The song I researched for this assignment was \u201cEl Rosalito\u201d by Valerio Longoria.\u00a0This song belongs to the\u00a0Tejano\u00a0style of conjunto music.\u00a0Conjunto is a style of music played in a group which were popular in places in Latin American, more specifically Mexico and Cuba that literally means music played in a group, usually of four people. \u00a0Tejano is a subgenre of conjunto music which was born in Texas in the 1800s after the accordion was introduced by German settlers at the time.\u00a0Interestingly enough, a\u00a0lot of the influence from Tejano music came from Anglo settlers from Germany and other eastern European countries.\u00a0The accordion is a key sound in the musical style, but the other instruments heard in this style are drums, electric bass, vocals and\u00a0bajo sexto\u00a0(12 stringed instrument in the guitar family originated in Mexico).\u00a0This style of music was popularized by the famous Tejano artist,\u00a0Flaco\u00a0Jimenez, who paved the way for many other Tejanos.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s interesting to think about the European influence on Tejano music. Germans and Czechs were known for their dance music which comes in the forms of Polka and the waltz. Tejano music is also music that is for dancing, so it makes sense that they would adopt some of the musical ideas from the European settlers who came to texas in the 1800’s. Not only the instruments, but meter and rhythm as well. The upper class Tejanos much admired their musical culture, and would host welcoming receptions to the new immigrants, so the two cultures had a good relationship with each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sources say that Valerio Longoria was born in Mississippi. He was born into a family of migrant farmers, which meant that he rarely attended school as a child. His father bought him his first guitar at an early age after showing his talent for music. Soon after, he started learning to play the accordion and was influenced by Narciso Martinez, who was another conjunto artist at the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
His career in music\u00a0picked up\u00a0when he was serving in the Army during World War II and was stationed out in Germany, where he would play out at the local nightclubs. After returning to the United States in 1945 he began making commercial recordings.\u00a0 After\u00a0recording several hits, including \u201cEl Rosalito\u201d, he signed to Ideal Records where he stayed for eight years.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideal Records played a big role during this time for Tejano artists. The label was founded in 1946 by Paco Betancourt and Armando Marroquin, and it was the first label in Texas that was owned and founded by Mexican-Americans. During the Label’s early years there was no competition at all for them. They were the biggest regional label for conjunto music. The label was able to pay artists more to record songs, which is the reason the Longoria had left Corona records. At the time Ideal paid $20 per song and Corona only $15. This label also played a role in expanding the fanbase and listeners of Tejano music. During 1950 and 1956 the label set up many tours for artist all over the country. While the label did start to decline in the 1960’s during its peak almost every notable Tejano musician had recorded with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Longoria was credited with pioneering some new aspects of conjunto music.\u00a0 He was the first to add lyrics over the music as well as slowing down the beat and adding \u201cromantic boleros\u201d which is basically a love song. \u201cEl Rosalito\u201d is clearly a love song about a\u00a0woman\u00a0who doesn\u2019t keep her promise to love a man (maybe\u00a0Valerio himself).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This part of the story gives some context to why this song was made. Ultimately the purpose was to record and publish the song for many people to hear. This style of conjunto music is usually music that people would dance to. Overall, this song is a good representation. of the Tejano style. We hear the staple instruments and hear different culture references, especially relating to Christianity. As we learned in class Christianity was brought here by the Spanish settlers, which then became a big part of the Tejano culture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lyrics: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The little rosebush is drying and its <\/p>\n\n\n\n
flowers don’t bloom anymore <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, my life is ending <\/p>\n\n\n\n
from the lack of your love <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you gave me the first date <\/p>\n\n\n\n
at the foot of the pretty rose <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I cut through flowers for the virgin <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After you gave me a little kiss <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You swore to love me in front of the virgin <\/p>\n\n\n\n
and you left her flowers <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You didn\u2019t keep your promises <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I offered you my love <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, the flowers that you left all wilted <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You didn\u2019t keep your promises and <\/p>\n\n\n\n
your soul will be condemned <\/p>\n\n\n\n