single "Rogando por Tu Amor" becoming the first artist on the roster for the San Antonio-based record label. Shellshock Records 3 go Behind the Mic with Shelly Lares, Allie and  El Gallo Dez.

Eric Schwartz goes beyond traditional comedy with his undeniably entertaining mix of stand-up, music and multimedia. Straight off the release of his anticipated stand-up special “Delivery,” he tours the country on his Delivery Tour. Eric has appeared on Tonight Show, Showtime, Hulu, BET and was the tour opener for Jo Koy's Just Kidding World Tour in six countries.   One of the most creative and original comedians working today, Eric has earned the description, “everything there is to love about entertainment” (First Order Historians).  GQ India names him one of “5 International Comics You Must Catch.” E! News Daily host Ryan Seacrest said Schwartz is “rocking the web” with “video that's got everyone Googling” and Forbes.com applauds him for having “a minor industry in pop music parodies.”   A product of America's melting pot, Eric was raised on the outskirts of Los Angeles in a Jewish and Mexican family during the golden age of hip hop. His entertainment career began when he spent his Bar Mitzvah money on DJ gear and began entertaining at parties and school dances, and eventually became one of the most popular DJs at entertainment-industry events. Not content to only speak with his hands, Eric never hesitated at an opportunity to get on the mic and make the audience laugh.   These would be the seeds to grow Eric's style of musical comedy, leading him to television appearances on Showtime, The Tonight Show, Comics Unleashed, BET, and his one-hour special, “Surrender to the Blender,” on Hulu.  A pioneer of viral video, Eric has racked up over 100 million views on his stand-up clips, music videos, and sketches.  He has created content for and with Grammy-winner Jason Mraz, Jo Koy, Tiffany Haddish, Craig Robinson, Anjelah Johnson, Disney, Yahoo, Google and more.

Juan Carlos Villegas  (Grupo Negami) is a Tejano Roots Hall of Famer class of 2019. He started in the biz at the age of 19, 30 yrs. later he's still grinding more than ever. Houston has something so innovative, so energetic that it's twisting and turning the sometimes stifling image of Tejano music backward, forward and on its head. Already a hit in many Mexican cities. Tamaulipas, Matamoros, Reynosa, Monterrey and San Luis Potosi have put videos and singles near the top of the charts. It's called Negami.   Houston es una de las ciudades más grandes y productivas del estado de Texas y es ahí donde gracias a su mezcla de gente hispanoamericana nace "la nueva imagen de la música" quien lleva por nombre NEGAMI   NEGAMI aspira llegar hasta donde su publico lo diga, ya que gracias a sus seguidores el sueño no se detiene desde sus inicios, por que gracias a los amigos de la radio, prensa y medios de comunicación y sobre todo gracias a sus fans siguen en el camino de la música de NEGAMI    

SOLIDO! Ben De León, Rolo Benavides & Amado 'Chikis" Garza have been busy w/2 new album's, tour's & several collab's with Poder del Norte, Grupo Secreto & more. From November 2018: After almost 20 years 12 CD's and two Grammy's later Grupo Solido remains at the top of their game that's SOLID! Ben de Leon, Rolando Benavidez and Amado Garza Jr. aka Chikis sit down and chat with AC Cruz about the trials and tribulations of the road, the business and even some New Year's resolutions    

Since we talked to her last she's now 20yrs young, a Latin Grammy nominee, finishing a new CD and back on the road doing The Music of Selena with a symphony.  Before all that at 17 years old, she's already been named The My Tejano music awards top female artist, Tejano Music Awards Best New Female Artist and nominated in three categories for Album, Song of the Year and more. Don't miss this episode as we go Behind the Mic with Isabel Marie on The AC Cruz Podcast.   (From August 2020)

Pablo Urbina singer-songwriter, musician, lead vocalist first then drums, keyboards, rhythm guitar mostly to write songs for the group La Traizion, also event coordinator, booking agent and sound technician for concerts big or small. Chatting new music, new shows, upcoming festivals with some of your favorite artists and much more on this episode of the AC Cruz Podcast.

This incredible musician/vocalist left the Tejano music scene at the top of her game and it wasn't easy for her drummer now husband to do the same. Letty Guval is the first in her family to earn a bachelor's degree. However, her journey to get to there actually started 30 years ago. Chris's story is not too far behind. These are the trials and tribulations for Letty Guval DeLuna & Chris DeLuna on the AC Cruz Podcast.

In 1993, Ricky Naranjo began playing the drums for his father, Ruben Naranjo. He soon found himself booking gigs for Ruben Naranjo y Los Gamblers, and managing the band as well. Upon the passing of his father in 1998, many fans began to ask Ricky not if he was going to continue the band, but when. Ricky found himself in a tough position and decided that continuing the group was what his father would have wanted him to do. Thus Ricky Naranjo y Los Gamblers began.

It's another exclusive for The AC Cruz Podcast con El Grupo Control! Sergio, his daughter Jennifer & the rest of the band chat new music, collaborations and K-Pop a whole new vibe for Control, often referred to as "Los Reyes de la Cumbia" with hits like Tú No Me lo Das, Cumbia Con la Luna, El Tao Tao and so many more to mention join us as we go behind the scenes and Behind the Mic with Control.

It's Roberto Pulido's Bday  Ram Herrera, Lucky Joe, Chente Barrera, David Farias even Bobby Pulido doing their best impersonation of 'El Primo' and a couple of stories on how Roberto inspired them on a special Bday Episode.

Ruben Ramos "El Gato Negro" this Grammy/Tejano Music Award winner who recently celebrated his 80th Birthday, sat down to chat with AC about his health, career, future projects like his very first Live CD (coming out very soon) to working on the highly anticipated movie "On American Soil" this and much more, as we go "Behind the Mic" with the legendary Ruben Ramos.

The incomparable Elida Reyna. Aside from winning Tejano music awards a Latin Grammy, Elida sits down and chats with AC about everything from a new Lip Line called "Colores by Elida" her banquet hall in her hometown of Mercedes Tx. not to mention her new music, all this and more on this episode.

The legal dispute over royalties has made headlines. You may not know the name but you know the voice. Mario Marichalar, the former lead vocalist and bajo player for Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte, goes Behind The Mic and shares his side of the story of the disagreement in an exclusive interview with the Cruz Control with AC Cruz podcast.

July 26 2020: Stefani Montiel, this Grammy nominee, Tejano Music Award winner. Has toured across the U.S., Alaska not to mention Korea, Japan, Guam, Monterrey Mex., from Florida to Washington State but Texas is where her heart is. Get ready to go Behind the Mic with the one and only Stefani Montiel. 

He's the most energetic accordionist in the genre. 3 time Grammy award winner, 2 time Male Entertainer at the Tejano Music Awards, Tejano Music Hall of Famer and the list goes on. He chats briefly about his career, his ups and downs starting with his dear friend Eddie Gonzalez then with former bandmates Grupo Vida and the repercussions of touring with the Dixie Chicks, new music, new tours for 2023. This and so much more as we go Behind the Mic with Sunny Sauseda.

Recorded Thanksgiving holiday last year before the passing of one of the greats Paulino Bernal go behind the scenes and Behind the Mic with Randy Caballero. REPOST 11/28/21 Randy Caballero of 512Studios in Austin TX. chatting career, new music and working with some of the greats like Conjunto Bernal, La Mafia just to mention a few, once married to Laura Canales and a broken relationship with Xelencia. All this and more on The AC Cruz Podcast Behind the Mic with Randy Caballero.

Aisha is an emerging artist in Tejano music, the San Antonio singer began her career as a backup vocalist for Stephanie Lynn, and Oscar G, among others, and is currently with Ram Herrera's Outlaw Band. She launched a solo career with her debut album, "Mi Vida En Cancion," in 2018, which earned her a Tejano Music Awards nomination for Best New Female Artist. She chats with AC about her life, music, reaction to a recent radio interview, and so much more on this episode of The AC Cruz Podcast.

Behind the Mic with Art Tigerina, originally from Bryan/College Station, Texas, he's an energetic and soulful vocalist who has entertained thousands in a span of over 2 decades. Tigerina remembers his first musical influences coming from his dad, Trinidad Tigerina and brothers who were always in bands and playing music. He shares details on new music with the Art Tigerina Band to the Jukebox Preachers. Oh yeah and his love for cars! This and so much more on this episode of The AC Cruz Podcast.

Jesse Turner y Grupo Siggno it's a first for both. Jesse's first ever podcast and the first FB Live for AC Cruz, what's the worst that could happen. He talks about the 1st time he heard his song on the radio, his son's tragic accident that would change his life forever. Plus new tours, new countries for 2019 all this and more on this episode.

He's recognized by three initials DLG. He's helped launch the careers of many. Ram Herrera, Emilio Navaira, Jay Perez and so many more, and ready to chat with AC Cruz about how he got his start with his father and brothers forming Los Musicales. Funny stories about former vocalists, what he does to relax and what he thinks about retiring. All this and more on this episode it's David Lee Garza

Emilio and Diego Navaira Jerry Fuentes and Derrick James these are The Last Bandoleros! Emilio and Diego chat with AC about how they are dealing with the pandemic, their recent performance on Good Morning America and why it was so special, to unforgettable memories and never heard before stories of their dad the late great Emilio Navaira! New music. (did someone let the cat out of the bag) will it be Tejano? You be the judge. All this and more on the Season premiere of The AC Cruz Podcast..

4th Anniversary of The AC Cruz Podcast. Since 2018 we've been going Behind the Mic with in-depth, exclusive interviews with some of your favorite artists. Bobby Pulido, Javier Galvan, Michael Salgado, Los Palominos and Mike Gonzalez all of these episodes are republished from Season 1 and available to you right now on The AC Cruz Podcast.  

4th Anniversary of The AC Cruz Podcast. Since 2018 we've been going Behind the Mic with in-depth, exclusive interviews with some of your favorite artists. Bobby Pulido, Javier Galvan, Michael Salgado, Los Palominos and Mike Gonzalez all of these episodes are republished from Season 1 and available to you right now on The AC Cruz Podcast.

4th Anniversary of The AC Cruz Podcast. Since 2018 we've been going Behind the Mic with in-depth, exclusive interviews with some of your favorite artists. Bobby Pulido, Javier Galvan, Michael Salgado, Los Palominos and Mike Gonzalez all of these episodes are republished from Season 1 and available to you right now on The AC Cruz Podcast.

4th Anniversary of The AC Cruz Podcast. Since 2018 we've been going Behind the Mic with in-depth, exclusive interviews with some of your favorite artists. Bobby Pulido, Javier Galvan, Michael Salgado, Los Palominos and Mike Gonzalez all of these episodes are republished from Season 1 and available to you right now on The AC Cruz Podcast.

4th Anniversary of The AC Cruz Podcast. Since 2018 we've been going Behind the Mic with in-depth, exclusive interviews with some of your favorite artists. Bobby Pulido, Javier Galvan, Michael Salgado, Los Palominos and Mike Gonzalez all of these episodes are republished from Season 1 and available to you right now on The AC Cruz Podcast.

Revisiting our exclusive conversation with Abraham Quintanilla Parts 1 & 2 mixed into one episode. It's another exclusive, chatting about everything from the original Dinos in 1957 to family, Selena and of course Abraham's new book A Father's Dream: My Family's Journey in Music. All this and a huge surprise (even AC didn't see this coming) on The AC Cruz Podcast

AC Cruz, Mike Gonzalez and some of your favorite artists remember and share those special moments they had with Jimmy G. on what would have been his birthday today. Lalo and Elida Reyna, Johnny Rod, David Lee Grarza, Isabelle Marie, Gary Hobbs, Rebecca Valadez and so many more on this special episode of the AC Cruz Podcast.

We celebrate the life and legacy of late Tejano icon Emilio Navaira today, on what would have been Emilio's 60th birthday, selecting portions of interviews from the AC Cruz Podcast that feature David Lee Garza, Ram Herrera, Raulito Navaira, Destiny and Rigo Navaira, and Emilio's sons, Emilio IV and Diego, sharing personal memories of Emilio Navaira.

Fernando Silva is a long-time, successful Tejano musician, producer, and songwriter who's credited with writing the signature songs for artists like David Olivarez's SOÑADOR, and Negami's DICEN POR AHI. He's also had success writing for an eclectic group of artists like Bobby Pulido, Fama, La Fiebre, and more recently Stevie D. His road to success didn't come easy, enduring many life obstacles such as drugs and alcohol and most tragically the death of a daughter. However, he has found new hope and his joy is very evident in his latest project, Christian Tejano band, AMOR TEJANO. 

Stevie D. and Rebecca Valadez are finally teaming up. Rebecca with a unique soulful sounding voice is a two-time Grammy winner who has sung with the likes of Joe Lopez and Jimmy Gonzalez y El Grupo MAZZ, backup vocalist for Janet Jackson and more. Stevie D. 4X Tejano Music Award winner including Male Vocalist of the Year 2021. We're chatting new music, new duets, and a new Allstarcast. Go Behind the Mic with Stevie D. and Rebecca Valadez on The AC Cruz Podcast.

Karla Christina is an American vocal artist, raised in Nevada's capital, Carson City. Born to a Colombian mother and Costa Rican father on November 13th, 1984 in Glendale, California. She grew up speaking both English and Spanish and therefore loves singing a variety of genres in both. She's been singing since she was 3 yrs old, performed on Sabado Gigante, opened up for George Lopez & more. Get ready to go Behind the Mic with Karla Christina on the AC Cruz Podcast

Genyva Salas Monjaras is a powerful vocalist from the Rio Grande Valley. The singer earned a nomination for Best New Female Artist in 2009 and returned to music in 2015 after taking away from music to battle cancer and recover from injuries suffered in an auto accident. She shares her trials and tribulations throughout her career, her current music projects including Tejanas Unidas En Cristo and much more in an emotional interview as Genyva goes Behind The Mic with The AC Cruz Podcast.

Johnny Rodriguez, aka Johnny Rod, is a Grammy winner and a five-time Latin Grammy winner. He is known as the righthand man for late Tejano icon Jimmy Gonzalez, producing and composing classic Tejano hits during his many years with Grupo Mazz when Jimmy G went on his own. Johnny Rod shares memories in the studio with the Tejano legend, a life-changing auto accident, his skills as a panadero (baker), and much more as he goes Behind The Mic on this episode of The AC Cruz Podcast.

Yeisi (pronounced 'Jay-cee') is a Tejano newcomer with big dreams. The singer-songwriter from the Rio Grande Valley is known for his romantic style of music as featured on his two Tejano albums, "Romance Tejano" and "Reminiscencias," which features production from Grammy-winning producer Gilbert Velasquez, and Latin Grammy winner Jair Alcala of El Plan. Yeisi discusses his musical education and influences, upcoming projects, and more as he goes Behind The Mic with the AC Cruz Podcast.

Sidalia Almaguer Mendoza aka DJ Saz owner and on-air personality of SazRadio.com. Born in Sunnyside Washington raised in the RGV returned back to the great state of Washington at the age of 16 and hasn't looked back. Now she's taking over the podcast, DJ Saz goes Behind the Mic with your host AC Cruz

La Machy is best known as a founding member of GRAMMY-nominated international group La Conquista. The singer-songwriter and classical musician released a cover “Mamii,” adding her own signature cumbia style to the chart-topping collaboration between Karol G and Becky G. The lead single from her solo cumbia project, produced by Roland “RoRo” Gutierrez, features the signature urban cumbia beats that La Machy has been recognized since the all-girl group La Conquista debuted 25 years ago. Get ready to go Behind the Mic with La Machy.

One of the most popular and recognizable voices of Tejano radio is back on the San Antonio morning airwaves after the launch of Tejano 95.7 earlier this year in March. The Texas radio veteran, whose career spans over four decades, chats about his legendary career, the state of Tejano music today, and plans for the future as he goes Behind The Mic with the AC Cruz Podcast.

If you are a fan of Tejano music then you'll know this man's music.  For 60 plus years this icon has not only entertained but changed Tejano music as we know it. He was the first to add strings to musical arrangements that still stand the test of time. He has been an advocate for migrant workers rights, as well as civil and Justice rights.  He has performed for presidents and other dignitaries as well as icons like Willie Nelson. So many accomplishments. Too numerous to mention. It's  the true king of Tejano, the king of the brown sound José Maria Deleon Hernandez. Little Joe!

Robert and Eloy Pulido, A.J. Castillo, Ruben Ramos, Rigo and Raulito  Navaira, Gary Hobbs, Lucky Joe, Johnny Ramirez and Jimmy Cano talking moms for Mother's Day.

Destiny Navaira is the next generation of the Navaira musical legacy and found her own sound with a life-changing move to Monterrey, Mexico a few years ago. Her debut solo album, La Preferida, earned the songstress a Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year in 2021 placing her in elite company with Tejano music icons like Selena, Laura Canales, Elida Reyna, Shelly Lares, and Stefani Montiel. Now with a new look on life, the singer-songwriter shares details of her highly-anticipated sophomore album Dime Como Se Siente and much more with AC Cruz as she goes Behind The Mic with The AC Cruz Podcast.

Manny Guerra is to Tejano as Berry Gordy is to Motown. Manny got his start with Isidro Lopez as his drummer, then started helping out his own brother, Rudy Guerra, and Sunny Ozuna which led to recording the classic song "Talk to Me" and many others soon followed from La Mafia, Grupo MAZZ, and of course Selena. Get ready to go Behind the Mic with record producer, music engineer, and recording artist the legendary Manny R. Guerra.

She comes from a long lineage of musical excellence deeply rooted in Tejano and Mexican American music The singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist (she plays violin, piano, guitar, and bass) has assisted and worked with Beyonce's father Matthew Knowles for several years. Now, this talented Houston vocalist has created her own path in the Tejano music industry with the chart-topping song "Con Tu Amor." It's Demmi Garcia behind the mic with The AC Cruz Podcast.

This talented vocalist started singing in a Pentecostal church when he was just seven years old. He is a former back up singer for Artie V y Grupo Suave, and later lead vocalist for Pete Ybarra y Grupo Fuego and Tejano Highway 281. Now, he's gone solo with original music and great producers, it's San Antonio native Neto Gutierrez on The AC Cruz Podcast.

Singer-songwriter and musician Rick Balderrama started touring with his father's band playing trumpet when he was just 12 years old, the late, great Henry Balderrama y La Patria. We'll chat from Rick's humble beginnings in Bigfoot, Texas, to the last recordings of him and his dad. Not to mention new music and his new merchandise that's in high demand, "Tejano Ain't Dead Baby." All this and much more on this episode of The AC Cruz Podcast.

He is an amazing talent with an amazing story. A mobile DJ at the age of 11, then a broadcaster, audio producer, owner of a sound and light production company, with a franchise of Mixmaster DJs. His latest venture is a nightclub in McAllen, Texas. Join us as we go Behind the Mic with the unprecedented Bobby Macias.

Get ready to go Behind the Mic with an amazing woman who has been in the Tejano music business for the majority of her life. She's been nominated for several TMA's, she's won the Pura Vida female vocalist of the year, twice! She's in the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Buddy Holly Walk of Fame in Lubbock. The city of Pharr, TX  honored her with a day in her name. I'm speaking of none other than the talented vocalist we all know as Agnes Torres! 

It's Jonathan Espinoza 'Songwriter of the Year' @ the Premios Tejano Mundial 2022. This newcomer surprised everyone including himself. Musician, singer-songwriter, producer started playing piano when he was 10 years old, eventually leading to guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards as he likes to say "en el piano yo domino and the others me defiendo!" Go Behind the Mic with Jonathan Espinoza.

Freddie Martinez comes from humble beginnings in Corpus Christi, Texas. He and his band toured all over, from the east coast to the west coast. With a small investment, he managed to turn a record label operating out of his home into a multi-million dollar powerhouse known as Freddie Records. He has garnered five Latin Grammys and two American Grammys and was inducted into the TTMA Hall Of Fame. Get ready to go Behind the Mic with a living legend as you've never heard him before. Kicking off Season 11 exclusively on The AC Cruz Podcast, it's Freddie Martinez.

At the age of 10, the City of Austin declared October 5, 2017, Mia Garcia day for her excellence in scholastics, gymnastics, and music, which led to recognition by the State of Texas in 2019. She is the youngest ever to win a Tejano Music Award with Best New Female Artist at the 38th annual Tejano Music Awards at age 11. Get ready to go Behind the Mic with the very talented Mia Garcia.

Randy Caballero of 512Studios in Austin TX. chatting career, new music and working with some of the greats like Conjunto Bernal, La Mafia just to mention a few, once married to Laura Canales and a broken relationship with Xelencia. All this and more on The AC Cruz Podcast Behind the Mic with Randy Caballero.