Weekly Lunch History of Mariachi Music

Gilbert Velasquez, President of Velasquez Productions, has been a driving force in Tejano music since the mid-1970s. He began his career as guitarist for the Royal Jesters in 1974 before touring internationally with Sugar Jammer, performing for U.S. military troops across Europe and the Far East. After returning to San Antonio, he performed with David Marez and People before joining the legendary Latin Breed in 1980, beginning a 25-year affiliation with the group. During this time, Gilbert also played a key role in the early development of the Tejano Music Awards. Simultaneously, he established himself as a highly sought-after studio musician, arranger, producer, and engineer working with iconic artists including Mazz, La Mafia, Selena y Los Dinos, and many more.

Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Gilbert’s reputation as a premier Tejano producer expanded internationally, leading him to work with major labels in Mexico. In 1993, he. In 1996, Gilbert founded Velasquez Music, a full-service production company and recording studio that continues to produce music across multiple genres worldwide. A member of the Texas Chapter Board of Governors for the Recording Academy, Gilbert has earned fourteen Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, along with numerous Tejano music honors. His lifelong contributions to Tejano music were recognized with his induction into the Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame in 2006.