Leyendas del Mariachi

Felipe San Agustín, known as “El Oro Hidalguense,” was born in San BartoloTutotepec, Hidalgo, Mexico. He comes from a musically renowned family, the San Agustíns. After losing his father at age six, Felipe moved to Tulancingo, Hidalgo, and pursued music, studying theory and trumpet. By age 11, he joined a local ensemble, catching the attention of groups in the State of Mexico and Mexico City. His talent led to collaborations with artists like Aida Cuevas, Laura Flores, and Los Platters, touring internationally and performing for President Vicente Fox.

Felipe also writes and records huapangos and traditional sones, aired on stations like Bandamax and Televisa. In 2000, he received the Golden Microphone and was named Revelation of the Year by the National Association of Broadcasters of Mexico. In 2009, he was honored as an Outstanding Musician by the governor of Hidalgo.

Since 2004, Felipe has been a key member of Mariachi de América, performing as a violinist and vocalist. He also directs the trio Oro Hidalguense and sings in Otomi (ñhañhu). His involvement in “Las Leyendas del Mariachi” has solidified his status as a versatile musician, passing his passion for music to his children and leaving a lasting impact on Mexican music.

Miguel Ángel Barrón “El Gigio”, Musical Director of Leyendas

Multi-instrumentalist Miguel Ángel Barrón was born in Guadalajara, where his grandfather and uncles on his mother’s side were mariachi musicians. At age 8, he began taking private music lessons, and by age 10, he had joined Mariachi Juvenil Jalisciense. At age 13, he joined his grandfather’s group, Mariachi Guadalajara, where he remained for two years. From ages 14 to 21, he worked with mariachi groups in the El Parián restaurant complex in Tlaquepaque, on the outskirts of Guadalajara. During his tenure at El Parián, he spent periods playing each of the different mariachi instruments. At age 22, he joined Mariachi Jalisco es México, where he remained for five years as a violinist.

In 2003 Miguel Ángel opened his own recording studio, Gigiorecords, in Guadalajara. There, he produced an album for singer Alejandra Orozco on which he wrote all the arrangements and played all the instruments. When Rubén Fuentes heard the CD, he wanted to meet its producer. On December 17, 2010, Miguel Ángel became Mariachi Vargas’ vihuela player, replacing the retiring Víctor Cárdenas.

Since his stint with Mariachi Vargas, Miguel Ángel has continued a very successful career in music production and recording and now shares his talents with Leyendas del Mariachi as their Musical Director.

Pepe Martinez Jr., born in 1969, made his foray into the music world at 16 by joining Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlán, followed by Mariachi Juvenil de México and Mariachi América de Don Jesús Rodríguez de Híjar. His illustrious journey continued as he became an integral part of the renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán for over 24 years. Currently residing in Los Angeles, CA, he leads his own group. Notably, Pepe Martinez Jr. commenced his musical career at a young age of 16. Importantly, he is the heir to the legacy of his father, Don Jose “Pepe” Martinez, the eminent composer and Music Director for Mariachi Vargas from 1975 to 2014. Many considered Don Jose as the face of the group, and Pepe Martinez Jr. carries forward his father’s musical heritage.

Born in 1969, Ismael Hernandez embarked on his musical journey at the tender age of 8, apprenticing with his father, Chato Hernández, in Mariachi los Jilgueros as a vihuelist. A pivotal moment arrived at 18 when he relocated to Los Angeles, California, where Mr. José Hernández and Mariachi Sol de México welcomed him as a violinist. Subsequently, he joined Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, honing his skills over a remarkable 25-year career. Encouraged by Nati Cano, Ismael later established his own ensemble, Mariachi Tierra Querida de Ismael Hernández.

Julio Martínez, born in 1961 in Mexico City, embarked on his harp journey at the age of 12 under the guidance of esteemed teachers Felipe Aguilar, Mario Barradas, and Celso Duarte. Notably, he marked his musical footprint with the release of his debut harp record, “Latinoamerica y su Música,” in collaboration with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán in 1988. His career unfolded further in 1989 when he joined Mariachi Sol de México, contributing to the soundtrack of the film “American Me” recorded in Los Angeles. Julio represented Mexico at the “Europalia ’93” Festival in Brussels with Mariachi Arriba Juárez in 1993. In 1995, he became part of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, touring globally for an impressive 22 years. Currently, Julio Martínez is an active member of the renowned Mariachi Mexico de Pepe Villa, established in 1953, and he proudly graces the ensemble of Mariachi Las Leyendas.

Meet Eloy Pérez, a distinguished member of the Leyendas del Mariachi cast. Born on July 18, 1977, in Huamantla, Tlaxcala, Eloy began his musical journey at the age of 11 when he moved to Puebla to study trumpet and music. In 1988, he joined his father’s mariachi group and, at 15, seized his first professional opportunity with Mariachi Juvenil de México under Martin Ramírez. Subsequently, he enriched his experience with Mariachi Gold and Silver of Pepe Chávez, sharing a section with the legendary trumpeter, Mr. Miguel Martínez, for two years. Eloy’s musical odyssey also includes contributions to Mariachi Azteca by Carlos Fuentes, Mariachi Gallos de México, Mariachi Real de Jalisco (official of Mexico’s largest folkloric ballet by Amalia Hernández), Mariachi de América by Don Jesús Rodríguez de Híjar, and a notable tenure with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan from 2007 to 2009 and 2014 to 2016. Presently, he showcases his trumpet prowess as a member of the Internacional Mariachi Puebla.

Introducing Esteban “Steve” Carrillo, a prominent member of the Leyendas del Mariachi Cast. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Steve commenced his mariachi journey with the groundbreaking youth ensemble, Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson. From 1968 to 1974, he toured extensively across the United States with the group. In collaboration with his brother Randy Carrillo, Steve co-founded Mariachi Cobre in 1971, serving as its Musical Director for an impressive 52 years. Currently residing in Orlando, Florida, for the past 41 years, Mariachi Cobre has been the resident mariachi at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park. Esteemed as the Director of Mariachi Cobre, Esteban “Steve” Carrillo brings decades of musical expertise to the stage.

Juan Rodriguez

Born on September 26, 1967, in Tlantenango, Zacatecas, Mexico, Juan commenced his violin studies under the guidance of his father, Primitivo Rodríguez. His musical journey began at the age of 8 with Mariachi Aventureros, where he played alongside his father and honed his skills in music theory under Master Nicolás Castañeda Cabral. In 1985, driven by the pursuit of a better future, he migrated to the USA, joining Mariachi Los Galleros de Pedro Rey in 1989. Later, in 1991, he became an integral part of Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, accompanying renowned artists like Lucha Villa, Lola Beltrán, Juan Gabriel, and Pepe Aguilar. Juan’s illustrious 26-year tenure with Mariachi Los Camperos saw him contribute to multiple albums and collaborate with artists such as Joan Sebastian and Mariachi V

Meet Germán López, hailing from Mascota, Jalisco, born in 1972. His musical journey commenced at the age of 13, alongside his father Domingo López, as a vihuelist with Mariachi Navidad. In pursuit of new horizons, Germán emigrated to the United States in 1996. His journey led him to Mariachi Imperial de México, under Mario Rodríguez “El Mono,” from 1998 to 2002. Subsequently, he joined Juan Jiménez’s Estrellas de México until 2004. The year-end of 2004 marked a significant chapter as he became a member of Los Camperos de Nati Cano, contributing over 13 years to the renowned ensemble. In 2017, Germán opted for a career change, prompting his relocation to Northern California. Germán López, a versatile musician, continues to enrich the world of Mariachi with his passion and talent.

Fernando Hernandez, born in 1966 in Mexico City, began his musical journey at 10 with Mariachi Ardillitas, touring Mexico. Over the years, he showcased his talent with Mariachi Latino, Azteca de Jesús Vázquez, and Nuevo Zapopán. Notably, he was the lead mariachi at the Blanquita Theater, accompanying artists like María de Lourdes.

From 1985, he contributed to renowned groups such as Mariachi Gama, Mariachi México 70 on Televisa’s “Siempre en Domingo,” and Mariachi 2000. Fernando’s rich career also includes collaborations with Mariachi Arroyo, Emperadores, and Arrieros de México. Currently, he directs Mariachi Embajadores and teaches at the Ollin Yoliztli School in Garibaldi.

Introducing Rafael Palomar, affectionately known as “El Maestro Palomar,” a distinguished retiree from the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, acclaimed as the best mariachi globally. With 23 years as director, Maestro Palomar excelled as both lead singer and guitarist, leaving an indelible mark on Vargas’ younger singers. His influence is evident in approximately 35 recordings, now considered classics of the genre.

Retiring from Mariachi Vargas at 47, Maestro Palomar continued his musical journey as the director for Mr. Ezequiel Peña. Leading the Mariachi Palomar de Ameca, he toured Mexico and the United States, contributing to recordings with esteemed artists like Linda Ronstadt. We are honored to have Maestro Palomar as our musical director for HMA, paying tribute to his extraordinary legacy.

Javier Rodriguez, born in Tlaltenango de Sanchez Roman, Zacatecas, began his musical journey at eight, excelling as a trumpeter. After joining Mariachi Nuevo Zapopan in the U.S. at 15, he returned to Mexico for studies at the University of Guadalajara, contributing to Mariachi Los Toritos and a versatile orchestra. His career includes collaborations with Mariachi Sol De México and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, performing on global tours and for Presidents Clinton and Obama. Beyond mariachi, he played with orchestras like the New York Philharmonic and Spanish Youth Philharmonic, recording three solo trumpet albums. Rodriguez instructs at mariachi conferences worldwide, aiming to inspire and preserve the mariachi tradition.

Francisco “Paco” Aguilar launched his career with Mariachi Juvenil Tecalitlán, later joining Mariachi AMERICA and accompanying artists like Isabel Pantoja and Lola Beltrán. As an exclusive mariachi for ROCÍO DURCAL from 1995 to 2000, he toured worldwide. Aguilar co-founded Mariachi Sonidos de América and later contributed to Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán (2005-2020), performing with renowned artists like Alejandro Sanz and Vicente Fernández. Besides being a Yamaha Artist and arranger, he instructs trumpet in international workshops, showcasing his rich musical expertise.

Jose Moyces Vargas Basulto began his musical journey at 16 in 1981 at Plaza de los Mariachis in Guadalajara under the guidance of Jesús Castillo. Over the years, he contributed his musical talents to Mariachi Los Toritos for a decade, touring Spain, Austria, and various other countries. Subsequently, he joined Mariachi San Francisco for three years, followed by another three with Mariachi Sol de América. His extensive career continued with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán, spanning over two decades and worldwide tours. Moyces has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Chabelo García, Daniel Rosales, Steven Sandoval, Oscar Arellano, among others, showcasing his dedication to the mariachi tradition.