1940-1949Texas, USA

Tex-Mex / Tejano

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.

Tex-Mex / Tejano music guide

Origins and context

Texas, USA

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.