Initial thoughts...Emilio critically injured in bus crash

When I heard that Tejano singer Emilio Navaira was critically injured following a bus crash early Easter morning, I realized that I hadn’t really heard a lot of news recently from the once hugely popular, Grammy-award winning performer. In the 90s, he and Selena reigned over the booming Tejano industry, headlining major concerts and attracting more attention for their talent than any other Tejano performers before them. Selena was headed for major pop stardom when she was killed and Emilio had temporarily tasted success in the country market during his prime. After losing the queen of Tejano so tragically and untimely, it would be terrible to lose the once undisputed king of Tejano in such a tragic way, too, but unfortunately, the news reports indicate it is a possibility.

Looking back over Emilio’s recent career, it seemed that whenever his name was in headlines, it was usually for the wrong reasons. And so it happens again. The Texas media outlets and dedicated Tejano bloggers and Web sites are abuzz with the news of his life-threatening injuries. I hope and pray that Emilio makes it through and will enjoy more years with his family and as a musician. Perhaps, this traumatic event could serve as the impetus for a major comeback for him. I know that his loyal and longtime fans will value him even more, as is often the case when you almost lose someone you care about, and will realize what a treasure he is to Tejano music.

Although the Tejano music industry in general and Emilio’s career seemed much lower key than in the heyday of the 90s, he was still touring (as he was at the time of the accident) and recording music. He was still a fan favorite, too, as he was up for no less than five Tejano Music Awards this year, including vocalist, entertainer, song, album and vocal duo with his brother, Raulito. He had also made the initial nominees list for best vocalist and best album at the April 1 Premios a la Musica Latina awards. Althought he didn't win any TMAs nor make the final nominees for the PLMs, Emilio could never be counted out. He was scheduled to perform at the Premios on April 1 at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio and he was already scheduled as the headliner for the May 4 lineup during Viva La Musica at SeaWorld in San Antonio.

If the unthinkable happens, I anticipate a similar outpouring of emotion as occurred when Selena died. Already, a 7 p.m. prayer vigil has been tentatively scheduled for Monday at the Alamodome Lot A in San Antonio. Although, Emilio is almost twice as old as Selena was when she died, he will be remembered and mourned for his musical ability just as she was and in perhaps the same way that we pondered what could have been with Selena, we will do the same for Emilio.

Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and especially his children during this difficult time.


Other sources for the latest information:

The Tejano Journal is a source for all the latest Tejano music news and with industry types and diehard fans alike posting inside information; you’ll likely learn the latest here.

In fact, one person posted information about a 10 a.m. news conference tomorrow at the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center that will provide a “comprehensive medical update” on Emilio.

Also, Ramiro Burr and his Latin Notes Now blog is the main source for credible and accurate information on the Tejano and Latino music scene. He’ll likely be updating throughout the night.


Other Tejano blogs include: The Blood-Line

The site, Tejano Place, has links to the latest news stories from the Houston area, where the crash occurred and photos of the tour bus wreckage, which lets you see how serious the accident was.