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New Inductees to the Chicano Music Hall of Fame

TRADITIONAL MUSIC | Juventino Romero and Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra. (Photos / Shannon García)

JUVENTINO ROMERO, EUGENE LUCERO, AND JOHN MUÑOZ

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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The 20th induction ceremony for the Colorado Chicano Music Hall of Fame (CMHOF) recently took place. In this ceremony, which was part of the 25th edition of the Chicano Music Festival (CMF), the following were integrated into the CMHOH: Juventino Romero and his Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra, John Muñoz Sr. (RIP) and his group Los Vibratones, and Eugene Lucero. The CMHOF recognizes those who have contributed to Mexican music in Colorado.

Muñoz, a self-taught musician, helped develop the Northern Colorado Sound. He was one of the first to introduce a full trumpet section in the 60s and 70s. He influenced a small orchestral sound that resulted in a cross-cultural “big band sound”, prompting many groups to follow. The recognition for Muñoz was received by his sons Art and John Jr. Muñoz with their presence at the event. Andy Rojas and Trujillo, who made up the Vibratones group, also received recognition.

The other recipient, Eugene Lucero, has been a fundamental player of the music movement in the Denver Chicano community. As director of El Pro Premieres between 1980 and 1985, he was the most influential and significant Chicano music promoter in the region. Lucero promoted Jazz, Latin Jazz, and Salsa in the Colorado market. He provided opportunities for local Hispanic bands to perform locally alongside Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, and Gato Barbieri.

MUSICAL PROMOTER | Eugene Lucero.

Juventino and his Mariachi

Finally, Juventino Romero and his Mariachi band Sol de Mi Tierra also received recognition. Romero and his group have a local track record exceeding 20 years. They are considered the best exponents of Mariachi music in Colorado. All of these musicians have served as guest instructors for the Mariachi Roadrunner at Metropolitan State University-Denver.