Ruben Ramos: Tejano's Purist Bandleader

For over five decades, Ruben Ramos has been the quintessential name in Tejano Orquesta, the Mexican American-style big band with a rich history in Austin, especially the East Side. Ramos' career is defined by his unwavering loyalty to the genre, with its blend of American and Latin brass influences. His distinctive croon, tight bands, dashing stage presence, and dedication to dance music have endeared him to his fanbase.

"There is nothing that I like better,"

Ramos said of his passion for Tejano. His career began in 1969 when he quit his day job to sing with his brothers' band, The Mexican Revolution. Born in 1940 to musical parents, Ramos settled in East Austin as a child, where he was influenced by his uncles who led large ensembles. This foundation in the Orquestra style has guided Ramos' convictions and tastes, solidifying his preference for non-electronic, formal suit-and-tie ensembles.

Despite pressure from labels to change his image and sound, Ramos remained true to his roots.

"El Gato Negro is not a cowboy,"

he said of a promotional image from the 1970s that deviated from his signature style. Ethnomusicologist Catherine Ragland confirms Ramos' legacy as an artist who

"stuck to his style and sought to provide the best-quality dance band around... dedicated to his community (of fans)."

Ramos, now 84, continues to perform, showcasing his distinctive swag, fedora, and Chicano hair. Catch him at the annual Pan Am Hillside Concert Series on Tuesday, July 30th, from 6-9 pm at Pan American Recreation Center, 2100 East Third St. It's free! More info.